Privacy Policy

Effective date: [to be finalized] · Last updated: [to be finalized] · Contact: [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1 This Privacy Policy explains how Blueshky collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use the Platform. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide:

• Account data: name, email, phone, password, profile photo.
• Owner data: pet information (name, breed, age, health, behavior, medical and care notes), home/address and access details, emergency and veterinary contacts.
• Sitter data: profile details, service offerings, rates, home information, and — where applicable — government identification and background-check information.
• Booking and communication data: messages in the Messages module, booking details, special instructions.
• Payment data: payment-method details (processed by our payment processors), billing information, and, for the USDC option, wallet and identity-verification (KYC) information handled by our crypto payment partner.
• Reviews, photos, and other content you submit.

2.2 Information collected automatically:

• Device and usage data: IP address, device type, browser, operating system, pages viewed, and interactions.
• Location data: precise geolocation, including GPS location during walk tracking when you enable it for a walk session, and approximate location for search.
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 8).

2.3 Information from third parties: identity-verification and background-check providers (for Sitters); payment processors and the crypto on/off-ramp/KYC provider; authentication providers (e.g., if you sign in with Google).

2.4 Sensitive information. Some data we process is sensitive (e.g., government IDs, precise geolocation, payment and KYC data). We handle it consistent with applicable law and use it only as needed to provide and secure the Platform.

3. How We Use Information

We use information to: (a) create and manage accounts; (b) facilitate bookings, matching, and the Services; (c) process payments and payouts across all rails (card, ACH, USDC) and prevent fraud; (d) enable in-Platform messaging; (e) provide GPS walk tracking and stay updates to Owners; (f) verify identity and conduct background checks where applicable; (g) provide customer support and resolve disputes; (h) maintain safety, security, and integrity, including enforcing the anti-circumvention and one-strike policies; (i) personalize and improve the Platform; (j) send transactional and, with consent where required, marketing communications; and (k) comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Share Information

4.1 Between users (as needed for Services): Owners and Sitters see information necessary to evaluate and complete a booking (e.g., a Sitter sees relevant pet and access information; an Owner sees the Sitter’s profile and walk GPS data). Do not share more than necessary.

4.2 Service providers/processors: payment processors (e.g., Stripe), crypto payment/KYC and wallet infrastructure (e.g., Coinbase), mapping/geocoding, identity/background-check vendors, hosting and analytics, and communications providers — each only as needed to perform services for us.

4.3 Legal and safety: we may disclose information to comply with law, respond to lawful requests, enforce our Terms, or protect the rights, safety, and property of users, the public, or Blueshky.

4.4 Business transfers: in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, information may be transferred, subject to this Policy.

4.5 We do not sell your personal information for money.

5. Your Rights and Choices

• 5.1 Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or port your data; opt out of sale/sharing or targeted advertising; limit use of sensitive data; and be free from discrimination for exercising rights.
• 5.2 To exercise rights, contact [email protected] or use in-Platform settings. We will verify your identity and respond within the time required by law.
• 5.3 You may opt out of marketing emails via the unsubscribe link; transactional messages will continue.
• 5.4 Location controls: you can disable location/GPS permissions in your device or browser; some features (like walk tracking) will not function without them.
• 5.5 California / other state residents: [state-specific disclosures and request methods].

6. Data Retention

6.1 We retain information for as long as needed to provide the Platform, comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary by data type (e.g., transaction and payment records are kept longer for legal/tax reasons). When no longer needed, we delete or de-identify it.

7. Data Security

7.1 We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information, including encryption in transit, access controls, and secured storage of sensitive documents. Private documents (e.g., identity and vaccination records) are stored with restricted access.

7.2 No system is perfectly secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you provide information at your own risk. Notify us immediately of any suspected breach at [email protected].

7.3 We maintain a breach-response process and will notify affected users and authorities as required by law.

8. Cookies and Tracking

8.1 We use cookies and similar technologies for authentication, preferences, security, analytics, and performance. You can control cookies through your browser; disabling some may affect functionality.

9. Children’s Privacy

9.1 The Platform is not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect data from them. If we learn we have, we will delete it.

10. International Users / Data Transfers

10.1 The Platform is operated from the United States. If you access it from outside the US, you consent to processing in the US, which may have different protections than your jurisdiction.

11. Crypto / USDC-Specific Privacy Notice

11.1 If you use the USDC payment option, certain transaction data is recorded on a public blockchain (e.g., Base) and is, by nature, public and immutable. Wallet addresses and on-chain transactions may be publicly visible. Identity-verification (KYC) for on/off-ramps is handled by our crypto partner under its privacy terms.

12. Changes to this Policy

12.1 We may update this Policy and will post the revised version with a new “Last updated” date; material changes will be notified as required by law.

13. Contact Us

Questions or requests: [email protected] · [mailing address].