Cookie Policy – ThePupCircle

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how ThePupCircle ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our platform at thepupcircle.com (the "Platform").

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies typically contain:

• The name of the website that set the cookie
• A unique identifier
• An expiration date (how long the cookie will remain on your device)
• Other data relevant to the cookie's purpose

3. How We Use Cookies

ThePupCircle uses cookies to provide essential functionality and improve your experience on the Platform. We use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function properly. Without these cookies, services you have requested cannot be provided.

Legal basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of the contract between you and ThePupCircle (i.e., to provide the services you have requested).

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

We may use cookies to collect information about how visitors use the Platform, such as which pages are visited most often and how users navigate through the site. This helps us improve the Platform's performance and user experience.

All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and anonymous. We do not use third-party analytics services at this time.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (to analyze and improve our Platform) and your consent where required.

4. Cookies We Do NOT Use

ThePupCircle does not use:

• Advertising cookies – We do not display third-party advertisements
• Social media tracking cookies – We do not use social media plugins that track you across websites
• Third-party marketing cookies – We do not share data with advertisers or marketing platforms

5. Third-Party Cookies

ThePupCircle does not currently use third-party services that set cookies. If we introduce such services in the future (e.g., analytics providers, content delivery networks), this Cookie Policy will be updated accordingly, and you will be notified.

6. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other browser storage technologies such as:

• Local Storage: Used to store data locally in your browser, such as theme preferences (theme-preference), push notification consent preferences (pwa_push_asked), draft posts, temporary form data, or cached content to improve performance
• Session Storage: Similar to local storage but cleared when you close your browser tab
• IndexedDB: Used by our Progressive Web App (PWA) to securely store authentication tokens for offline access and persistent login functionality
• Service Workers: Used to enable Progressive Web App (PWA) functionality, including offline access and push notifications

These technologies serve similar purposes to cookies and are subject to the same data protection principles outlined in our Privacy Policy.

7. Your Cookie Choices and Controls

You have the right to choose whether to accept or reject cookies. Here are the ways you can exercise your cookie preferences:

7.1 Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit:

• www.allaboutcookies.org
• www.youronlinechoices.com (EU users)

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

7.3 Local Storage Controls

You can clear browser local storage and IndexedDB data through your browser's developer tools or privacy settings. Note that clearing this data may log you out and reset your preferences.

7.4 Important Notice About Blocking Cookies

8. Mobile Devices

If you access ThePupCircle through a mobile device or our Progressive Web App (PWA), your device may store similar data through app storage rather than browser cookies. You can manage this through your device settings or by clearing the app data/cache.

9. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Because there is currently no industry standard for recognizing or honoring DNT signals, we do not currently respond to DNT browser signals.

However, we are committed to minimal data collection and do not engage in cross-site tracking or share data with third-party advertisers.

10. GDPR and Your Data Protection Rights

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have rights regarding the personal data processed through cookies, including:

• Right to access: Request information about cookies and data we collect
• Right to object: Object to the use of non-essential cookies
• Right to withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of data collected via cookies

To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@thepupcircle.com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

11. Children's Privacy

ThePupCircle is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately at hello@thepupcircle.com.

12. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Posting a notification on the Platform
• Sending you an email (for material changes)

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

ThePupCircle
Email: hello@thepupcircle.com

For general privacy inquiries, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

14. Acknowledgement

By continuing to use ThePupCircle, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of strictly necessary cookies. For non-essential cookies, you can manage your preferences as described in Section 7 above.