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Privacy Policy

  1. Introduction & Scope
    1. Animal Dermatology Specialist Pty Ltd (Animal Dermatology Specialist Pty Ltd as trustee for ADS Family Trust ABN 33 959 516 772) (“we”, “us”, “our”, “ADS”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
    2. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, disclose, and otherwise manage personal information in the context of our website https://animalderm.com.au/, our clinical and veterinary services, and related operations.
    3. This Policy applies to all personal information we handle, whether collected online, in person, via third parties, or otherwise.
    4. In some cases (e.g. staff, contractors, employment), additional privacy policies or clauses may apply.
  2. What is “Personal Information” & Sensitive Information
    1. This Policy applies to personal information collected or held by us in connection with our services, website, bookings, communications, veterinary care, and related operations.
    2. If you provide personal data to a third party or external service not controlled by us, that provider’s privacy practices may apply. We endeavour to engage providers with adequate privacy controls.
    3. If in any jurisdiction local privacy laws impose stricter requirements, those may also apply.
  3. What Personal Information We Collect
    1. We collect personal (and sometimes sensitive) information in several ways, as needed to provide our services. The types of information may include: 
      1. Your name, date of birth (or approximate age), gender
      2. Contact details (email address, phone, postal address)
      3. Veterinary and pet-related data: species, breed, age, medical history, treatment records, diagnostics
      4. Booking or appointment information
      5. Billing, payment information and insurer
      6. Communications with us (emails, messages, referrals)
      7. Website usage and analytics (IP address, device type, browser, cookies)
      8. Other information as required for service provision, legal obligations, or as consented by you
    2. We generally collect this information: 
      1. Directly from you (e.g. via website forms, calls, clinic visits)
      2. From third parties (e.g. your regular veterinarian through referral processes)
      3. Automatically (e.g. through cookies, web analytics)
    3. We will not collect sensitive information unless you consent, or unless required or permitted by law (e.g. for animal health records).
  4. Why We Collect Your Personal Information (Purposes)
    1. We collect personal information for purposes that are reasonably necessary, directly related, or otherwise lawful. These include: 
      1. Providing clinical assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care
      2. Managing bookings, appointments, and scheduling
      3. Billing, invoicing, claim processing with insurers
      4. Communicating with you (appointment reminders, follow-ups, information)
      5. Improving our services, research, analytics (in de-identified form where possible)
      6. Marketing and promotional communications (with your consent or ability to opt out)
      7. Complying with legal, regulatory, or reporting obligations
      8. Responding to enquiries, feedback, complaints
    2. We will not use your personal information for purposes beyond these without further consent (unless required by law).
  5. Disclosure & Sharing of Personal Information
    1. We may disclose or share your personal or sensitive information:
      1. To veterinarians, referral clinics, or other animal health professionals for continuity of care
      2. To third-party service providers (e.g. payment processors, booking platforms, analytics, IT hosting) operating under confidentiality / privacy obligations
      3. To insurers or third parties you authorise (for claims processing)
      4. When required by law, court order, or government regulation
      5. In emergencies, when necessary to protect health or safety
      6. With de-identified or aggregated data for research or reporting
  6. Data Storage, Security and Cross-border Handling
    1. Personal information is stored securely, both physically and electronically, using encrypted, role-based access systems.
    2. Cloud-based systems and third-party service providers may store or process personal information in locations outside Australia. We take reasonable contractual, technical, and organisational measures to ensure overseas recipients handle information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and comparable privacy standards.
    3. Data is retained only as long as necessary for service provision, legal obligations, or operational purposes, and securely destroyed or anonymised when no longer required.
  7. Cookies, Analytics & Automated Technologies
    1. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to help operate our website, understand usage, and improve user experience.
    2. Some cookies are essential (for site functionality), and others are optional (analytics, performance). You may disable non-essential cookies via your browser settings (though that may limit functionality).
    3. We may use third-party analytics providers or services (e.g. Google Analytics). Their use is governed by their privacy policies.
    4. Any automated decision-making, profiling, or algorithms that use personal data will be disclosed to you, and you may have rights to challenge or request human oversight under relevant law.
  8. Access, Correction & Deletion
    1. Under the APPs, you have rights to: 
      1. Request access to the personal information we hold about you
      2. Request correction of your personal information if inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date
      3. Request deletion or anonymisation, subject to legal and operational constraints
    2. To make a request, contact us using the details below. We may require verification of your identity before fulfilling requests.
    3. In some cases, we may refuse or partially refuse a request (e.g. due to legal constraints, protecting confidentiality, or third-party privacy). If we do so, we will provide reasons and review rights.
  9. Marketing Communications & Your Choices
    1. With your consent, we may send you marketing communications (e.g. newsletters, promotions, educational content).
    2. You can opt out of marketing at any time (e.g. via unsubscribe links, contacting us).
    3. If you withdraw consent, we may still send you transactional or service-related messages (e.g. appointment reminders) where necessary for the service.
  10. Complaints, Queries & Contact
    1. If you believe we have mishandled your personal information or breached privacy obligations, you may lodge a complaint by contacting us.
    2. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, investigate, and take corrective action if required.
  11. Changes to Our Privacy Policy
    1. We may update or revise this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices.
    2. Continued use of our website or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.