Sussex K9 Academy

Privacy Policy

Sussex K9 Academy (“SK9A”, “we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information while utilizing our dog training services, attending workshops or seminars, visiting our website, or communicating with us.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information from you:

Personal details: name, address, email, phone number.

Dog details: name, breed, age, medical history, behavioural history.

Payment details: payment confirmations (we do not store full card details – Stripe and your bank handle secure payments).

Media: photos and videos taken during training sessions, pack walks, workshops, or events.

Communications: messages sent via email, text, WhatsApp, or social media.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide dog training services, behaviour, boarding, and dog sport offerings.

Communicate with you regarding bookings, payments, updates, and training support.

Keep records for safety, legal, and insurance purposes.

Share updates, offers, and news (where you have not opted out).

Enhance our services through feedback and record-keeping.

Utilize photos/videos for marketing, educational, and training objectives (unless you opt out in writing).

3. Sharing Your Information

We will never sell your data. Information may only be shared when necessary to deliver our dog training services, such as:

With Bell Reed Kennels & Cattery if your dog attends residential training.

With veterinary professionals during emergencies.

With payment providers (e.g. Stripe, your bank) for secure payment processing.

With guest speakers or external trainers only if you are attending their event and consent is given.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following lawful grounds:

Contractual necessity: to deliver the services you have booked.

Legal obligation: to comply with our legal or regulatory requirements.

Legitimate interests: to run and improve our business, maintain records, and ensure safety.

Consent: for marketing communications and the use of photos/videos, where you have opted in.

5. Data Storage & Security

Your personal data is securely stored in password-protected systems and devices. Access is limited to SK9A staff and trusted partners (e.g. Bell Reed Kennels). We take reasonable measures to protect data from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.

6. Data Retention

Client and dog information is retained for up to 6 years for business, insurance, and legal purposes. Media used for marketing or educational purposes may be kept indefinitely unless you withdraw consent. You can request deletion of your personal data at any time (unless we are required to retain it by law).

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).

Restrict or object to processing of your data.

Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time.

Request transfer of your data to another provider.

To exercise your rights, please email us at info@sussexk9academy.co.uk.

8. Cookies & Website Use

Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience and analyze performance. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function correctly.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website, and your continued use of our dog training services will be interpreted as acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding data protection or how your data is used, please feel free to contact us:

Email: info@sussexk9academy.co.uk

Address: Sussex K9 Academy, TN21, East Sussex, UK

If you are dissatisfied with how we handle your data, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk.