Privacy Policy

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).

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; we do not use it to build advertising profiles. See the Cookies section below, and you can opt out in your browser or via a cookie banner where shown.

4. 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.

5. 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.

• To operate and improve the calculator and its cost model.
• To send the newsletter, if you subscribed.
• To monitor performance, debug, and protect the Site against abuse.
• To measure, in aggregate, whether the Site is useful.

We do not use your data for advertising profiles, and we do not sell or rent personal information.

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).

• Essential: needed for the Site to function and to remember your calculator session.
• Analytics: Google Analytics sets first-party cookies to measure aggregate traffic; disclosed in a cookie notice/banner where required, and you can decline non-essential cookies there.
• Affiliate attribution: set by third-party retailers when you click their links.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking essential cookies may break parts of the calculator.

We share data only with service providers that help us run the Site, each under contract and only for that purpose:

We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of PetBudget or its users.

• 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.
• Analytics: retained per the provider's default retention window.
• Server logs: retained for the host's standard log-retention period.

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 niharranjandasmu@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.

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.

Our providers may process data in the United States and other countries. Where required, transfers rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

We may update this policy. Material changes will be noted by updating the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, a notice on the Site.

Questions or requests about this policy: niharranjandasmu@gmail.com.