ZOLA’S PAW PROJECT

Privacy Policy v1.0

Last Updated: 26 January 2025

1. Introduction

Zola’s Paw Project (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to safeguarding the privacy of every supporter, volunteer, and visitor (“you”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and, where relevant, international data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Who We Are

At Zola’s Paw Project, we provide:

• Communal feeding stations in under-resourced communities
• Community education on dog nutrition and basic veterinary care
• Foster and adoption programs for at-risk dogs

Because we work with donors, volunteers, and the general public, we are legally obligated to handle any personal information responsibly and securely.

3. Personal Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary for legitimate operational needs, which may include:

1. Contact Details: Your name (optional if you wish to remain anonymous), email address
2. Donation Details: Amount donated, date of donation, and any preference for public acknowledgment.
3. Volunteer/Member Details: Skills, expertise, location, or availability if you volunteer or join as a member.
4. Other Information: Photographs, testimonials, or feedback you share (e.g., stories of rescued animals).

We avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless strictly necessary (e.g., to accommodate special volunteering conditions) and only with your explicit consent.

4. How & Why We Process Your Information

We only process personal data for legitimate purposes, including:

• Facilitating Donations: Ensuring contributions are received and tracked correctly.
• Maintaining Records: Issuing tax receipts where applicable, and providing donor acknowledgments if opted in.
• Coordinating Volunteers: Matching volunteer skills to tasks or events.
• Improving Services: Identifying areas in need of feeding stations or additional outreach.
• Legal & Compliance: Satisfying accounting, auditing, or statutory requirements.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under POPIA, personal information must be processed lawfully, with your knowledge and/or consent unless another legal basis applies. Where GDPR is relevant, we rely on:

• Consent: Where you freely provide your details (e.g., for donations or newsletter sign-ups).
• Legitimate Interests: Managing volunteer activities and fulfilling organizational objectives.
• Legal Obligations: Complying with auditing or governmental reporting duties.

6. Data Sharing & Disclosures

1. Donor Acknowledgment: With your permission, we may display your name or donation tier on our website. You can remain anonymous if you choose.
2. Third-Party Services: We may use payment processors or partner organizations (e.g., local shelters) to process donations or coordinate rescues. These parties must also comply with POPIA and relevant data protection laws.
3. Cross-Border Transfers: If our service providers or cloud storage solutions are located outside of South Africa, we ensure appropriate safeguards (such as contracts or encryption) to comply with POPIA and GDPR-equivalent standards.
4. Legal Requirements: We may disclose personal information if required by law, court order, or a legitimate government request.

7. Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use cookies or similar tracking tools on our website to enhance user experience and gather basic analytics. You can refuse or manage cookies via your browser settings or our cookie-consent banner. Essential cookies (for security and basic functionality) generally cannot be disabled.

8. Data Retention & Security

1. Retention Period: We store personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined or as required by law. Afterward, we securely delete or anonymize the data.
2. Security Measures: Access controls restrict data handling to authorized staff or volunteers; we use SSL/TLS for online forms and secure databases; and we regularly review our security procedures.

9. Your Rights & Choices

Under POPIA and other applicable laws, you have the right to access, correct, or withdraw consent for the processing of your personal information. You may also object to certain types of processing (e.g., direct marketing) and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your data has been mishandled.

10. Children’s Personal Information

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without the consent of a competent person (as defined by POPIA). If we discover that we have collected a child’s data without such consent, we will promptly delete or anonymize it.

11. Updates & Version Control

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our operations or compliance requirements. The updated version will be posted on our website, with the new “Last Updated” date shown. Where material changes occur, we will notify you via email or a prominent notice on our site.

12. Contact & Further Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:

By engaging with Zola’s Paw Project—whether through donations, volunteering, or visiting our website—you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.