Last Updated: July 21, 2025
At PetsnPlants.net, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and share your information. This Privacy Policy explains our data practices, including how we handle personal data, cookies, and third-party services like Google AdSense. By using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. This policy complies with Google AdSense requirements, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), and other applicable privacy laws.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information to provide a better user experience and to deliver relevant content and advertisements. The types of information we collect include:
Personal Information
- Voluntarily Provided: If you sign up for our newsletter or contact us via our contact form, we may collect your name, email address, or other details you provide.
- Automatically Collected: We may collect non-personal data such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing behavior (e.g., pages visited, time spent) through cookies and similar technologies.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
- What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device to enhance your experience, such as remembering preferences or tracking site usage.
- Our Use of Cookies: We use cookies to analyze traffic, personalize content, and serve ads. This includes:
- Analytics Cookies: To understand how users interact with our site (e.g., via Google Analytics).
- Advertising Cookies: To display relevant ads through Google AdSense and other third-party ad networks.
- Functional Cookies: To improve site functionality, like remembering your preferences.
Third-Party Data Collection
- Google AdSense: Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to PetsnPlants.net or other websites. Google’s advertising cookies enable it and its partners to deliver ads tailored to your interests.
- Affiliate Links: We participate in affiliate programs (e.g., Amazon Associates, Chewy) that may use cookies to track referrals and purchases.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide and improve our website’s content and functionality.
- To analyze site performance and user behavior via tools like Google Analytics.
- To deliver personalized advertisements through Google AdSense.
- To process affiliate link referrals and track commissions.
- To communicate with you, such as responding to inquiries or sending newsletters (if you opt in).
- To comply with legal obligations, such as GDPR and CalOPPA.
3. Legal Basis for Data Processing
We process personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: For newsletter sign-ups, cookie usage, and personalized ads (where required by law, e.g., GDPR).
- Legitimate Interests: For analytics, site improvement, and non-personalized ads.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws like GDPR and CalOPPA.
4. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., Google Analytics, Hostinger) that process data on our behalf, in compliance with this policy.
- Ad Networks: Google AdSense and its partners use cookies to serve ads based on your browsing history.
- Affiliate Partners: Programs like Amazon Associates or Chewy track referrals via cookies.
- Legal Authorities: If required by law or to protect our rights.
5. Your Rights and Choices
You have control over your data and can exercise the following rights:
- Opt-Out of Personalized Ads: Visit Google Ads Settings or aboutads.info to opt out of interest-based advertising.
- Manage Cookies: Adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or delete them. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
- GDPR Rights (EU Residents): Request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of your data. Contact us at [insert contact email].
- CalOPPA Rights (California Residents): Request information about data shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
6. Cookie Consent
We use cookies to enhance your experience and serve relevant ads. Upon visiting PetsnPlants.net, you may see a cookie consent banner (if required by law, e.g., GDPR). You can:
- Accept cookies by clicking “Agree” or continuing to browse (where permitted).
- Customize preferences via our cookie settings link.
- Refuse non-essential cookies via your browser settings.
For more details, see our Cookie Policy (link to be added if separate policy created).
7. Data Security
We use reasonable measures, such as SSL encryption via Hostinger, to protect your data. However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. Please contact us if you suspect a data breach.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined (e.g., until you unsubscribe from our newsletter or as required by law). Analytics and ad data are retained per third-party provider policies (e.g., Google).
9. Third-Party Links
Our site includes affiliate links and ads leading to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before sharing personal information.
10. Children’s Privacy
PetsnPlants.net is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe we have such data, contact us to request deletion.
11. International Users
If you access our site from outside the U.S., your data may be processed in the U.S. or other regions. We comply with GDPR for EU users and ensure appropriate safeguards for data transfers.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted here with a revised “Last Updated” date. Check back periodically for updates.
13. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data rights, contact us at: hello@petsnplants.net