Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 25, 2026

StrayRescue ("we," "our," or "us") is operated by Plamen Zhelyazkov. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application StrayRescue (the "App"). Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the App.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, as well as information collected automatically when you use the App.

Information You Provide:

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your email address, name, and optionally your phone number.
• Profile Information: You may choose to add a profile photo and additional contact information.
• Animal Posts: When you create posts about lost, found, stray, or adoptable animals, we collect the information you provide including photos, descriptions, and location data.
• Communications: When you contact us for support, we collect the information you provide in your messages.

Information Collected Automatically:

• Location Data: With your permission, we collect your device's location to show you nearby animal posts and to tag the location of animals you report.
• Device Information: We collect device identifiers and information about your device for push notifications and app functionality.
• Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with the App.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the App
• Create and manage your account
• Display animal posts to other users based on location
• Send push notifications about relevant animal posts and app updates
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage trends to improve user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

• Firebase Cloud Messaging (Google): For delivering push notifications to your device. Firebase may collect device tokens and delivery analytics.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3: For storing photos you upload. Images are stored securely on AWS servers.

These third parties have their own privacy policies addressing how they use your information.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Posts: Animal posts you create are visible to other App users, including photos, descriptions, and approximate location.
• Contact Information: If you choose to display your contact information (phone, email) on your profile, other users can see it.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Safety: We may share information when we believe it's necessary to protect the safety of users, animals, or the public.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active. If you request account deletion:

• Your account will be immediately deactivated
• Your data will be retained for 30 days (in case you change your mind)
• After 30 days, your data will be permanently deleted from our production systems
• Backup copies will be purged within 90 days

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure authentication with token-based sessions
• Regular security monitoring and updates

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address below.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the European Union. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.