Privacy Policy

Timaru’s Family Vet – Privacy Policy

Last updated: 25th April 2025

At Timaru’s Family Vet, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data, including details about photographs and videos of your pets.

1. What Information Do We Collect?

We may collect the following personal information from you:

• Name, address, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• Emergency contact details.
• Animal health records, treatment history, and insurance details.
• Payment information (e.g., for invoicing and payment processing).
• Communication records (e.g., emails, call notes).
• Consent preferences (e.g., for photo use, bloodwork, procedures).

2. Why Do We Collect Your Information?

We collect and use your information to:

• Provide veterinary services, including health assessments, treatments, and follow-ups.
• Communicate with you about your pet’s care, appointments, and reminders.
• Process payments and manage account billing.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Improve our services and client experience.
• Share educational content (if you’ve consented to photo/video use).

3. Photo & Video Use

We love sharing stories about our patients to educate and inspire other pet owners!

With your explicit consent, we may:

• Take photos or videos of your pet during their visit.
• Share these on our website, social media channels, or in promotional materials.

We will never share your personal details alongside these images. Pets may be identified by their name only, unless further consent is provided.

If you wish to withdraw your consent at any time, please contact us at [email protected] or 03 746 4144, and we will remove any images where possible.

4. How Do We Store and Protect Your Information?

We take data security seriously. Your information is securely stored within our Practice Management System (EzyVet)and other secure platforms. We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Access to your data is restricted to authorized team members who require it for your pet’s care.

5. Sharing Your Information

We only share your personal information when necessary, such as:

• With referral specialists, diagnostic laboratories, or insurance companies involved in your pet’s care.
• With payment processors for billing purposes.
• To comply with legal obligations.

We will never sell your information to third parties.

6. How Long Do We Keep Your Information?

We retain your records for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which they were collected, or as required by law (typically 7 years under veterinary regulations).

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request corrections to any inaccurate information.
• Withdraw consent for photo use or marketing communications.
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations).

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected] or 03 746 4144.

8. Cookies & Website Data

When you visit our website, we may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. This data is anonymous and helps us understand how visitors use our site.

You can adjust your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

9. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website at familyvet.co.nz/privacy-policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please reach out:

Timaru’s Family Vet

9 Latter Street, Timaru 7910 NZ

03 746 4144

[email protected]