Your privacy

Updated September 6, 2026 · Version 2026-09-06

ScanForRescue is a pet identification project operated personally by Guy Desbiens in Ontario, Canada. It is not an incorporated company. PawID is the name used within the application.

What we collect and why

We use your name, email address and sign-in information to provide and protect your account. Google/Firebase handles authentication, including passwords and Google Sign-In. We store pet details, uploaded photos, contact numbers, tag assignments and the information you enter so you can manage profiles and help a finder contact you.

What becomes public

Connecting a QR tag makes the pet photo, name, breed, species, sex, age, colour and description available to anyone with the tag link. The connection screen lets you choose whether to publish the primary phone number, alternate contact and pet medical notes shown in its preview. Do not put your home address, human medical information or other sensitive information in the description or photo.

A public QR link is not a password. Other people can copy, forward, photograph or save its contents. Retiring the tag stops public access through our service, but cannot recall copies already made. Only add another person’s contact details with their permission. Accounts, private pet records and finder messages are not offered as a public directory.

Finder messages and location

If you send a finder message, the pet’s account owner receives your message, optional name and any location you choose to attach. Location is requested only when you press Share my location and allow browser permission. It is a one-time location, not continuous tracking. You can remove it before sending. You can help without sharing a name or location, including by calling the owner.

Service providers and browser storage

Google/Firebase provides hosting, authentication, database and photo storage. Browser storage keeps your sign-in session and a pending tag connection. Requests may generate security and service logs, including IP address, browser information and timestamps. Google Sign-In, map links and remotely hosted demonstration photos contact their respective providers. Data may be processed outside Canada and may be subject to foreign laws; we do not promise Canadian-only storage.

We do not sell your personal information or use account registration as marketing consent. Essential account and recovery communications are separate from promotions. Any future optional marketing or non-essential tracking will require a separate review and appropriate choice.

Retention and deletion

Pet and account information is kept while needed to provide the service. You can edit your pet details, retire a tag or request access, correction or deletion. Deletion requests are handled by the operator after identity verification; removing an account requires removal of its public profiles, uploaded photos and linked finder reports too. We retain only information necessary for legal obligations, security or resolving a dispute, and explain applicable exceptions. Provider logs, backups and copies saved by other people may not disappear immediately.

Finder messages and locations should be kept only while needed for recovery. Contact us to remove a message or location you sent; include the tag link and approximate sending time, not more personal information than necessary.

Your choices and questions

Contact desbiens329@gmail.com to access or correct your information, withdraw optional sharing consent, request deletion, report a privacy concern or ask about safeguards and service providers. We may need to verify your identity to protect the account. We aim to respond to access requests within 30 days and will explain any lawful extension. You can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Material changes to how we use information will be explained before new uses begin, with fresh consent where required.