Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 1, 2025

Cross My Paws Animal Rescue (“Cross My Paws,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through our website, CrossMyPaws.org, and through our animal rescue, adoption, foster, volunteer, and donation activities.

By using our website, submitting an application, making a donation, or otherwise interacting with us, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Mailing address

  • Donation information

  • Adoption application information

  • Foster application information

  • Volunteer application information

  • Communications and inquiries submitted through our website or email

  • Information about household members, pets, veterinarians, and references as part of adoption or foster screening

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited

  • Referral source

  • Date and time of access

This information helps us improve website performance and user experience.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve website functionality

  • Analyze website traffic

  • Remember user preferences

  • Support security and fraud prevention efforts

You may adjust your browser settings to disable cookies; however, some website features may not function properly.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

  • Process adoption, foster, volunteer, and donation requests

  • Communicate regarding applications and inquiries

  • Provide information about animals available for adoption

  • Send newsletters and organizational updates

  • Respond to questions and support requests

  • Improve our website and services

  • Maintain organizational records

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect the safety of our animals, volunteers, adopters, foster families, and the public

3. Donation Processing

If you make a donation through our website, payment information may be processed by third-party payment processors. Cross My Paws does not store complete credit card or banking information on its servers.

Please review the privacy policies of any payment processing providers used through our website.

4. Adoption, Foster, and Volunteer Applications

To evaluate applications, we may collect information regarding:

  • Household composition

  • Housing arrangements

  • Existing pets

  • Veterinary references

  • Personal references

  • Animal care experience

This information is used solely to determine the suitability of placements and to support the welfare of animals in our care.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We may share information with:

  • Veterinarians for reference verification

  • Personal references provided by applicants

  • Service providers who assist with website operations, communications, fundraising, or payment processing

  • Government agencies or law enforcement when required by law

  • Professional advisors such as attorneys, accountants, or auditors when necessary

We may also disclose information if we believe it is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of Cross My Paws, our volunteers, our supporters, or the animals in our care.

6. Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or provide your email address, we may send updates regarding:

  • Adoptable animals

  • Rescue activities

  • Fundraising campaigns

  • Events

  • Volunteer opportunities

  • Organizational news

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by following the instructions included in those communications.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, donation processors, and adoption-related services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party websites. We encourage users to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

10. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of personal information, subject to legal obligations

  • Opt out of certain communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

11. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised Effective Date.

Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Cross My Paws Animal Rescue
Website: CrossMyPaws.org
Phone: (615) 477-6217
Email: info@crossmypaws.org