Privacy Policy
Last updated: 30 March 2026VetNudge ("we", "us", "our") is operated by a sole proprietor based in South Africa. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, and how we protect it. By using VetNudge you agree to the practices described below.
1. Data We Collect
Account information
When you register we collect your email address and a hashed password. If you were referred by another user we store the referral code used.
Pet profiles
You may optionally save pet profiles (name, species, breed, age, weight, sex, known conditions, medications, vaccination status, diet, and last vet visit date). This data is used solely to personalise triage sessions.
Triage sessions
We store the messages exchanged during each triage session and the resulting triage assessment. Session data is linked to your account so you can review your history.
Payment information
Payments are processed by Stripe. We store your Stripe customer ID and subscription status but never see or store your card number, CVV, or billing address. Stripe's privacy policy applies to payment data they hold: stripe.com/privacy.
Location data
The "Find a Vet" feature requests your browser location with your explicit permission. Your coordinates are sent to our server to query the Google Places API. We do not store your location; it is used for the current search only.
Usage and diagnostics
We collect standard server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps) for security, debugging, and service improvement. Logs are retained for no more than 90 days.
2. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to:
Provide and personalise the triage service.
Manage your account, subscription, and referral bonuses.
Send transactional emails (password resets, subscription confirmations).
Improve the service through aggregated, anonymised analytics.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
3. AI Processing Disclosure
Triage sessions are powered by Anthropic's Claude AI. When you start a session, your messages (and any linked pet profile data) are sent to Anthropic's API for processing. Anthropic's data usage policy applies to data processed by their API: anthropic.com/privacy.
VetNudge is not a veterinary practice. AI-generated triage levels are informational guidance only and do not constitute a veterinary diagnosis, prescription, or professional advice.
4. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may process your data:
Anthropic — AI triage processing.
Stripe — subscription payment processing.
Google Places API — vet clinic search (location sent server-side, not stored).
Azure Communication Services — transactional email delivery.
Microsoft Azure — cloud hosting and database.
5. Data Retention
Account data and pet profiles are retained for as long as your account is active. Triage session history is retained indefinitely so you can refer back to past sessions. If you delete your account, all associated data (pet profiles, triage sessions, referral records) will be permanently deleted within 30 days.
6. Your Rights
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and applicable law, you have the right to:
Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate data.
Request deletion of your data.
Object to processing of your data.
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@vetnudge.co.za.
7. Security
We protect your data with encryption in transit (TLS), hashed passwords (ASP.NET Core Identity), and secure cloud infrastructure on Microsoft Azure. API keys and secrets are stored in Azure Key Vault. No system is 100% secure; if we become aware of a breach affecting your data we will notify you promptly.
8. Cookies
VetNudge uses essential cookies for authentication and session management. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. No third-party analytics cookies are set.
9. Children's Privacy
VetNudge is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a notice on the website. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.
11. Contact
For privacy-related enquiries, contact us at privacy@vetnudge.co.za.