Privacy Policy
Introduction
Barking Software ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
- Adoption application information
- Volunteer application information
- Donation information (processed securely through Stripe)
- Account credentials for registered users
- Communications you send to us
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- IP address and location data
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website addresses
Donation Information
When you make a donation through our website, we store your donation information to maintain accurate records, provide tax receipts, track donor relationships, and enable future communications about our mission.
Guest Donor Accounts
When you donate without creating an account, we automatically create a "guest" profile using the information provided through Stripe (your name, email address, and Stripe Customer ID). This allows us to:
- Send you donation receipts and tax documentation
- Track your donation history if you donate multiple times
- Avoid duplicate records for repeat donors
- Enable you to claim your profile and create a full account in the future
- Provide better donor stewardship and relationship management
Guest profiles do not include login credentials and cannot be used to access your account until you explicitly create one. You can request deletion of your guest profile at any time by contacting us.
Payment Processing
All payment information (credit card details) is processed directly by Stripe and is never stored on our servers. We only receive confirmation of successful payments and associated metadata (customer name, email, and Stripe Customer ID).
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process adoption and volunteer applications
- Process donations and provide tax receipts
- Communicate with you about our organization, events, and animals
- Send newsletters (if you've subscribed)
- Improve our website and services
- Maintain donor and supporter relationships
- Comply with legal obligations
- Prevent fraud and maintain security
Information Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business (e.g., Stripe for payment processing, Amazon Web Services for hosting, email service providers for communications)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
- Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to you)
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Donation records are retained for tax and accounting purposes as required by applicable law.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
- Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may limit some functionality.
Anonymous surveys and voting forms use a random browser cookie to limit each browser profile to one response per response period. The cookie does not contain your name, email address, or form answers.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at info@barkingsoftware.com.
Last Updated: October 20, 2026