Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 2026

1. Introduction

Tails ("we", "our", or "us") is an Australian pet marketplace platform that respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles ("APPs") contained in Schedule 1 of the same.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application or website ("Platform").

Definitions used in the Tails Terms of Service apply to this Privacy Policy. To the extent of any inconsistency, terms defined in this Privacy Policy will prevail for the purpose of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

Account Information

  • name;
  • email address;
  • phone number;
  • password;
  • profile photo; and
  • account type.

Location Information

  • current GPS location (with permission);
  • city and postcode; and
  • country.

Listing Information (for Breeders)

  • pet photos and descriptions;
  • pet details (breed, age, price, etc.); and
  • Breeder bio and contact information.

Usage Information

  • Search queries
  • Browsing activity
  • Favourite listings
  • Messages sent and received
  • Analytics data (app interactions, crashes, performance)

Device Information

  • Device type and model
  • Operating system version
  • Unique device identifiers
  • IP address
  • Mobile network information

User-Submitted Content

  • Images, videos, and documents uploaded to the Platform
  • Messages and communications between users

Tails Reviewed Application Data

If you apply for Tails Reviewed, we may collect:

  • Breeder registration details and ID numbers;
  • uploaded veterinary records and supporting documents;
  • veterinary clinic name and contact details;
  • environment videos and related media; or
  • declarations and confirmations submitted.

Sensitive Information

Some information provided as part of the Tails Reviewed program (such as veterinary documentation) may be considered sensitive or confidential.

We only collect such information where it is:

  • voluntarily provided by you; and
  • reasonably necessary for the Tails Reviewed assessment process.

By submitting this information, you consent to us:

  • collecting, storing, and reviewing the information; and
  • using it solely for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

We do not use this information for marketing purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain the Platform
  • Create and manage user accounts
  • Connect Breeders and buyers
  • Display listings based on location
  • Facilitate messaging between users
  • Send important notifications
  • Improve and optimise the Platform
  • Analyse usage and performance
  • Detect and prevent fraud
  • Comply with legal obligations

Tails Reviewed

If you apply for the Tails Reviewed program, we may collect and process additional information, including:

  • breeder registration details and identification numbers
  • veterinary records and supporting documentation
  • veterinary clinic name and contact details
  • images or videos of breeding environments
  • declarations and confirmations submitted by you

We use this information to conduct a limited, point-in-time administrative review based on the materials you provide.

You acknowledge that:

  • the review is based primarily on information submitted by you;
  • we may not independently verify all information;
  • we may rely on third parties nominated by you (such as veterinary clinics) to confirm limited details; and
  • we may be unable to verify certain information.

Where necessary, we may contact nominated third parties solely for the purpose of confirming information you have provided.

We do not access confidential veterinary medical records beyond what is voluntarily submitted.

Submission of information for Tails Reviewed is voluntary. However, failure to provide requested information may result in your application being declined.

4. Storage of Data

Your data may be stored using secure third-party infrastructure, including:

  • Firebase (Google Cloud Platform) for authentication, database, and file storage
  • cloud hosting providers

Uploaded content—including documents, veterinary records, and videos—may be stored securely on third-party servers.

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information.

Public Profile Information

Visible to users:

  • Name
  • Profile photo
  • Bio
  • City and country
  • Subscription tier or badge

Private Information (Not Publicly Shared)

  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Exact location
  • Registration numbers
  • Uploaded documents

Service Providers

We may share data with:

  • Firebase / Google Cloud
  • analytics and performance tools
  • hosting providers
  • security and fraud prevention services

These providers only access what is necessary.

Legal Disclosure

We may disclose information if required by law or to protect users.

6. User Content Responsibility

You are responsible for the content you upload.

You should avoid uploading sensitive personal information unless necessary.

Tails does not guarantee the accuracy, authenticity, or legality of user-submitted content.

7. Data Security

We implement safeguards including:

  • encryption (SSL/TLS)
  • access controls
  • monitoring systems

We take reasonable steps to protect your data, but cannot guarantee absolute security.

7A. Notifiable Data Breaches

Australia's Notifiable Data Breaches ("NDB") scheme (Part IIIC of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)) requires us to notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner ("OAIC") if we become aware of an eligible data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to affected individuals.

An eligible data breach occurs where:

  • there is unauthorised access to, or disclosure of, personal information we hold; or
  • personal information is lost in circumstances where unauthorised access or disclosure is likely;

and, a reasonable person would conclude the breach is likely to result in serious harm to any affected individual.

Where an eligible data breach occurs, we will:

  • assess the breach as soon as practicable;
  • notify affected individuals at risk of serious harm directly (where possible), including a description of the breach, the kinds of information involved, and recommended steps individuals should take; and
  • notify the OAIC using the prescribed form.

