Plain-English summary: We collect only what we need to run the app. We don't sell your data. Your pet's health data stays private. You can delete everything at any time.
1. Who we are
Paws & Pace is operated by Ascendant Ventures Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales. When we say "we", "us", or "our" in this policy, we mean Ascendant Ventures Ltd.
Data Controller: Ascendant Ventures Ltd
Contact: info@pawsandpace.co.uk
ICO registration: We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as required under UK GDPR.
2. What data we collect and why
Account data
When you create an account we collect your email address and a hashed password via Firebase Authentication. We use this to identify your account and keep it secure. Lawful basis: contract (Art. 6(1)(b)).
Pet profile data
You choose to provide your pet's name, breed, age, weight, and any health notes. If you use the breed detection feature, you upload a photo which is sent to our AI service and then discarded — we do not store pet photos. Lawful basis: contract.
Walk and activity data
When you record a walk the app collects GPS location, route, duration, distance, and timestamp. This data is analysed by our AI to generate health insights. You can delete individual walks at any time. Lawful basis: contract.
Health and nutrition data
You may optionally log health metrics and food intake for your dog. This data is used only to provide features within the app and to generate AI-powered recommendations. Lawful basis: contract.
Payment data
If you subscribe to Paws & Pace Pro or Pro+, payments are processed by Stripe. We receive a subscription status and customer reference from Stripe but never see or store your card details. Lawful basis: contract.
Usage and analytics data
With your consent, we use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymised information about how you use our website — pages visited, session duration, and device type. No analytics cookies are set without your consent. Lawful basis: consent (Art. 6(1)(a)).
Contact form data
If you contact us via our website forms, we collect your name, email address, and message. This is used only to respond to your enquiry. Lawful basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) — responding to communications sent to us.
3. Our third-party processors
We use the following services to operate Paws & Pace. Each is bound by a data processing agreement and complies with applicable data protection law.
| Processor | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Google Firebase | Authentication & database (Firestore) | EU / US |
| Amazon Web Services | AI analysis via AWS Bedrock (Claude models) | US East (us-east-1) |
| RevenueCat | Subscription management and entitlement verification | US (SCCs) |
| Stripe | Payment processing | US / EU |
| Google Analytics | Website usage analytics (consent only) | US |
International transfers
Some of our processors store or process data in the United States. These transfers are covered by the UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) or equivalent safeguards including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). You can request details of transfer safeguards by emailing info@pawsandpace.co.uk.
4. How long we keep your data
| Data type | Retention period |
|---|---|
| Account & pet profile data | Until you delete your account, then 30 days |
| Walk & health data | Until deleted by you or account closure |
| Payment records | 7 years (UK tax law) |
| Contact form submissions | 12 months |
| Data rights request records | 3 years (accountability) |
5. Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or port your data, and to object to processing. You can exercise all of these rights on our Your Data Rights page or by emailing info@pawsandpace.co.uk. We respond within 30 calendar days.
If you are unhappy with how we handle your data you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
6. Children's privacy
Paws & Pace is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
7. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or via an in-app notice before they take effect. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
8. Contact us
For any privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:
Ascendant Ventures Ltd
Email: info@pawsandpace.co.uk
Data rights form: pawsandpace.co.uk/data-rights