PRIVACY POLICY
World Pet Obesity Association
Last updated: July 20, 2026
1. WHO WE ARE
The World Pet Obesity Association (“WPOA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a global, veterinary-led organization focused on advancing the recognition, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of clinical obesity and related health effects in companion animals.
WPOA develops clinical resources, educational materials, research initiatives, professional guidance, and collaborative programs for veterinary professionals, pet owners, researchers, and allied organizations.
The organization responsible for the personal information described in this Privacy Policy is:
Legal entity: World Pet Obesity Association
Mailing address:
1108 New Pointe Blvd.
Ste 130 PMB 1005
Leland, NC 28451
United States
Email: info@worldpetobesity.org
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information when you visit our website, contact us, subscribe to communications, register for an event, participate in a survey or research program, or otherwise interact with WPOA.
2. SUMMARY OF OUR PRIVACY PRACTICES
• We collect information you choose to provide, such as your name, email address, professional affiliation, survey responses, or event-registration information.
• We may automatically collect limited technical and usage information when you visit our website.
• We use personal information to operate our website, respond to inquiries, deliver requested communications, administer programs, support research, maintain security, and improve our resources.
• We do not sell or rent personal information.
• We may provide information to service providers that help us operate our website, communications, surveys, events, and other organizational activities.
• Some programs promoted through our website may be administered by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (“APOP”), WPOA, or both organizations. The notice accompanying the relevant form or program will identify the responsible organization or organizations.
• Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to certain uses of your personal information.
• No method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, but we use reasonable safeguards designed to protect the information entrusted to us.
3. SCOPE OF THIS POLICY
This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected through WPOA-controlled services, including:
• WPOA contact forms and direct communications
• WPOA email newsletters and updates
• WPOA event and webinar registrations
• WPOA surveys, research forms, and professional programs
• Other services that link directly to this Privacy Policy
A particular survey, research project, event, or collaborative program may provide an additional privacy notice. That notice supplements this Privacy Policy and governs the relevant program to the extent that it provides more specific information or conflicts with this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to:
• Websites, forms, applications, or platforms operated independently by third parties
• APOP programs that identify APOP as the organization responsible for the information collected
• Third-party services that provide their own privacy notices
We encourage you to review the privacy notice presented when you follow a link, open an external form, or use a third-party service.
4. DEFINITIONS
“Personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or can reasonably be associated with an identified or identifiable individual. It may also be referred to as “personal data” under some laws.
Examples include a person’s name, email address, telephone number, professional affiliation, online identifiers, or information submitted through a form.
“Processing” means any action performed on personal information, including collecting, recording, organizing, using, storing, sharing, analyzing, anonymizing, or deleting it.
“De-identified” or “aggregated information” means information that has been processed so that it does not reasonably identify an individual. Information that can still be linked or restored to an identifiable person remains personal information.
5. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
5.1 Information You Provide
We may collect personal information when you:
• Subscribe to newsletters or organizational updates
• Register for an event, webinar, survey, or professional program
• Complete a research, clinic, or educational form
• Contact us with a question, request, comment, or media inquiry
• Apply to participate in a collaborative initiative
• Communicate with us by email or through another channel
Depending on the interaction, this information may include:
• Name and professional title
• Email address and telephone number
• Country, state, province, or region
• Veterinary clinic, university, company, nonprofit, or organizational affiliation
• Professional role, credentials, or specialty
• Communication and subscription preferences
• Event-registration and attendance information
• Survey responses and research-related information
• Clinic characteristics, patient population information, or practice-level information
• Pet ownership information, such as the number or species of animals in a household
• The contents of messages, questions, feedback, or other correspondence
Please do not submit client names, medical record numbers, owner contact information, human health information, or other sensitive personal information unless a specific form expressly requests it and provides an appropriate notice.
Information about an animal may become personal information when it is linked to an identifiable owner, veterinarian, clinic, research participant, or other person.
5.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect limited technical and usage information, including:
• Internet Protocol address
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• General location derived from an IP address
• Pages viewed and links selected
• Date, time, and duration of a visit
• Referring website or source
• Website navigation and interaction information
• Cookie identifiers and similar technologies
• Information used to detect errors, fraud, abuse, or security threats
We use this information to operate and secure the website, understand general usage, diagnose technical problems, and improve content and functionality.