We maintain internal procedures to identify, contain, and respond to data breaches promptly. If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, please contact us immediately at support@tailsaustralia.com.au.

8. Your Rights

You may:

  • access your data
  • correct inaccuracies
  • delete your account
  • withdraw consent
  • opt out of marketing

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@tailsaustralia.com.au. We aim to respond to all access and correction requests within 30 days of receipt. In some circumstances we may be unable to fulfil a request, in which case we will explain the reason in writing. You may also contact the OAIC at oaic.gov.au if you are unsatisfied with our response.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and while your account is active. After account deletion, we may retain certain information where required for legal, regulatory, or legitimate business purposes.

After account deletion:

  • listings are removed
  • some records may be retained for compliance
  • analytics may be anonymised

10. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies for analytics and security purposes. These include, but are not limited to:

  • essential or functional cookies to operate core Platform features;
  • analytics cookies to understand usage patterns and improve performance;
  • preference cookies to remember your settings; and
  • security cookies to detect and prevent fraud.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality. Third-party analytics providers (such as Google Analytics or Firebase) operate under their own cookie and privacy policies.

11. Third-Party Services

Third-party providers (such as Firebase and other analytics tools) operate under their own policies.

12. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Data may be stored outside Australia. We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate protection standards.

13. Children

Users must be over 18 years of age. Accounts of minors will be removed.

14. Changes

Tails may update this Privacy Policy at its sole discretion. Continued use constitutes deemed acceptance.

15. Contact

Email: support@tailsaustralia.com.au

16. Payments

Tails does not store payment details. Payments are handled by third parties (e.g. Apple, Stripe), who have their own terms and policies.

17. Consent

By using Tails, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

18. Tails Tag (Additional Privacy Terms)

18.1 Application of This Clause

This clause applies specifically to the Tails Tag product and related services ("Tails Tag"). It operates in addition to the rest of this Privacy Policy. To the extent of any inconsistency, this clause prevails in relation to the Tails Tag.

18.2 Additional Information We Collect

In connection with Tails Tag, we may collect additional personal information, including:

Pet Profile Information

  • pet name, breed, age, and description
  • photos and media
  • medical notes or special instructions
  • emergency contact details
  • any other information you choose to include

Important: Pet profile information may be publicly accessible to any person who scans your pet's QR/NFC tag. This visibility is essential to the functionality of the service.

18.3 Shipping and Order Information

When purchasing a Tails Tag, we may collect:

  • full name
  • delivery address
  • contact phone number (where required)

18.4 Payment Processing

Payments for Tails Tag are processed by third-party providers. We do not store full credit or debit card details. We may retain transaction records for accounting, legal, and compliance purposes.

18.5 QR Scan Data and Location Information

When a Tails Tag is scanned, we may collect:

  • approximate location data (if permitted by the scanning device)
  • date and time of scan
  • device or browser information

You acknowledge that:

  • location data depends on third-party permissions;
  • it may not always be available; and
  • it may be inaccurate or delayed.

18.6 SMS Communications

If you provide your phone number in connection with Tails Tag, you consent to receiving transactional SMS messages, including:

  • scan notifications
  • lost pet alerts
  • service-related updates

SMS messages are delivered via third-party providers and may not be guaranteed. You may withdraw consent at any time.

18.7 Public Visibility of Information

By using Tails Tag, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • certain pet profile information is intentionally made publicly accessible;
  • this information may be viewed by any person who scans the QR tag; and
  • Tails is not responsible for how third parties use or act on that information once accessed.

You should avoid including sensitive personal information that you do not wish to make public.

18.8 Use of Information

We use Tails Tag-related information to:

  • provide QR-based identification services;
  • link physical tags to digital profiles;
  • send scan notifications and alerts;
  • maintain and improve the service; and
  • ensure system functionality and security.

18.9 Disclosure of Information

In addition to the disclosures set out elsewhere in this Privacy Policy, Tails may share Tails Tag-related data with:

  • SMS providers (e.g. Twilio)
  • hosting and database providers (e.g. Google Cloud / Firebase)
  • payment processors (e.g. Stripe)
  • shipping providers (e.g. Australia Post)
  • veterinary clinics nominated by Breeders (for limited verification purposes)

These providers may process data outside Australia.

18.10 Data Retention and Deactivation

If you:

  • deactivate your Tails Tag; or
  • delete your account

then:

  • your pet profile may be removed;
  • your QR tag will no longer function; and
  • personal information will be deleted in accordance with this Privacy Policy, unless required to be retained by law.

18.11 Relationship with Platform

Tails Tag operates as a separate product from the Tails marketplace. Information collected via Tails Tag:

  • is not used to verify Breeders;
  • is not part of the Tails Reviewed process; and
  • does not constitute identity verification of any user.