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Privacy Policy

A legal disclaimer

The information provided in this Privacy Policy is specific to Sacred Paws LLC's veterinary practice operations in California. This document outlines our privacy practices and your rights under California state law. While we have made every effort to ensure compliance with applicable laws, this policy should not be considered legal advice. We recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel for specific privacy law questions or concerns.

Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations regarding privacy policies. This policy is designed specifically for California residents and Sacred Paws LLC's operations within California.

Privacy Policy

A privacy policy is a statement that discloses how Sacred Paws LLC collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the personal information of our clients, website visitors, and their pets. This policy also includes our commitment to protecting your privacy and explains the mechanisms we implement to safeguard your personal information.

This Privacy Policy complies with California state laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), and California veterinary practice regulations.

What Information We collect

Personal Information Categories

Identifiers and Contact Information

  • Full name (pet owner and pet names)

  • California residential address, city, ZIP code

  • Phone number(s) and email address

  • Emergency contact information

Pet Health and Medical Information

  • Pet name, breed, age, species, and physical characteristics

  • Complete medical history and health records

  • Treatment details, diagnoses, and veterinary notes

  • Vaccination records and medication information

  • Quality of life assessment responses

Commercial and Transaction Information

  • Appointment dates, times, and service preferences

  • Payment information and billing details

  • Insurance information and claims data

  • Service history and treatment plans

Communication Records

  • Phone call recordings (with advance notice per California law)

  • Email correspondence and text messages

  • Website contact form submissions

  • Customer service interactions

Digital and Technical Information

  • IP address and device identifiers

  • Browser type, version, and operating system

  • Website usage patterns and analytics data

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

  • General geographic location within California

 
How We Collect Information
Direct Collection Methods
In-Person and Phone Interactions

  • During veterinary appointments and consultations

  • Phone calls for scheduling, follow-ups, and emergencies

  • Intake forms and medical history questionnaires

  • Payment processing and insurance verification

Digital Collection Methods

  • Website contact forms and appointment booking systems

  • Online quality of life assessments

  • Email communications and newsletters

  • Customer feedback surveys and reviews

Automatic Collection Methods

  • Website cookies and analytics tools

  • Server logs and usage tracking

  • Third-party integrations for scheduling and payments

  • Security monitoring and fraud prevention systems

Third-Party Sources

  • Veterinary referrals and medical record transfers

  • Pet insurance providers (with your consent)

  • Emergency contacts you designate

  • Other veterinary clinics (with proper authorization)

 
Why We Collect and Use Information
Primary Veterinary Care Purposes
Medical Treatment and Care

  • Providing comprehensive veterinary services to your pets

  • Maintaining accurate and complete medical records

  • Developing and implementing treatment plans

  • Monitoring pet health and treatment outcomes

  • Coordinating with veterinary specialists and laboratories

Appointment and Practice Management

  • Scheduling and managing appointments

  • Sending appointment reminders and follow-up instructions

  • Managing our client database and practice operations

  • Processing payments and handling insurance claims

Legal and Regulatory Compliance
California Law Requirements

  • Complying with California veterinary practice regulations

  • Maintaining records per California Business and Professions Code Section 4841

  • Reporting suspected animal abuse as required by California law

  • Meeting data protection and privacy law obligations

Emergency and Safety Purposes
Pet Emergency Situations

  • Contacting you during veterinary emergencies

  • Coordinating with emergency veterinary services

  • Providing after-hours care instructions

  • Reaching your designated emergency contacts

Business Operations and Improvement
Service Enhancement

  • Improving our veterinary services and website functionality

  • Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience

  • Training staff and maintaining quality standards

  • Developing new services and treatment options

Marketing and Communication (with opt-in consent)

  • Sending educational content about pet health and care

  • Informing you about new services, promotions, or events

  • Requesting feedback and reviews about our services

  • Providing seasonal health reminders and tips

 
Information Sharing and Disclosure Practices
When We Share Information
With Your Explicit Consent

  • Referrals to California veterinary specialists or emergency clinics

  • Sharing medical records with other veterinary care providers

  • Insurance claims processing and verification

  • Third-party laboratory testing and analysis

Trusted Service Providers We may share limited information with carefully vetted service providers who assist us with:

  • Website hosting, maintenance, and security

  • Appointment scheduling and practice management systems

  • Payment processing and billing services

  • Email communication and marketing platforms

  • Analytics and website optimization tools

All service providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for specified business purposes.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements We may disclose information when required by California or federal law:

  • Court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes

  • Investigations of suspected fraud or security breaches

  • Government or regulatory agency requests

  • Protection of our rights, property, or safety

  • Suspected animal abuse reporting (as required by California law)

Emergency Veterinary Situations We may share information without prior consent in genuine emergencies:

  • Providing immediate medical care to your pet

  • Contacting emergency veterinary services or specialists

  • Reaching your designated emergency contacts

  • Coordinating urgent care with other veterinary professionals

What We Don't Do
No Sale of Personal Information Sacred Paws LLC does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We have not sold personal information in the past 12 months and do not plan to do so.
 
