Privacy Policy
Last updated: 29 June 2026
PetSignal ("PetSignal", "we", "us") is a free community app that helps people find lost pets. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. By using PetSignal you agree to this policy.
1. Information we collect
Account information
You sign in with Apple or Google. We receive your name, email address, and profile photo from that sign-in so we can create your account and show who reported a pet. If you use Sign in with Apple and choose to hide your email, we receive the private relay address Apple provides.
Location
With your permission, we use your device location to show pets near you and to set the last-seen location on a report. You can also set a location by searching for a place or moving the map. We use your location only while you are using the app for these features.
Pet and report information
When you report a pet, we collect the details you provide: pet name, type, breed, colour, size, what the pet was wearing, microchip number, description, suburb, the last-seen location, photos, sighting notes, and a contact phone number. This information is shared with other users so the community can help (see Section 3).
Photos
Photos you add are stored as follows, depending on how you signed in:
- If you signed in with Google, photos are uploaded to your own Google Drive, and we store only a link to each photo.
- If you signed in with Apple, photos are uploaded to Cloudinary, a third-party image host, and we store only a link to each photo.
Service and device data
Our backend provider records basic operational data needed to run the service, such as the time of a request and an anonymous device or app identifier. We do not use third-party advertising or tracking SDKs.
2. How we use your information
- To operate the lost-pet finding service and show your report to the community.
- To display nearby pets and let people contact you about your pet.
- To let you watch cases, mark sightings, and generate posters.
- To keep the service secure and working correctly.
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not show advertising.
3. What other users can see
PetSignal is a community service, so some information is public to other signed-in users by design:
- The pet's details, photos, suburb, and last-seen location.
- The first name and profile photo of the person who reported the pet.
- Sightings and notes that you or others add to a case.
Your phone number is shown only as masked digits and is used to place a call. It is not displayed in full to deter scam contact. Please share only information you are comfortable making visible to the community.
4. Who we share data with
We use trusted service providers to run the app. They process data on our behalf:
| Provider | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Firebase | Sign-in, database, and hosting |
| Google Drive | Photo storage for users who sign in with Google (in your own account) |
| Cloudinary | Photo storage for users who sign in with Apple |
| OpenStreetMap | Map tiles and place search |
We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of our users or the public.
5. How long we keep data
A lost-pet report stays active while there is activity on it. With no activity for three months, a report is archived and removed from the active map. Older reports may be deleted after one year. You can delete your account and your reports at any time (see Section 7).
6. Security
Access to the database is controlled by security rules, and signing in is required to use the app. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.
7. Your choices and rights
- Access and correction. You can view and edit your pets and reports inside the app.
- Deletion. You can delete your account from Account, then Delete account. This removes your profile and your reports. See our account deletion page for details.
- Location. You can turn off location permission in your device settings, though some features will be limited.
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights over your personal information. Contact us to make a request.
8. Children
PetSignal is a general-audience app and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will remove it.
9. International users
Our service providers may store and process data in countries other than yours. By using PetSignal you consent to this transfer and processing.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will revise the date at the top, and significant changes will be reflected here. Continued use of the app means you accept the updated policy.
11. Contact us
Questions about this policy or your data can be sent to petsignal.app@gmail.com.