Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

When you use Brightside ("the Service"), we may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, city, state, and any information you provide in your volunteer profile or registration form.
• Account Information: Email address and encrypted password for shelter manager accounts.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, browser type, and device information collected through cookies and similar technologies.
• Communications: Any messages or correspondence you send to us.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Facilitate connections between volunteers and animal shelters and rescue organizations.
• Provide verified shelter managers with access to the Volunteer Directory.
• Send you volunteer communications, updates, and opportunities you have opted in to receive.
• Improve and maintain the Service.
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Verified Shelter Managers: Your volunteer profile (name, email, city, state, and message) is accessible to verified rescue and shelter managers through our directory.
• Service Providers: We use third-party services (such as hosting, email delivery, and analytics) that may process your data on our behalf.
• Affiliate Partners: We may work with affiliate partners who provide products or services relevant to animal welfare. If you click an affiliate link, the partner may collect information per their own privacy policy. We clearly disclose affiliate relationships where they exist.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental regulation.

4. Affiliate Disclosure

Brightside may participate in affiliate marketing programs. This means we may earn commissions on products or services purchased through links on our site. These affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content or volunteer matching services. Affiliate links are clearly identified where they appear.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and understand how the Service is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your account and personal data.
• Opt out of marketing communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the email address listed below.

8. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@brightside.co.