Your California Privacy Rights
Rights Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Right to Know You have the right to request detailed information about:

  • Categories of personal information we collect about you

  • Specific pieces of personal information we have collected

  • Categories of sources from which we collect information

  • Business or commercial purposes for collecting information

  • Categories of third parties with whom we share information

Right to Delete You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions:

  • Medical records required by California veterinary regulations (minimum 3 years)

  • Information necessary to complete ongoing transactions or services

  • Information needed for legal compliance or legitimate business purposes

  • Financial records required for tax and accounting purposes

Right to Correct You have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal information in our records.
Right to Opt-Out While Sacred Paws does not sell personal information, you have the right to opt out if our practices change in the future.
Right to Non-Discrimination We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your privacy rights, including:

  • Denying goods or services

  • Charging different prices or rates

  • Providing different levels or quality of services

  • Suggesting you will receive different treatment

Additional California Rights
California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA) Rights

  • Right to know what personal information is collected through our website

  • Right to know whether personal information is shared with third parties

  • Right to change or correct personal information (where technically feasible)

Minors' Privacy Rights

  • Children under 13: We require verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information

  • Minors 13-17: We require parental/guardian consent for veterinary services and may allow minors to request removal of certain content

How to Exercise Your Rights
Contact Methods To exercise any of your privacy rights, please contact us using any of these methods:

  • Email: SacredPawsVet@gmail.com (include "Privacy Request" in subject line)

  • Phone: 530-999-7255(ask to speak with our Privacy Officer)

  • Mail: Sacred Paws LLC, Privacy Officer, [California Address]

What to Include in Your Request

  • Your full name and contact information

  • Description of the right you wish to exercise

  • Sufficient information to verify your identity

  • If requesting on behalf of someone else, proof of authorization

Response Timeline We will acknowledge your request within 10 business days and respond within 45 days. In complex cases, we may extend our response time by an additional 45 days with advance notice.
Identity Verification To protect your privacy, we may require verification of your identity before responding to requests. This may include:

  • Matching information you provide with information in our records

  • Requesting additional documentation for sensitive requests

  • Using secure communication methods for responses

 
Data Security and Protection
Technical Safeguards
Data Encryption and Transmission

  • All sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest

  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL/TLS) encryption for website communications

  • Encrypted storage of medical records and payment information

  • Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments

Access Controls and Authentication

  • Multi-factor authentication for staff access to systems

  • Role-based access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel

  • Regular access reviews and prompt removal of unnecessary permissions

  • Secure password policies and regular password updates

Physical Safeguards
Facility Security

  • Restricted access to California office locations

  • Locked filing systems for paper records

  • Secure disposal of sensitive documents

  • Video surveillance and alarm systems

Device and Equipment Security

  • Encrypted laptops and mobile devices

  • Automatic screen locks and logout procedures

  • Secure storage of backup media

  • Controlled access to network equipment

Administrative Safeguards
Staff Training and Policies

  • Regular privacy and security training for all employees

  • Comprehensive privacy policies and procedures

  • Background checks for employees with access to sensitive information

  • Clear protocols for handling privacy incidents

Business Continuity and Incident Response

  • Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

  • Incident response plan for potential data breaches

  • Business associate agreements with all third-party service providers

  • Regular security assessments and audits

Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that may compromise your personal information, we will:

  • Notify affected individuals within 72 hours when feasible

  • Report the breach to the California Attorney General as required by law

  • Take immediate steps to secure the affected systems

  • Provide information about steps you can take to protect yourself

  • Offer credit monitoring services when appropriate

 
Children's Privacy Protection
Children Under 13
COPPA Compliance Sacred Paws LLC does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Parental Rights Parents have the right to:

  • Review personal information collected from their child

  • Request deletion of their child's personal information

  • Refuse to permit further collection or use of their child's information

  • Receive notification of our information practices regarding children

If We Discover Underage Information If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.
Minors Ages 13-17
California-Specific Protections For minors between 13-17 years of age:

  • We require parental or guardian consent before providing veterinary services

  • Minors have the right to request removal of content they have posted

  • We provide additional privacy protections as required by California law

Veterinary Care Consent California law allows minors to consent to certain medical care, but we typically require parental involvement for veterinary services given the nature of pet ownership and financial responsibility.
Educational Outreach
We may provide educational information about pet care to families with children, but we do not specifically target or market to children under 18.
 
