Privacy Policy

Last updated: 3 May 2026

This privacy policy explains how the UK Assistance Dog Registry Directory (the "Directory"), operated by NS Design (trading as Assistance Dog Registry, "we", "us", "our"), collects, uses and protects information about you when you use directory.assistancedogregistry.co.uk.

1. Who we are

The Directory is run by NS Design, a UK-based business operating the Assistance Dog Registry (ADR). Our contact email for privacy matters is [email protected].

For UK GDPR purposes, we are the data controller for any personal data described in this policy.

2. What information we collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

  • Account information — if you claim a listing or register an account: your name, email address, phone number (optional), business name, business address, and any photos you upload.
  • Listing information — for businesses listed in the Directory before they have claimed a listing, we hold publicly-available business information (business name, address, phone number, website, opening hours, photos). This is sourced from public registers, Google Places and the businesses' own websites.
  • Contact-form information — if you contact us via a form on the Directory: your name, email and message content.
  • Technical information — standard server logs (IP address, browser, page visited, timestamps) and, with your consent, analytics cookies.
3. Why we collect it (lawful basis)

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR Article 6:

  • Legitimate interest for: maintaining a directory of UK pet-care businesses, contacting business owners about claiming or removing their public listing, and basic site analytics.
  • Consent for: setting non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing) and any optional marketing emails.
  • Contract for: providing services you have signed up to (e.g. claimed listings, paid features).
  • Legal obligation for: responding to lawful requests from regulators, courts or law enforcement.
4. Public business listings — your rights

If your business is listed in the Directory and you have not yet claimed it:

  • You may claim the listing for free via the link sent to your business email address. Claiming gives you full control over the content.
  • You may request removal at any time by emailing [email protected] with the listing URL. We will action removal within 7 days.
  • You may request correction of any inaccurate information at any time.

We hold pre-claim listings under the lawful basis of legitimate interest (operating a comprehensive UK pet-services directory, in line with established sector practice for sites like RCVS Find a Vet, Yell, and others). We have completed a Legitimate Interests Assessment which is available on request.

5. How we use your data
  • To operate the Directory and show your listing to users searching for pet services.
  • To contact you about your listing (e.g. claim invitations, listing-claim confirmations, password resets).
  • To respond to your enquiries.
  • To send our newsletter or service updates — only with your explicit opt-in.
  • To improve the Directory using anonymised analytics.
  • To enforce our Terms & Conditions and prevent fraud or abuse.
6. Who we share your data with

We do not sell your personal data to anyone, ever. We share data only with:

  • Service providers we use to operate the Directory (e.g. hosting, email delivery, payment processors). These providers are bound by contracts limiting their use of your data.
  • Authorities if legally required.
  • Other ADR services (e.g. the main Assistance Dog Registry) within the same business group, subject to this policy.
7. International transfers

Some of our service providers are based outside the UK (e.g. Mailchimp in the United States). When data is transferred internationally, we rely on UK adequacy decisions or Standard Contractual Clauses to ensure equivalent protection.

8. How long we keep your data
  • Account data: as long as your account is active, plus 12 months after closure.
  • Pre-claim listing data: as long as your business is publicly trading, or until you request removal.
  • Server logs: 30 days.
  • Marketing email subscriptions: until you unsubscribe, plus 24 months for compliance auditing.
9. Cookies

We use a minimal set of cookies. Only strictly necessary cookies (session, CSRF) are set without consent. Analytics and marketing cookies require your explicit opt-in. See our Cookie Policy for details.

10. Your rights under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate personal data
  • Delete your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restrict how we process your data
  • Object to processing based on legitimate interest
  • Port your data to another service in machine-readable format
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the lawful basis)
  • Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): ico.org.uk or 0303 123 1113.

To exercise any of these rights, email [email protected]. We respond within 30 days.

11. Security

We use industry-standard measures including HTTPS encryption, password hashing, regular software updates, restricted database access, and Cloudflare DDoS protection. No internet service is 100% secure, but we take security seriously and will notify affected users of any breach within 72 hours as required by law.

12. Children

The Directory is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with information, contact us and we will delete it.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect the most recent change. Significant changes will be notified by email to registered users.

14. Contact us

For any privacy-related question or to exercise your rights, contact: [email protected]