Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 22, 2025
1. Introduction
VetChamp ("we," "our," or "us") provides a search platform for veterinary and animal health professionals. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our services.
By using VetChamp, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, and professional credentials when you create an account
- Verification Data: For verified professionals, license numbers, NPI, and employer information
- Preferences: Specialty areas and notification settings
Information Collected Automatically
- Search queries and results viewed
- Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
- Usage patterns and engagement metrics
- Cookies and similar technologies
Information from Third Parties
- Professional verification services
- Analytics providers
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and improve our search services
- Verify professional credentials
- Personalize content and search results
- Display relevant advertisements
- Communicate service updates and announcements
- Prevent fraud and abuse
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Your Searches Stay Private
Unlike many platforms, VetChamp does NOT use your searches to train models.
- Your queries are used only to provide search results in that session
- We may analyze aggregated, anonymized usage patterns to improve our service
- We never sell individual search queries to third parties
5. Advertising and Data Sharing
VetChamp is supported by advertising from veterinary pharmaceutical companies, agricultural suppliers, and related industries.
What We Share with Advertisers
- Professional specialty and credentials (for verified users)
- Aggregated, anonymized usage patterns
- Ad engagement metrics (views, clicks)
What We DO NOT Share
- Your individual search queries
- Your personal contact information
- Any information that directly identifies you
How Advertising Works
We may show you relevant advertisements based on your professional specialty (e.g., large animal, small animal, equine), general content categories you've viewed, and your geographic region.
6. Data Retention
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account information | Until account deletion + 1 year |
| Search history | 90 days |
| Usage analytics | 2 years (anonymized) |
| Verification records | Duration of account + 3 years |
7. Your Rights (California Residents)
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information we collect about you
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of the "sale" of personal information
- Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@vetchamp.com.
Note: We do not "sell" personal information in the traditional sense, but sharing data with advertising partners may constitute a "sale" under CCPA.
8. Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256)
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security assessments
- Incident response procedures
9. Children's Privacy
VetChamp is designed for adults (18+) in professional and educational contexts. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18 years of age.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our platform. Your continued use of VetChamp after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
- Privacy: privacy@vetchamp.com
- General: contact@vetchamp.com