Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 

Privacy Policy

About Us

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of obesity and weight-related disorders in pets. We develop clinical resources, conduct public education campaigns, and support research and evidence-based care to improve the health and well-being of pets worldwide.

We take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you interact with our website, mobile application, surveys, and related services.

Summary and Principles

At the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Our approach to data collection and use is guided by the following principles:

  • Minimal collection: We only collect the information you choose to share with us, or that is necessary to provide our services (such as surveys, newsletters, or app features).

  • Transparency: We explain clearly how your information may be used — for communication, research, or improving our services.

  • No sale of data: We never sell your personal information. Trusted third-party service providers may process data on our behalf, but only under strict agreements requiring confidentiality and security.

  • Children’s privacy: Our services are not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU/UK), and we do not knowingly collect their information.

  • User choice: You can opt out of communications, update your information, or request deletion of your personal data at any time.

  • Data retention: Personal data is only retained for as long as needed to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law.

  • Security: We use reasonable safeguards to protect personal information, though no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

  • Accountability: We review our practices regularly and update this policy when necessary to reflect changes in law, technology, or organizational needs.

Our Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and share your information when you use our services, including:

  • Visiting or engaging with our website

  • Downloading or using our mobile application (the “Application”)

  • Participating in our surveys, events, or educational activities

By using our website or Application, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Personal Data That We Collect

The information we collect depends on how you interact with us. We only collect personal data that you voluntarily provide or that is strictly necessary for delivering our services.

Examples include:

  • Contact information such as name, email address, or mailing address (e.g., when you sign up for a survey, newsletter, or contact us).

  • Account details such as usernames or passwords (if you create an account).

  • Technical data such as IP address, browser type, operating system, and usage statistics (collected automatically through cookies or similar technology).

  • Application data such as device information, operating system, or optional permissions (e.g., push notifications).

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU/UK). If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

How We Use Your Personal Data

We may use your information to:

  • Respond to inquiries or provide requested services

  • Provide access to our Application and its features

  • Improve our website, services, and educational materials

  • Send updates, educational resources, and survey invitations

  • Detect and prevent fraud or misuse of our services

  • Comply with legal or regulatory requirements

You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time (see “Opt Out of Electronic Communications” below).

Third-Party Connections, Facebook, and Social Media

We may share your data with trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our services (for example, email newsletter platforms, survey providers, or payment processors). These service providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

Our website and Application may contain links to third-party websites or plug-ins (e.g., Facebook “Like” or “Share” buttons). We are not responsible for the privacy or security practices of those third parties. Please review their policies directly.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal data if required by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations, subpoenas, or government requests

  • Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others

  • Prevent or investigate potential wrongdoing or fraud

  • Protect users or the public in urgent circumstances.

How We Store Your Personal Data

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal data against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure. Data may be stored by us or by trusted third parties acting on our behalf. However, no electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed 100% secure.

Request to Delete Your Personal Data

You may request deletion of your personal data at any time by emailing info@petobesityprevention.org. We will process your request in accordance with applicable law.

How Long We Retain Your Personal Data

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. Once data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.

For sponsors or donors, we may retain limited data for legal, tax, or regulatory purposes even after our relationship ends.

Opt Out from Electronic Communications

You may opt out of APOP emails, surveys, or marketing by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any communication or by contacting us at info@petobesityprevention.org.

Changes To This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or organizational practices. Updates will be posted on our website with the revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
info@petobesityprevention.org

Updated September 30, 2025