Privacy policy

1Who I am

Ems K9s is a dog training and behaviour business run by Emily in the North East of England. For the information described here, I am the "controller", which means I decide how and why your information is used.

You can contact me at Emsk9sdogtraining@gmail.com about anything in this policy.

2What I collect

When you send an enquiry: your name, email address, phone number, your dog's name and breed, and the message you write.

To protect the enquiry form from spam: I also keep a scrambled (hashed) version of your connection's IP address for up to 2 days. It can't be turned back into your address and is never used for anything else.

When you book and during training: details about your dog's health, behaviour and history, notes and records of sessions, payment records, and the photos and video I take during sessions.

When you sign an agreement online: your typed name, your drawn signature, whether you asked me not to publish photos, the date and time you signed, and a scrambled (hashed) version of your connection's IP address and a short browser description, which together show the signature is genuine. I also keep your address if you give it to me.

When you book and during training: your dog's vet and vaccination dates are also recorded, so I can keep sessions safe.

When you visit the website: the website does not use advertising or tracking cookies and I don't run analytics. Like any website, the services that deliver it (see section 6) can see technical information such as your IP address and browser type.

3Why I use it and my lawful basis

To reply to your enquiry and arrange training. This is needed to take steps at your request before a contract, and to carry out the contract once you book.

To keep the enquiry form safe from spam and misuse. This is my legitimate interest in keeping the website working properly for real enquiries.

To keep training and safety records, and to run my business (including invoices and accounts). This is my legitimate interest in running a safe, professional service, and in some cases a legal duty, such as keeping financial records.

To send you emails about my services. This is my legitimate interest in keeping in touch with people who have contacted me or trained with me. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time.

To publish photos and video online. I use these as set out in my terms and conditions. You can ask me not to publish them at any time, and I will stop and take down anything already posted.

4Who I share it with

I never sell your information. I only share it with the services that help me run the website and my business, and only so far as needed. These are listed in section 6. I may also share information if it's needed in an emergency (for example with a vet), or where the law requires it.

5How long I keep it

Client and training records: while you're a client and for up to 6 years afterwards, which covers my legal and insurance needs.

Financial records: for the period the law requires, currently 6 years.

Photos and video: private training recordings are kept with your records. Anything I've posted online stays until you ask me to remove it.

Marketing emails: until you unsubscribe.

6Services I use

Supabase stores enquiries sent through the website form, and my client records, agreements and session notes, in a private database that only I can open. WhatsApp is used to message clients and send private links to agreements and session summaries, when you've given me your number. Cloudflare delivers the website and helps protect it. Google Fonts supplies the fonts, so your browser contacts Google when the page loads. Gmail is used for email. Facebook and Instagram are used for my social media pages, and have their own privacy policies if you follow the links to them.

Some of these providers handle information outside the UK. Where they do, they rely on safeguards the law accepts, such as the UK's approved data transfer arrangements.

7Your rights

You can ask me to: see the information I hold about you; correct it; delete it; limit how I use it; give you a copy in a portable format; or stop using it for marketing. You can also object to my use of it based on legitimate interests.

To do any of these, email me. I'll reply within one month. There's no charge unless a request is clearly excessive.

8Keeping it safe

The website form sends information over a secure connection, and enquiries are stored in a private database that only I can read. I only keep records I need, and I keep them to myself unless the law or an emergency requires otherwise.

9Children

My training is booked by adults. The website is not aimed at children, and I don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.

10Complaints

If you're unhappy with how I've used your information, please tell me first so I can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.

11Changes to this policy

I may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.