1. Who we are
Frens is operated by Doogital Tech PTY (LTD). This policy covers the Frens website and apps, including pet profiles, care records, provider services and community features. For privacy questions or requests, contact support@doogitaltech.com.
2. Information we collect
We collect information you provide when creating and using an account, such as your name, email address, profile information, city and country, and notification preferences. For password accounts, we store a password hash rather than the original password.
If you choose Google sign-in, we use the identity information Google supplies with your permission, including your Google account identifier, email address, email verification status and available basic profile information, to create or authenticate your Frens account. Signing in does not give Frens access to your Gmail messages, Google Drive files or contacts.
You may provide pet identity and health information, photographs, documents, memories, routines, care plans, shared-access invitations, bookings and provider profile information. Pet information can become personal information when linked to an identifiable owner or caregiver. Upload only information you are entitled to share.
We also process community posts, comments, reactions, reports and other interactions you submit. When you choose location-based features, we may use the location you enter or the device location you permit. You can decline device location access and use a manually selected area.
Technical information may include request times, IP addresses, device/browser information, authentication and security events, and application error logs. The app uses local storage and necessary cookies for sessions, account actions and settings. Third-party sign-in services may use their own cookies under their policies.
3. How we use information
We use information to create and protect accounts, provide requested pet-care and community features, apply your sharing permissions, process bookings, send requested reminders and essential account messages, investigate abuse, diagnose faults and meet legal obligations.
Depending on the activity, processing is necessary to provide the service you request, pursue legitimate service and security interests, meet a legal obligation, or act on your consent. Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw it; this does not undo lawful processing that occurred before withdrawal.
Reading recommendations may use your pet's species, breed and accessible care information. If you use the online guidance search, your entered question and pet species/breed may be sent to the search provider as explained in that feature. Avoid entering names, contact details or other private information into search questions.
5. Storage and security
We use measures such as encrypted connections, account authentication and access controls to protect information. No online service can guarantee absolute security. Protect your credentials and report suspected account misuse promptly.
Our hosting and service providers may process information in South Africa and other countries. Cross-border processing is subject to applicable data-protection requirements, including appropriate contractual or other lawful safeguards. Choosing a South African hosting region does not mean every third-party service processes information only in South Africa.
6. Retention and account closure
We retain information for as long as reasonably needed to provide the service, maintain shared records, resolve disputes, protect security or comply with legal obligations. Retention depends on the type of record and its purpose. Backup copies may remain until their normal replacement or deletion cycle.
Account closure disables sign-in and revokes active sessions; it does not immediately erase all records. Shared pet and care records, bookings, transaction information and security/audit records may need to remain. To request personal-data deletion, contact us so we can assess the request, verify your authority and explain any information that must be retained. You can request an account-closure link separately.
7. Your choices and rights
You can update available profile fields and preferences, review shared pet access, and manage device permissions. You may request access to or correction of your personal information, request deletion, object to processing where applicable, or withdraw consent where it is the basis for processing. We may need to verify your identity before responding. Essential security and account messages may still be needed to operate your account.
Send requests to support@doogitaltech.com. If you believe your information has been handled unlawfully, you may also contact South Africa's Information Regulator or your applicable data-protection authority.
Frens is intended for people with legal capacity to agree to its terms, or an appropriately authorised representative. If a child has provided personal information without the required authority, contact us so we can investigate and take appropriate action.
8. Changes and contact
We may update this policy as the service or legal requirements change. The effective date appears above. We will provide appropriate notice of material changes.
Doogital Tech PTY (LTD)
support@doogitaltech.com