**Last updated:** February 12, 2025
VetDirect ("we," "our," or "us") operates the VetDirect iOS application (the "App"), a pet health management platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our App.
By using VetDirect, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
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## 1. Information We Collect
### 1.1 Account Information
- **Email address** (when you sign up or use email/password or Google Sign-In)
- **Display name** and **profile photo** (if you provide them)
- **Account identifiers** (e.g., Firebase/Google user ID) used to secure your data
### 1.2 Pet and Health Data
- Pet profiles (name, species, breed, date of birth, weight history, photos)
- Vaccination records, medication schedules, and symptom logs
- Diet and allergy information, health log entries, and expense/insurance records
- Photos or videos you upload for symptoms, pet profiles, or vaccination document scanning
- AI-generated insights and health reports (e.g., symptom analysis, body condition)
### 1.3 Usage and Device Information
- **Push notification tokens** (e.g., FCM) so we can send reminders and alerts
- **Device type and OS** for compatibility and support
- **In-app preferences** (e.g., notification settings, reminder time, units, theme)
### 1.4 Data From Device Permissions (only when you grant access)
- **Calendar:** To add vaccination and vet appointment reminders
- **Camera:** To scan vaccination records (OCR) and capture pet/symptom photos
- **Location (when in use):** To find nearby emergency veterinary clinics
- **Photo Library:** To let you choose pet/symptom images and to save reports to your Photos
- **Notifications:** To send medication reminders, vaccination alerts, and optional tips
We do not access calendar, camera, location, or photos without your explicit permission.
### 1.5 Payment and Subscription Data
- Subscription status and product identifiers for in-app purchases (e.g., monthly/yearly premium) are processed by **Apple** via StoreKit. We may receive and store subscription status and expiry to enable premium features; we do not store your full payment card details.
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## 2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- **Provide the App:** Create and manage your account, store and sync your pet and health data, and deliver features such as vaccination tracking, symptom logging, medication reminders, and PDF health reports.
- **AI and analysis:** For premium users, we use **Google Gemini** (via our backend) to analyze symptoms and provide educational insights. Symptom text and images you submit for analysis are processed to generate recommendations; we do not use this data to train general-purpose AI models.
- **Communications:** Send push notifications (e.g., medication reminders, vaccination due dates, co-owner "Say Hi" notifications) and, if you opt in, tips and marketing.
- **Emergency feature:** Use your location only when you use the emergency vet finder to show nearby 24/7 clinics.
- **Improvement and security:** Operate, maintain, and secure our services; troubleshoot issues; and comply with legal obligations.
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## 3. Third-Party Services and Data Sharing
### 3.1 Service Providers
- **Firebase (Google):** We use Firebase for authentication, cloud database (Firestore), file storage, cloud functions, and push notifications (FCM). Data you store in the App is held in Firebase under our project and is subject to [Google’s Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Firebase terms](https://firebase.google.com/terms).
- **Google Gemini / Vertex AI:** Symptom descriptions and related images are sent to our backend and processed by Google’s AI to generate analysis. Processing is done in accordance with our instructions and Google’s data processing terms.
- **Apple:** In-app purchases and subscription verification are handled by Apple. Apple may collect and process payment and subscription data according to [Apple’s Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/).
We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with these service providers as needed to run the App and as described in this policy, or when required by law.
### 3.2 Co-Owner and Sharing Features
If you use co-owner or sharing features, the pet and health data you choose to share will be accessible to the co-owners you invite, in line with the permissions you set in the App.
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## 4. Data Retention and Security
- We retain your account and pet/health data for as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account and associated data (see Section 6).
- We use industry-standard security (including encryption in transit and at rest via Firebase) to protect your data. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we encourage you to use a strong password and keep your device secure.
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## 5. Your Rights and Choices
- **Access and portability:** You can view and export your data through the App (e.g., PDF reports, pet details). For a full copy of your data, contact us using the details below.
- **Correction:** You can update your profile and pet information in the App at any time.
- **Deletion:** You may request deletion of your account and associated data. We will delete or anonymize your data in line with applicable law and our retention practices. Some data may remain in backups for a limited period.
- **Opt-out of marketing:** You can turn off marketing/tips in App settings (e.g., marketing tips preference). You can still receive essential service notifications (e.g., reminders) if you keep notifications enabled.
- **Device permissions:** You can revoke Calendar, Camera, Location, Photos, or Notifications in your device Settings. The App will continue to work except for features that depend on those permissions.
- **California residents:** In addition to the above, you may have rights to know, delete, correct, and opt out of “sale” or “sharing” of personal information. We do not sell personal information. For requests, contact us below.
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## 6. Children’s Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us and we will delete it.
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## 7. International Data Transfers
Our services are supported by infrastructure that may be located outside your country (including the United States). By using the App, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in those locations, subject to applicable law and the safeguards described in this policy.
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## 8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new policy in the App and/or updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
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## 9. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, requests (e.g., access, deletion, portability), or complaints:
- **Email:** ghaithalshehabat@muehldorfsd.com
If you are in the European Economic Area or UK, you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
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*VetDirect – Pet Health Management Platform*
*iOS App – com.muehldorfsd.vetdirectios*