Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
BritExotics ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you use our website and services.
BritExotics provides information about exotic animal care and connects pet owners with specialized veterinary services across the United Kingdom.
2. Data Controller
For the purposes of UK GDPR, BritExotics is the data controller responsible for your personal data.
Contact Details:
Email: hello@britexotics.co.uk
Website: britexotics.co.uk
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Information You Provide
We collect personal data that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Subscribe to our newsletter or educational content
- Contact us through forms or email
- Request information about veterinary services
- Participate in surveys or feedback requests
This may include:
- Name and contact information (email address)
- Species of exotic pet you own or are interested in
- Location information (city or postcode for veterinary directory searches)
- Communications preferences
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Device and browser information
- IP address and approximate location
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website or search terms
4. How We Use Your Information
We process your personal data for the following purposes:
4.1 To Provide Our Services
Lawful basis: Performance of a contract / Legitimate interests
- Display relevant veterinary information based on your location
- Provide species-specific care guidance
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
4.2 Marketing Communications
Lawful basis: Consent
- Send newsletters and educational content (with your consent)
- Provide updates about exotic pet care
- Share information about new species guides or veterinary services
4.3 Website Improvement
Lawful basis: Legitimate interests
- Analyze website usage and improve user experience
- Ensure website security and prevent fraud
- Optimize content based on user interests
4.4 Legal Compliance
Lawful basis: Legal obligation
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Respond to legal requests and prevent illegal activities
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:
- Newsletter subscribers: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Contact inquiries: 2 years from last correspondence
- Website analytics: 26 months (industry standard)
- Legal obligations: As required by applicable law
6. Data Sharing and Transfers
We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with:
- Service providers: Email marketing platforms, analytics services (only as necessary to provide our services)
- Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
We ensure that any third-party service providers comply with UK GDPR and have appropriate safeguards in place.
7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Right to Access
Request a copy of your personal data we hold
Right to Rectification
Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restriction
Limit how we use your data
Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Data Portability
Receive your data in a portable format
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@britexotics.co.uk. We will respond within one month.
8. Cookies and Tracking
We use essential cookies to ensure our website functions properly. We may also use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site and improve our services.
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include:
- Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/SSL)
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and authentication
- Secure hosting infrastructure
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
11. Right to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:
Privacy Inquiries
Email: hello@britexotics.co.uk
Response time: Within 48 hours