Privacy Policy

Effective from 25th May 2018

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

​In light of the new GDPR changes we have updated our privacy policy.  The essence of our policy hasn’t changed, we have always treated your data as strictly confidential, however, we have made the policy a little more explicit so you are clear on how we handle, store and protect your personal information.

What Data Does Hiking Hounds Collect?

• Any data submitted via the contact form at www.hikinghoundsdws.com. This information is emailed to hikinghoundsdws@gmail.com. The account being password protected with 2-factor authentication www.hikinghoundsdws.com also has an SSL certificate which enables an encrypted connection.
• Any data submitted via the Hiking Hounds Facebook Page (including Facebook’s messaging service), Instagram and Twitter; the accounts are all password protected and administered only by me.
• Any information provided by the client when they complete the Registration Forms (name, address, email, phone number,  emergency contact details, pet details, vet details)
• Any information sent to the hiking hounds email.
• Any information sent via text message / WhatsApp to any telephone number operated by hiking hounds.
• We do not collect or store any sensitive data.

Why Does Hiking Hounds Need Your Data?

I only store the data we need to provide you with the service you have requested.  No 3rd parties have access to your personal data unless the law allows them to do so.

We will use the details you provide for the following:

• To carry out the requested service
• To confirm / arrange future bookings or arrangements (key collection / Holiday notice etc)
• To send invoices
• To update you on your pets while we are caring for them (Email/Facebook/WhatsApp/Text Message)
• With your approval we will upload photos of your pet onto the Hiking Hounds Social Media pages.

How Does Hiking Hounds Store Your Data?

All data is stored on file on a password protected desktop PC at my home address and on a spreadsheet found on google drive linked to hikinghoundsdws@gmail.com. My account is only accessible with 2-factor authentication for extra security.

Any paper documents are securely stored at my home address until they are scanned and then shredded.

Any mobile device operated by hiking hounds stores the minimum information needed in the address book.  All mobile phones are password protected.

How Long Does Hiking Hounds Keep Your Data?

We are required under UK tax law to keep sales invoices for a minimum of 5 years.  The invoices contain your basic personal data (name & address). After this time the invoices will be deleted from our systems and google drive.

We keep completed registration forms until the client informs us that our services are no longer needed.  At this time all completed registration forms and related data are deleted from our systems. We also delete data from any client who hasn’t used our services in the last year (unless the client explicitly informs us to keep their details on file.)

Access To Your Personal Information

If you wish to know what personal data of yours is held by Hiking Hounds, you can submit a request via any means to me. You will receive any information we hold within one calendar week.

Deletion Of Personal Data – The ‘Right To Be Forgotten’

Whenever you have given us your consent to use your personal data, you have the right to change your mind at any time and withdraw that consent, however we will still be required to hold your information under contractual obligations if you have used our services and we have invoiced you, this information will be held for five years.

If personal data is no longer necessary to the purpose for which it is intended, it will be deleted. If a client/prospective client wishes for personal data to be deleted, they can do so by written request (via any means). They will receive confirmation of such within one calendar week.

Data Breach

Hiking Hounds will inform you straight away if there is any form of data breach. This includes a data breach from Hiking hounds own files or a data breach from any of the companies we use to run our business (A list of all the companies we use can be found below)

Enquiries

If at any point you believe the information we process on you is incorrect you can request to see this information and have it corrected or deleted. If you wish to raise a complaint on how we have handled your personal data, you can contact us to have the matter investigated hikinghoundsdws@gmail.com

If you are not satisfied with our response or believe we are processing your personal data not in accordance with the law you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office https://ico.org.uk/

Compliance of online software Privacy Statements

Google:  https://policies.google.com/privacy

GoDaddy HHDWS Website Provider:  https://uk.godaddy.com/agreements/showdoc.aspx

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update?ref=old_policy

Instagram:   https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875?helpref=page_content

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/en/privacy