Privacy Policy Overview
Last Updated: March 1, 2025
At Valiant Heart Companions, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any way.
By using our website and services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your information and how we will treat it.
Information We Collect
We collect information in several ways:
Personal Information You Provide
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Complete an application for our services
- Make a donation
- Sign up for our newsletter
- Contact us with inquiries
- Participate in surveys or promotional events
- Apply to volunteer or work with us
This information may include your name, email address, postal address, phone number, payment information, and any other information you choose to provide.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and your interaction with our website. This information may include:
- IP address and browser type
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on those pages
- Referral sources
- Device information
We collect this information using cookies and similar technologies. See our Cookie Policy section for more information.
Sensitive Information
Due to the nature of our services, we may collect sensitive information related to trauma and personal health history from program applicants. This information is only collected with explicit consent and is used solely for determining program eligibility and providing appropriate services.
How We Use Your Information
We may use the information we collect for various purposes, including:
- Providing and managing our services
- Processing donations and transactions
- Communicating with you about our programs, events, and fundraising activities
- Responding to your inquiries and requests
- Improving our website and services
- Conducting research and analysis to better serve our community
- Complying with legal obligations
- Protecting our rights and preventing fraud
Special Note About Applicant Information
Information collected through our service dog application process is used solely for evaluating eligibility, matching appropriate service dogs, and providing ongoing support. Access to this information is strictly limited to staff directly involved in the application review process and service provision.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We value your privacy and are committed to maintaining your trust. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, and providing services to you. These service providers have agreed to keep your information confidential and secure, and they are only permitted to use your information for the purposes we specify.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when we believe it is necessary to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, protect our or others' rights, property, or safety, or respond to a court order, legal process, or government request.
Organizational Changes
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your information.
With Your Consent
We may share your information with third parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.
Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities on our website. Cookies are small data files that are placed on your device when you visit a website.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems.
- Performance Cookies: These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site.
- Functional Cookies: These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization.
- Targeting Cookies: These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests.
Managing Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. However, if you limit the ability of websites to set cookies, you may worsen your overall user experience and/or lose functionality.
Data Security
We have implemented appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the personal information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
We take the following security measures:
- We use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online
- We limit access to personal information to authorized personnel only
- We regularly review our information collection, storage, and processing practices
- We implement physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards designed to protect your information
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Update
You have the right to access and update the personal information we hold about you. You can update your contact information by contacting us directly.
Opt-Out of Communications
You can opt-out of receiving promotional emails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions in those emails. Even if you opt-out, we may still send you non-promotional communications, such as those about your account or our ongoing business relations.
Delete Your Information
In certain circumstances, you may have the right to request that we delete your personal information.
Data Portability
You may have the right to receive a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.
Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe our processing of your personal information violates applicable law.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in the "Contact Us" section below.
Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.
If you are a parent or guardian and you believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we can delete the information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Your continued use of our website and services after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Valiant Heart Companions
1635 WEST DAUGHTERY ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33810
Email: privacy@vhcompanions.org
We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible and within the timeframe required by applicable law.
Contact Us