Privacy Policy
Last updated: Dec 22, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how PawMap ("PawMap", "we", "us") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our mobile app and related services (the "Service").
If you have questions, contact us at help@paw-map.com.
What we collect
Information you provide
- Account information: email address (if you sign up with email), and authentication identifiers for Apple/Google sign-in.
- Profile information: username/handle, display name, optional dog details (name, breed, age, gender, neutered/spayed), and optional status messages you share while walking.
- Content you upload: profile photo/avatar.
Information collected when you use the app
- Location data (core feature): precise location (when you grant permission) to show your position on the map and enable sharing while you are "Out Walking"; live/roaming location while roaming is enabled, including recent coordinates and timestamps.
- Device and app data: device identifiers used for push notifications (Firebase Cloud Messaging token), app version, and basic diagnostic logs/crash reports.
- Usage data: basic events necessary to operate the Service (e.g., starting/stopping a walk, accepting a friend request).
Information from third parties
- Apple / Google: if you sign in using those providers, we receive a secure identifier and may receive your email depending on your provider settings.
- Firebase (Google): provides authentication, database, storage, and push notification delivery infrastructure.
How we use your information
- Create and manage your account and authenticate you.
- Provide core features: profile creation, friends, map display, and live walking sessions.
- Enable location sharing with your chosen visibility settings.
- Send notifications you request or expect.
- Maintain safety, integrity, and security of the Service.
- Debug and improve reliability (e.g., crash reports, performance diagnostics).
How location sharing works
- PawMap only shares your location when you enable roaming ("I'm Out Walking") and you have granted the required permissions.
- You can stop sharing anytime by stopping roaming.
- By default, location sharing is friends-only.
- Your location may be used to compute distances and show friend markers on the map.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal information.
- With your friends: your profile details and live walking status/location when you are sharing and when the friend relationship exists.
- With service providers: Firebase services (Authentication, Firestore, Storage, Cloud Functions, Messaging).
- For legal/safety reasons: if required by law, or to protect users, prevent fraud/abuse, or enforce our terms.
Data retention
- Live walking data is designed to be short-lived and used to power the map experience.
- Some location-related records may be retained for a limited period for reliability and abuse prevention.
- We aim to delete or anonymize location history according to our retention policy as the product matures.
Your choices and controls
- Control permissions (Location, Notifications) in iOS Settings at any time.
- Stop location sharing by turning off roaming.
- Edit your profile information.
- Delete your account from within the app (Settings → Delete Account).
Security
We use reasonable safeguards designed to protect your information (including access controls and security rules). No system is 100% secure.
Children's privacy
PawMap is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
International transfers
Our service providers may process data in countries other than your own. We take steps to protect your information when it is processed internationally.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If changes are material, we will provide notice in the app. The "Last updated" date will reflect the latest version.
Contact
Questions or requests: help@paw-map.com