Privacy Policy

Last Update: 10/07/2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Petinger (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data when you use our platform and services.

Petinger is an online marketplace platform based in Cyprus that connects pet owners / pet parents (“Pet Parents”) with individuals offering pet hosting / pet sitting services (“Pet Sitters”). Through our platform, users may create accounts, build profiles, upload content, communicate, and enter into booking arrangements for pet care services.

Petinger acts as an intermediary technology platform facilitating connections between Pet Parents and Sitters. We do not provide pet care services directly but enable users to discover, communicate, and transact securely through the platform, including integrated payment processing via third-party providers.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Petinger website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”).

2. Data We Collect

We collect and process different categories of personal data depending on your interaction with the Platform.

2.1 Personal Data of Pet Parents

When Pet Parents register or use the Platform, we may collect:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Profile picture
  • Account login credentials
  • Location data (where provided or permitted)
  • Information about pets (e.g., name, breed, age, medical notes, behavioural information)
  • Booking history and preferences
  • Communications with Pet Sitters and support team

2.2 Personal Data of Pet Sitters

When Pet Sitters register, we may collect:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Profile picture
  • Address or service location
  • Identification or verification documents - where required for trust/safety purposes (Identification Document, Passport, Utility Bills, Proof of Address)
  • Pet Sitting preferences, availability, and pricing
  • House information and descriptions of accommodation
  • Uploaded images of the property and living environment
  • Booking history and performance data
  • Communication data with users and support

2.3 Payment Information

Payments are processed through Viva Payments (third-party payment provider). We may collect:

  • Transaction details (amount, currency, booking reference)
  • Payment status
  • Limited billing information

We do not store full credit/debit card details on our servers. Payment data is processed securely by Viva Payments in accordance with their own privacy and security policies.

2.4 User Content

We collect content voluntarily uploaded by users, including:

  • Profile photos
  • Property images (Pet Sitters)
  • Pet images (Pet Parents)
  • Descriptions, reviews, and messages
  • Ratings and feedback

3. How We Use Personal Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • To create and manage user accounts
  • To match Pet Parents with suitable Pet Sitters
  • To facilitate bookings and transactions
  • To enable communication between users
  • To process payments via Viva Payments
  • To provide customer support and dispute resolution
  • To verify user identity and ensure platform safety
  • To improve platform functionality, user experience, and performance
  • To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity
  • To comply with legal obligations under EU and Cypriot law

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Performance of a contract (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR):
    Necessary for providing the Platform services, including booking facilitation and account management.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR):
    For fraud prevention, platform security, service improvement, analytics, and maintaining marketplace integrity.
  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR):
    Where required for cookies, marketing communications, or optional data processing features.
  • Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR):
    To comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and lawful requests by authorities.

Where special categories of data are processed (e.g. pet health information voluntarily provided), such data is handled with enhanced safeguards and only as necessary for service delivery.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Petinger uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Maintain user sessions and authentication
  • Store user preferences
  • Analyse platform performance and usage
  • Improve user experience

Cookies may include:

  • Essential cookies (required for platform operation)
  • Functional cookies (preferences and settings)
  • Analytics cookies (usage statistics)
  • Marketing cookies (where applicable, with consent)

Users may manage or disable cookies through browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

Petinger does not sell Personal Data to third parties. However, it may disclose limited Personal Data in the following circumstances:

6.1 Between Users

  • Pet Parents and Sitters share limited profile and booking-related information to facilitate services.

6.2 Service Providers

  • Viva Payments for secure payment processing
  • Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers
  • Customer support and communication tools
  • Analytics and monitoring services

6.3 Legal and Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose data where required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Respond to lawful requests
  • Protect rights, safety, and security of users and the Platform

6.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to GDPR safeguards.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data in transit
  • Secure authentication systems
  • Access control restrictions
  • Regular security monitoring and audits
  • Data minimisation principles

However, no digital system can guarantee absolute security, and users acknowledge this inherent risk when using online services.

8. User Rights Under GDPR

Users located in the European Economic Area (EEA) have the following rights:

  • Right of access to personal data
  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Right to restriction of processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing
  • Right to withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in Cyprus or the EU

Requests can be submitted through the contact details provided in this policy.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for:

  • The provision of services
  • Compliance with legal obligations
  • Resolution of disputes
  • Enforcement of agreements

Retention periods may vary depending on:

  • Account activity
  • Legal requirements (e.g. tax, accounting obligations)
  • Safety and fraud prevention needs

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

10. International Data Transfers

Personal data may be processed or stored outside Cyprus or the EEA where our service providers operate infrastructure.

In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

  • European Commission adequacy decisions, where applicable
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Additional technical and organisational security measures

11. Data Controller & Contact Information

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

Petinger

Petinger Ltd is an Organisation that is registered with the Cyprus Registrar of Companies as Business Name, under the Laws of the Republic of Cyprus, with Registration Number EE 51125, having its registered address at Nikis 10, 2568, Nicosia, Cyprus.

For any privacy-related inquiries, data requests, or GDPR rights exercise, users may contact:

Email: support@petinger.com

We aim to respond to all legitimate requests within one month, as required by GDPR.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

  • Legal or regulatory changes
  • Operational or technical updates
  • Changes in services or business structure

When updates are made, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this document. Where required, we will notify users through the Platform or by email.

Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.