Privacy Policy for Paws Around Chicago LLC DBA Pets in Transit

Effective Date: December 16th, 2024

At Paws Around Chicago LLC DBA Pets in Transit, your privacy and trust are our top priorities. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our pet relocation services. By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Our Promise to You

• Data Minimization: We will only ask for personal data that is necessary to complete the pet relocation service you’ve requested.
• Use of Data: Your personal data will only be used to provide the services you’ve requested. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data for marketing or advertising purposes.
• Data Security: We take the protection of your personal data seriously and employ appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard it from unauthorized access or accidental loss.
• Access and Control: You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you. You can also request corrections or the permanent deletion of your data at any time.
• Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of your personal data. We can be contacted via email at info@petsintransit.com or by phone at (773) 362-5541.

Why We Need Your Data

We require certain personal data to fulfill our contractual obligations with you, specifically to provide the service of relocating your pet(s). Our staff is trained in data protection to ensure your information is handled responsibly and securely.

The personal data we collect may be used for the following purposes:

• Confirming eligibility for your pet(s)’ entry into a destination country
• Clearing customs in the destination country
• Verifying your residency in either the origin or destination country
• Collecting or delivering your pet(s) at the appropriate locations
• Booking transport (such as flights) for your pet(s)

What Data We Need

To efficiently manage your pet(s)’ relocation, we may request the following personal data and documentation:

• Passport copies
• Personal addresses (origin and destination)
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Home lease or property ownership documents
• Utility bills
• Employment contracts
• Social security number (if applicable)
• Visas

Failure to provide requested data may delay or prevent us from offering our services.

What We Do With Your Data

Once we receive your data, whether directly from you or through a relocation company, we process and securely store it in our U.S. office. We may need to share your data with trusted third-party agents, including:

• Government agencies
• Customs and border control
• Airlines
• Boarding facilities

These third-party agents assist in ensuring the successful relocation of your pet(s). Your data may be transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA), but it will only be shared for the specific purpose of completing the relocation process.

We ensure that our preferred partner pet agents comply with data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and have signed partnership agreements outlining how your personal data should be handled. A copy of these agreements is available upon request.

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to complete our service to you, and securely destroy it when no longer required.

No mobile or messaging consent information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Your Rights Regarding Your Data

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: Request the deletion of your personal data when no longer needed, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
• Data Portability: Request that your data be transferred to you in a machine-readable format.

If you believe any of your data is incorrect, please contact us immediately. We will take prompt action to update our records and inform any third-party agents with whom we’ve shared your data.

Data Security and Breaches

We implement security measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, please note that no data transmission method over the internet is entirely secure.

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify you and any applicable third parties, including the relevant authorities (e.g., the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)), as required by law.

International Data Transfers

As part of the relocation process, we may need to transfer your personal data to countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). We ensure that any such transfers are done securely and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including using standard contractual clauses to protect your data.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we discover that we have collected personal data from a child under 13, we will promptly delete such data.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.” We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we handle your data.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your privacy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us at:

Paws Around Chicago LLC DBA Pets in Transit
Email: info@petsintransit.com
Phone: 773-362-5541
Address: 1445 East Oakton Street, Des Plaines IL 60018
Data Protection Officer: Ted Castro