Cookies and Online Tracking
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies These cookies are necessary for basic website functionality:

  • Session management and user authentication

  • Shopping cart and appointment booking functionality

  • Security features and fraud prevention

  • Basic website navigation and features

Analytics Cookies These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website:

  • Google Analytics for website traffic analysis

  • Page view tracking and user behavior patterns

  • Performance monitoring and error tracking

  • Conversion tracking for appointment bookings

Functional Cookies These cookies enhance your website experience:

  • Remembering your preferences and settings

  • Language and location preferences

  • Accessibility settings and customizations

  • Previously entered form information

Marketing Cookies (with consent) These cookies are used only with your explicit consent:

  • Retargeting advertisements on other websites

  • Social media integration and sharing

  • Email marketing campaign tracking

  • Personalized content delivery

Cookie Management and Control
Browser Settings You can control cookies through your web browser settings:

  • Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)

  • Block only third-party cookies

  • Delete existing cookies from your device

  • Receive notifications when cookies are set

Our Cookie Preferences We provide a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

  • Accept or decline non-essential cookies

  • Customize your cookie preferences by category

  • Change your preferences at any time

  • Access detailed information about each cookie type

Do Not Track Signals
California Law Disclosure California law requires us to disclose how we respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals. Currently, our website does not respond to Do Not Track signals, but you can control tracking through:

  • Browser cookie settings

  • Our cookie preference center

  • Opting out of specific tracking services

  • Using privacy-focused browser extensions

 
Third-Party Services and Links
Third-Party Integrations
Services We Use Our website and practice management may integrate with:

  • Google Analytics: Website traffic and usage analytics

  • Scheduling Platforms: Online appointment booking systems

  • Payment Processors: Secure credit card and payment processing

  • Email Services: Newsletter and communication platforms

  • Cloud Storage: Secure backup and data storage services

Third-Party Privacy Policies Each third-party service has its own privacy policy that governs how they handle your information. We encourage you to review these policies:

  • We select service providers based on their privacy and security standards

  • All third parties are contractually required to protect your information

  • We limit the information shared to what is necessary for the specific service

External Links
Links to Other Websites Our website may contain links to external sites such as:

  • Pet health information and educational resources

  • Veterinary specialty clinics and emergency hospitals

  • Pet insurance companies and healthcare providers

  • Professional veterinary organizations

Disclaimer Sacred Paws LLC is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any websites you visit through our links.
 
Data Retention Policies
Medical Records Retention
California Legal Requirements We retain veterinary medical records according to California Business and Professions Code Section 4841:

  • Minimum retention period: 3 years from the date of last treatment

  • Active patients: Records maintained indefinitely while providing ongoing care

  • Deceased pets: Records retained for minimum required period

  • Emergency situations: Records may be retained longer for ongoing medical needs

Other Information Retention
Financial and Business Records

  • Payment records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes

  • Insurance claims: 7 years or as required by insurance providers

  • Business communications: 3-5 years depending on content and purpose

Marketing and Website Data

  • Email marketing lists: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion

  • Website analytics: 2 years for Google Analytics data

  • Customer feedback: 3 years unless deletion is requested

Communication Records

  • Email correspondence: 3 years for business-related communications

  • Phone call recordings: 1 year (where legally recorded with notice)

  • Appointment scheduling: 3 years for continuity of care

Secure Deletion Procedures
When Retention Periods End When information is no longer required to be retained:

  • Electronic data is securely deleted using industry-standard methods

  • Paper records are shredded using cross-cut shredders

  • Storage media is destroyed or securely wiped

  • Third-party services are instructed to delete data

Exceptions to Deletion Information may be retained longer than standard periods when:

  • Required by ongoing legal proceedings or investigations

  • Necessary for legitimate business purposes (e.g., ongoing treatment)

  • Required by law or regulation

  • Needed to protect our rights or defend against claims

 
California-Specific Legal Compliance
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Disclosures
Personal Information Categories Collected (Past 12 Months)

  • Identifiers: Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses

  • Commercial Information: Transaction records, payment history, services purchased

  • Biometric Information: Pet medical data and health records

  • Internet Activity: Website usage, IP addresses, browser information

  • Professional Information: Pet care preferences, veterinary history

Sources of Personal Information

  • Directly from clients during appointments and communications

  • Website forms, online booking systems, and digital interactions

  • Third parties such as referring veterinarians (with consent)

  • Automatic collection through website technologies

Business Purposes for Collection

  • Providing veterinary services and maintaining medical records

  • Processing payments and managing business operations

  • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

  • Improving services and website functionality

  • Marketing and communication (with consent)

Information Sharing Practices

  • We do not sell personal information to third parties

  • We share information with service providers under contract

  • We disclose information when required by law

  • We share information in emergency veterinary situations

California Veterinary Medical Board Compliance
Professional Standards Sacred Paws LLC operates under license from the California Veterinary Medical Board and maintains:

  • Current veterinary licenses for all practicing veterinarians

  • Compliance with continuing education requirements

  • Adherence to professional standards of practice

  • Proper record-keeping as required by state regulations

Mandatory Reporting As required by California law, we may report:

