Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Bark Buddies ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the Bark Buddies mobile app, website, and related services (the "Services"). By using the Services you agree to this Privacy Policy.
1. Information we collect
Account information
When you create an account we collect your name, email address, password stored as a secure hash, and profile details you choose to add.
Dog profiles
You may add information about your dog or dogs including name, breed, age, size, energy level, temperament, photos, and preferences. This information is displayed to other Bark Buddies users to help them find compatible playmates.
Location
With your permission we use approximate or precise device location to show nearby matches, meetups, dog parks, local services, and adoption-related results. You can disable location access at any time in your device settings. Some features, such as nearby matches and park search, may not work without it.
Messages and user content
We store messages sent between users after a buddy request is accepted, meetup details you create, and any other content you post. Messages may be reviewed if reported by a user or if required to enforce our Terms.
Beta signup data
If you sign up for the Bark Buddies beta on our website, we collect the information you submit in the signup form, such as name, email, phone if provided, city/state, platform, device model, OS version, dog ownership, dog size, feature interests, and consent choices. We may also record the date and time of signup, IP address, and browser user-agent for security and quality purposes.
Support requests
If you contact support, we collect the contents of your message and any information you choose to include, along with your email address so we can respond.
Automatically collected information
We may collect basic device information, app version, crash logs, diagnostics, and usage analytics to keep the Services stable and improve them.
2. How we use information
- To operate and improve Bark Buddies, including matching, messaging, meetups, dog services, adoption features, and dog park discovery.
- To manage accounts and provide app functionality.
- To manage the beta program, contact selected testers, and gather feedback.
- To keep the community safe, investigate reports, and enforce our Terms.
- To send transactional and support communications.
- To manage subscriptions and app access.
- To comply with legal obligations.
3. Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with service providers who help us run the Services, such as hosting, database, authentication, subscription, analytics, security, and email providers; with law enforcement when legally required; and with other Bark Buddies users as needed to provide the app, such as showing your dog profile to potential buddy matches.
4. Your choices
- You can edit or delete your dog profiles.
- You can block or report other users from inside the app.
- You can turn off location permission in your device settings.
- You can withdraw beta email consent by replying "unsubscribe" or emailing support.
5. Account deletion
You can request deletion of your Bark Buddies account and associated data at any time by emailing support@barkbuddies.app or by using the in-app Delete Account option.
When you delete your account, we remove or anonymize your profile, dogs, matches, buddy requests, messages, meetup data, preferences, and associated app data. Some records may be retained for a limited period where required for legal obligations, fraud prevention, security, transaction records, or dispute resolution.
6. Security
We use reasonable safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted transmission where supported. No online service is perfectly secure, so we encourage you to use a strong password and keep your device up to date.
7. Children
Bark Buddies is not intended for children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us so we can remove it.
8. Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes may be announced in the app, on the website, or by email.
9. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy or account deletion requests can be sent to: support@barkbuddies.app.