Privacy policy

Tidy Ted’s Dog Grooming is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect about you and your dog, how it is stored (both digitally and on paper), how it is used, and your rights regarding your data.

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1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

To provide safe, professional 1:1 grooming services, Tidy Ted’s collects and stores the following information:

• Client details — name, address, phone numbers, and email address.  

• Dog details — name, age, breed, colour, gender, and relevant background information.  

• Grooming history — blades and combs used, areas scissored, nails trimmed, products used, and dates of visits.  

• Behaviour notes — temperament, sensitivities, likes/dislikes, or any behavioural concerns.  

• Health observations — medical issues you inform us of or that we identify during grooming (e.g., lumps, warts, skin issues, heart murmurs).

This information may be stored in two formats:

Digital Records - Secure, password‑protected online database used for grooming notes, appointment history, and client contact details.

Paper Registration Forms - Your initial registration form is completed on paper and stored securely in a locked filing system.  

These forms contain your contact details, your dog’s details, and any relevant health or behavioural information.

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2. EVIDENCE & WELFARE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tidy Ted’s Dog Grooming may take photographs during the grooming process for legitimate business and welfare purposes, including:

• Documenting matting  
• Recording pre‑existing injuries or skin conditions  
• Providing evidence in the event of a complaint or claim  
• Supporting discussions with owners about coat condition or welfare  

These photographs are not used for marketing unless you have given explicit consent.

Storage

• Evidence/welfare photos are stored securely in the Tidy Ted’s email account.  
• They are not shared with any third party unless required for:
• insurance purposes  
• legal defence  
• veterinary advice (with your knowledge)

Retention

• Photos are kept for up to 3 years, in line with our record‑keeping and liability protection policy.  
• After this period, they are permanently deleted unless required for an ongoing claim.

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3. HOW YOUR INFORMATION IS USED

Your information is used only for purposes directly related to grooming services, including:

• Appointment management — booking, confirming, rescheduling, and reminders.  

• Dog collection/drop‑off communication — contacting you when your dog is ready or if we need to reach you urgently.  

• Record keeping — maintaining accurate grooming and health notes for your dog’s wellbeing.  

• Customer service — responding to enquiries or concerns.  

• Marketing communications — sending vouchers, promotions, seasonal reminders, or review requests (you may opt out at any time).

Your name, your dog’s name, and your contact number may also be stored on the Tidy Ted’s business phone for regular clients. No additional information is stored on the device.

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4. WEBSITE & COOKIES

You may browse the Tidy Ted’s website without providing personal information.  

Our website provider may collect standard technical data such as:

• IP address  
• Browser type  
• Operating system  
• Pages visited and time of visit  

Cookies may be used to analyse website traffic. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

If you submit an enquiry through the website, your contact details will be used solely to respond to your message or manage your appointment.

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5. DATA STORAGE & RETENTION

Digital Records

• Stored securely in a password‑protected online system.  
• Accessible only to Tidy Ted’s Dog Grooming.

Paper Records

• Stored in a locked filing system.  
• Access restricted to Tidy Ted’s Dog Grooming.

Retention Period

• You may request to view your record at any time.  
• If you move away, you may request a copy of your dog’s grooming history.  
• Non‑returning client files (digital and paper) are destroyed after 3 years of no attendance.

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6. DATA SHARING

Tidy Ted’s Dog Grooming does not share any client or dog information with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.

All data is processed in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act.

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7. SOCIAL MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MARKETING

Tidy Ted’s may take photographs of dogs for progress tracking or promotional use.  

Clients may opt out at any time by informing us at booking, drop‑off, or via message.

Photos taken for safety or veterinary documentation are used internally only.

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8. MALICIOUS COMMUNICATIONS & DEFAMATION

Under the Malicious Communications Act 1998, Tidy Ted’s will not tolerate slander, malicious falsehood, or defamatory statements on social media relating to grooming outcomes caused by:

• severely matted coats  
• lack of coat maintenance at home  
• refusal of recommended grooming plans  
• miscommunication  

We encourage clients to raise concerns directly so they can be resolved professionally.

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9. YOUR RIGHTS

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your data  
• Request corrections  
• Request deletion  
• Withdraw consent  
• Request a copy of your dog’s record  

To exercise any of these rights, please contact Tidy Ted’s directly.