Information we collect
This policy explains what information PetBudget (“we”, “us”) collects when you use petbudgetcalculator.com (the “Site”), why, and what choices you have.
1. Calculator inputs
When you use the calculator we receive and store the values you enter or select — for example species, breed, and household answers such as insurance choice, food tier, grooming frequency, boarding needs, and living situation. These are stored on our server (database hosted with MongoDB Atlas) so we can return and improve estimates. They are not tied to your name and we do not ask you to identify yourself to use the tool.
2. Newsletter email
Our footer offers an optional subscription to “The Financial Ledger”. If you submit your email address there, we store it and use it only to send that newsletter. Every email includes an unsubscribe link. Delivery is handled over Google's SMTP service (Gmail).
2a. Pet Cost Timeline
The Timeline saves your pet's name, breed, birth month, insurance choice and any bills you log in your own browser (localStorage). That data stays on your device; we do not receive it, and clearing your browser data deletes it. The page address also carries the breed, birth month, insurance choice and optional name so you can share a link, and it appears in our server logs and analytics like any page address.
If you choose “Send 30-day reminders”, we store your email address together with the breed, birth month, insurance choice and optional pet name so we can email you about upcoming milestones. Reminders are sent at most once every 30 days per pet, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe link that deletes that subscription. We use your address only for these reminders.
3. Usage analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand aggregate traffic: pages viewed, approximate location (country/region), device and browser type, referring site, and general interaction patterns. We use this to fix problems and prioritize work. Google Analytics sets cookies to do this, and IP addresses are anonymized where the setting is available. See the Cookies section below, and you can opt out in your browser or via a cookie banner where shown.
4. Advertising
Blog posts and breed profile pages show ads served by Google AdSense. Google and its partners may use cookies or similar identifiers to serve and measure ads, and, where you consent or where the law allows, to personalize them based on your visits to this and other sites. Where required (for example in the EEA, UK and Switzerland), we ask for your consent before ads that use such identifiers are shown. You can manage ad personalization at adssettings.google.com, and learn how Google uses data at policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites. We do not share the calculator answers you enter with advertisers.
5. Affiliate link activity
Some pages link to retailers (for example Amazon and Chewy) through affiliate programs. If you click one of those links, the retailer and its affiliate network may set cookies or read identifiers to attribute a resulting purchase to us. That activity is governed by the retailer's own privacy policy, not this one. We receive only aggregate commission reports, not information about what individuals bought.
6. Server logs
Our host (Vercel) automatically records standard request logs (IP address, timestamp, requested URL, user agent) for security and reliability. These are retained for a limited period by the host.
How we use information
- To operate and improve the calculator and its cost model.
- To send the newsletter, if you subscribed.
- To send Pet Cost Timeline milestone reminders, if you asked for them.
- To monitor performance, debug, and protect the Site against abuse.
- To measure, in aggregate, whether the Site is useful.
We do not use the data you enter in the calculator for advertising, and we do not sell or rent personal information.
Legal bases
Where GDPR or UK GDPR applies, we rely on: legitimate interests (running and securing the Site, aggregate analytics, understanding usage); consent (newsletter subscription, and any non-essential cookies); and contract / steps at your request (returning a calculator result you asked for).
Data retention
- Calculator inputs: retained while useful for operating and improving the model; aggregated or deleted when no longer needed.
- Newsletter email: retained until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it.
- Timeline reminders: retained until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete them.
- Analytics: retained per the provider's default retention window.
- Server logs: retained for the host's standard log-retention period.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent. To exercise any of these, email petbudgetcalculator@gmail.com. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
California residents: we do not sell or “share” personal information as those terms are defined under the CCPA/CPRA. You may still make access and deletion requests using the email above.
Children
The Site is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it.
International transfers
Our providers may process data in the United States and other countries. Where required, transfers rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy. Material changes will be noted by updating the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, a notice on the Site.
Contact
Questions or requests about this policy: petbudgetcalculator@gmail.com.