Privacy policy.

Last updated: 14/12/2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Lighthouse Canine Behaviour ("I", "me", "my") collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and professional standards expected by the ABTC, APBC and CCAB.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in a lawful, fair, transparent, and professional manner, consistent with recognised ethical and clinical standards for animal behaviour practice.

2. Data Controller

The data controller is:

Name: Sadie Rowland
Business name: Lighthouse Canine Behaviour
Address: Available on request
Email: info@lighthousecaninebehaviour.com

3. What Personal Data I Collect

I may collect and process the following types of personal data:

a) Client Information

  • Name

  • Address

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

b) Animal Information

  • Animal name, species, breed, age, sex

  • Behavioural history and presenting issues

  • Veterinary details and relevant medical history (with your consent)

c) Consultation Records

  • Assessment notes

  • Behaviour plans and reports

  • Follow-up communications

d) Payment and Administrative Data

  • Invoices and payment records

e) Website and Communication Data

  • Emails or messages sent to me

  • Website enquiry forms

  • IP address and basic analytics

4. Special Category Data

Clinical animal behaviour work may involve special category data, including information relating to your physical or mental health, household circumstances, or other sensitive information where relevant to the animal’s behaviour and welfare.

I only process special category data:

  • With your explicit consent, and

  • Where it is necessary for the safe, ethical, and effective provision of clinical animal behaviour services

This information is treated with heightened confidentiality and is accessed only where professionally necessary.

5. How I Use Your Data

Your personal data is used to:

  • Provide clinical animal behaviour services

  • Communicate with you about appointments and follow-ups

  • Create behaviour assessments and plans

  • Liaise with veterinary professionals (with consent)

  • Maintain accurate professional records

  • Comply with legal, regulatory, and insurance requirements

6. Lawful Bases for Processing

Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract – to deliver the services you have requested

  • Consent – particularly for special category data and veterinary liaison

  • Legal obligation – for tax, accounting, and regulatory purposes

  • Legitimate interests – to manage my professional practice appropriately

7. Data Sharing

Your personal data is shared only where necessary, appropriate, and consistent with ABPC, ABTC and CCAB standards of professional conduct.

This may include sharing relevant information with:

  • Veterinary surgeons (with your consent)

  • Other ABTC, CCAB -registered practitioners, where collaboration is clinically appropriate

  • Professional supervisors, mentors, or assessors (anonymised or minimised where possible)

  • Professional indemnity insurers

  • Accountants or bookkeepers

Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only and never for marketing purposes. I will never sell your personal data.

8. Data Storage and Security

I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

  • Password-protected devices and accounts

  • Encrypted storage where possible

  • Secure cloud-based systems compliant with UK/EU data protection standards

  • Limiting access to personal data to only those who need it

9. Data Retention

Personal data is retained in accordance with ABPC, ABTC and CCAB record-keeping expectations, professional indemnity insurance requirements, and legal obligations.

  • Client and animal behaviour records are typically retained for 7 years after the last professional contact

  • Financial records are retained for at least 6 years in line with HMRC requirements.

At the end of the retention period, data is securely deleted, anonymised, or destroyed.

10. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request erasure of your data (where applicable)

  • Restrict processing

  • Object to processing

  • Data portability

  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact me using the details above.

11. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your data has been handled, please contact me first at info@lighthousecaninebehaviour.com so I can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, ICO guidance, or APBC/ABTC/CCAB professional standards. The most recent version will always be available on request or on my website.