Information We Collect
Woof Spots collects information to provide better services to our users. We collect the following types of information:
- Contest Submissions: When you enter our monthly contest, we collect your pup's name, your name, email address, optional daycare name, city, state, photo, and caption.
- Email Communications: If you sign up for our newsletter or contest notifications, we collect your email address.
- Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you interact with our site, including IP address for rate limiting and abuse prevention.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Contest Administration: To manage contest entries, voting, and prize distribution
- Communication: To send contest updates, winner announcements, and optional newsletter content
- Fraud Prevention: IP tracking for rate limiting and preventing abuse (e.g., vote manipulation)
- Service Improvement: To understand how users interact with our platform and improve our services
Email Marketing & Consent
When you submit a contest entry, you may opt-in to receive:
- Contest winner announcements
- Future contest notifications
- Dog care tips and resources
You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email we send.
Data Storage & Security
Your data is stored securely on Vercel's infrastructure with industry-standard encryption. We retain contest data for the duration of the contest period and winner announcement. Email addresses are retained until you unsubscribe. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
IP Tracking & Rate Limiting
We track IP addresses to prevent voting abuse and ensure fair contest results. This includes:
- Rate limiting voting to 10 votes per hour per IP address
- Detecting and blocking automated voting scripts
- IP data is stored temporarily and not used for any other purpose
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services:
- UploadThing: For secure photo uploads
- Resend: For sending email notifications
- Vercel: For hosting and database services
These services have their own privacy policies governing their use of your information.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal data
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Opt-out of email communications at any time
- Withdraw contest submissions (contact us before voting period ends)
Children's Privacy
Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.
Last Updated: October 2025
Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact us through our website.