  • Suspected animal abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities

  • Certain communicable diseases to public health officials

  • Professional misconduct to regulatory boards

  • Controlled substance issues to appropriate agencies

California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)
Website Privacy Practices Our website complies with CalOPPA requirements by:

  • Posting this comprehensive privacy policy

  • Describing our information collection practices

  • Explaining how users can review and request changes to their information

  • Disclosing our practices regarding third-party tracking

Notice of Changes We will notify users of material changes to this privacy policy through:

  • Prominent notice on our website homepage

  • Email notification to registered users

  • Updated "Last Modified" date on the policy

  • Additional notice methods as required by law

 
Updates and Changes to This Policy
How We Handle Policy Changes
Minor Updates For minor changes that don't materially affect your rights:

  • We will update the "Last Updated" date

  • Changes take effect immediately upon posting

  • No additional notice is required

Material Changes For significant changes that materially affect your privacy rights:

  • We will provide 30 days advance notice via email to registered users

  • We will post a prominent notice on our website

  • We may require opt-in consent for certain changes

  • We will maintain previous versions for reference

Types of Changes That May Occur
Regulatory Updates

  • Changes required by new California or federal privacy laws

  • Updates to comply with veterinary practice regulations

  • Modifications based on regulatory guidance or enforcement actions

Business Changes

  • New services or treatment options we offer

  • Additional third-party service providers

  • Changes to our data collection or processing practices

  • Updates to contact information or business structure

Technology Updates

  • New website features or functionality

  • Additional tracking or analytics tools

  • Enhanced security measures or protocols

  • Integration with new software systems

Your Options When Changes Occur
Continued Use Continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Objection to Changes If you object to material changes:

  • You may request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)

  • You may opt out of new data collection practices

  • You may limit your use of certain services

  • You may contact us to discuss your concerns

 
Contact Information and Privacy Officer
Primary Contact Information
Sacred Paws LLC

Business Hours

  • Regular Hours: [Day/Time]

  • Emergency Contact: [Emergency Phone Number]

Privacy Officer
Designated Privacy Contact

Privacy Officer Responsibilities Our Privacy Officer is responsible for:

  • Overseeing compliance with privacy laws and regulations

  • Handling privacy-related inquiries and complaints

  • Coordinating responses to privacy rights requests

  • Managing privacy training and policy updates

  • Serving as primary contact for regulatory authorities

How to Contact Us About Privacy Matters
For General Privacy Questions

  • Email us at SacredPawsVet@gmail.com with "Privacy Question" in the subject line

  • Call our main number and ask to speak with our Privacy Officer

  • Include specific details about your question or concern

For Privacy Rights Requests

  • Use the contact methods listed in the "Your California Privacy Rights" section

  • Include sufficient information to verify your identity

  • Clearly state which right you wish to exercise

  • Provide any supporting documentation if requested

For Privacy Complaints

  • Contact our Privacy Officer directly using the information above

  • File a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office

  • Contact other relevant regulatory authorities as appropriate

Response Commitments
Our Response Timeline

  • Initial acknowledgment: Within 10 business days

  • Full response to privacy requests: Within 45 days (may extend additional 45 days for complex requests)

  • General inquiries: Within 5 business days

  • Emergency privacy concerns: Within 24 hours during business days

What to Expect When you contact us about privacy matters:

  • We will treat your inquiry with confidentiality and respect

  • We will verify your identity before releasing any personal information

  • We will provide clear, understandable responses to your questions

  • We will follow up to ensure your concerns have been addressed

 
Effective Date and Legal Authority
Effective Date
This Privacy Policy is effective as of [Date] and applies to all information collected by Sacred Paws LLC from that date forward.
Legal Authority and Compliance
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:

  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - Civil Code Section 1798.100 et seq.

  • California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA) - Business and Professions Code Section 22575 et seq.

  • California Veterinary Practice Act - Business and Professions Code Section 4800 et seq.

  • California Business and Professions Code Section 4841 - Veterinary record-keeping requirements

  • Federal laws including relevant provisions of HIPAA (where applicable to veterinary practice)

Acknowledgment and Consent
By Using Our Services By using Sacred Paws LLC's website or veterinary services, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood this Privacy Policy

  • You consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described

  • You understand your rights under California privacy laws

  • You agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this policy

Withdrawal of Consent You may withdraw your consent at any time by:

  • Contacting our Privacy Officer

  • Requesting deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)

  • Opting out of specific data collection or use practices

  • Discontinuing use of our services

Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of California and applicable federal laws. Any disputes relating to this policy will be resolved in the courts of California.
 
This Privacy Policy was last updated on [Date] and is specifically designed for Sacred Paws LLC's veterinary practice operations in California. For questions about this policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer using the contact information provided above.

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