Privacy Policy

Dogs In Distress Privacy Notice

At Dogs In Distress, we take your privacy seriously. We are committed to protecting your personal data and being transparent about how we collect, use, and safeguard it.

This Privacy Notice explains:

• What personal information we collect and why

• How we use and protect your information

• Who we share it with

• Your rights under data protection laws

• How to contact us with questions or complaints

Why We Collect Your Personal Data

We collect and process personal data to:

• Manage adoption applications and maintain contact with adopters

• Manage foster applications and provide support for foster dogs (food, transport, supplies, etc.)

• Register dogs’ microchips with the national FIDO database

• Process donations and apply for tax relief where applicable

• Communicate with our supporters, donors, and newsletter subscribers

• Coordinate volunteering activities and events

We only collect data that is necessary for these purposes.

Types of Personal Data We Process

We may collect and process:

• Contact details: Name, address, phone number, and email

• Household information: To match suitable dogs with homes

• Financial information: For processing donations and tax relief

• Photos and videos: From events or adoption success stories

• Technical information: IP addresses and cookies for site analytics

We collect this information directly from you (via forms, email, phone, social media, or our website).

Cookies and IP Addresses

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and personalize your experience.

• Cookies help remember your preferences and show relevant content.

• You can disable cookies or delete them in your browser settings.

• For more details, visit www.allaboutcookies.org/manage-cookies.

We also log IP addresses for security and access monitoring purposes.

When We Rely on Your Consent

We may ask for your consent to:

• Arrange home visits or veterinary transport

• Send newsletters or event updates

• Collect limited sensitive data (e.g. health information about a dog or adopter)

You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at:
📧 didnewsletter1@gmail.com

How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain data only for as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or meet legal obligations.
For example:

• Adoption-related data is typically retained for the expected lifespan of the dog (up to 15 years).

• Donation and tax data is retained in line with Irish financial record requirements.

Who We Share Your Data With

• Certain volunteers may access personal data only as needed to carry out their roles.

• We may share data with registered databases (e.g. FIDO) for microchipping.

• We may disclose data if legally required to do so.

We never sell or trade personal information for marketing purposes.

Your Data Protection Rights

You have several rights under Irish and EU data protection laws:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

• Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccurate information.

• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw any consent you’ve previously given.

• Restriction: Request limits on how we use your data.

• Deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of data that’s no longer needed.

• Complaint: Contact the Data Protection Commission (DPC) if you believe your data is being misused.

To exercise any of these rights, email: 📧 didfostering@gmail.com

Data Protection Commission Contact:
📞 1890 252 231
✉️ info@dataprotection.ie
📍 Data Protection Commission, Canal House, Station Road, Portarlington, R32 AP23, Co. Laois.

Updates to This Notice

We may update this privacy notice periodically. When we make material changes, we’ll post updates on our website or contact you directly.

We encourage you to check this page regularly to stay informed about how we protect your data.