5.3 Information Received From Other Sources
We may receive personal information from:
• Website-hosting and form providers
• Email and communication platforms
• Event, webinar, and registration providers
• Survey and research platforms
• APOP or another collaborating organization
• Professional, academic, or research partners
• Social media platforms, when you interact with our pages or content
When we receive personal information from another organization, we use it only for purposes that are consistent with the circumstances in which it was collected, applicable agreements, and relevant law.
5.4 Sensitive Personal Information
WPOA does not intentionally collect sensitive personal information unless it is reasonably necessary for a specifically identified program, research activity, or legal requirement.
If a program requires sensitive personal information, the related form or notice will explain:
• What information is requested
• Why it is needed
• The legal basis for collecting it
• Who may access it
• How long it will be retained
• Any additional rights or choices available to participants
6. APOP AND COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS
Some surveys, research projects, educational initiatives, or communications promoted through WorldPetObesity.org may be administered by WPOA, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (“APOP”), or both organizations.
The form or notice provided with each program will identify:
• The organization or organizations responsible for the information collected
• The purposes for which the information will be used
• Whether WPOA, APOP, or both may access identifiable submissions
• Whether results will be reported in aggregated or de-identified form
• The applicable privacy policy or policies
• How participants may submit privacy requests
When APOP independently determines why and how personal information is collected and used, APOP is responsible for that processing, and the APOP Privacy Policy applies.
When WPOA and APOP jointly determine why and how personal information will be used, the program notice will explain their respective responsibilities and provide a contact point for privacy questions.
Unless a form or program notice states otherwise, visitors should not assume that information submitted to an APOP-operated form is collected by WPOA.
7. HOW WE USE PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may use personal information for the following purposes.
7.1 Operating Our Website and Services
We use information to:
• Provide website content, tools, forms, and requested resources
• Process registrations and participation requests
• Maintain website functionality
• Diagnose technical problems
• Provide administrative and participant support
7.2 Responding to Inquiries
We use information to:
• Respond to questions, comments, feedback, and requests
• Provide requested information or resources
• Address media, partnership, sponsorship, or research inquiries
• Maintain records of organizational communications
7.3 Communications
We may use information to:
• Deliver newsletters and organizational updates
• Share clinical resources and educational information
• Announce surveys, events, reports, or research activities
• Provide information relevant to a program for which you registered
Where required by law, we send promotional or subscription communications only with appropriate consent.
You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by selecting the unsubscribe link in the message or contacting us at info@worldpetobesity.org.
7.4 Surveys, Research, and Reporting
We may use information to:
• Administer surveys and research activities
• Confirm eligibility or participation
• Communicate with participating clinics, organizations, or professionals
• Analyze responses and program outcomes
• Prepare reports, publications, educational materials, or presentations
• Improve research methods and future programs
Survey or research results may be combined or de-identified before publication. Any project that intends to publish identifiable information will provide an additional notice and obtain permission where required.
7.5 Website Improvement and Analytics
We may use information to:
• Understand how visitors use our website
• Evaluate which content and resources are most useful
• Improve website organization, accessibility, and performance
• Measure the reach of educational and professional initiatives
• Develop new resources and services
7.6 Security and Legal Compliance
We may use information to:
• Protect our website, systems, participants, and organization
• Detect and prevent fraud, misuse, unauthorized access, or security incidents
• Enforce applicable terms and policies
• Maintain required records
• Respond to lawful requests from courts, regulators, or government authorities
• Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
• Comply with applicable laws and legal obligations
8. LEGAL BASES FOR PROCESSING
Where applicable law requires a legal basis, we process personal information under one or more of the following grounds:
Consent
We may rely on consent for activities such as email subscriptions, optional cookies, or participation in certain surveys and research programs.
You may withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawal does not affect processing that occurred before consent was withdrawn.
Contract or Steps Taken at Your Request
We may process information when necessary to provide a service, administer a registration, or take steps you request before entering into an agreement.
Legitimate Interests
We may process information when reasonably necessary for legitimate organizational interests, including:
• Responding to inquiries
• Operating and securing our website
• Administering organizational activities
• Improving clinical and educational resources
• Conducting appropriate research and program evaluation
• Maintaining records and preventing misuse
We consider the potential effect on individual privacy before relying on legitimate interests.
Legal Obligations
We may process information when necessary to comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, court orders, or other legal obligations.
A specific survey or research activity may identify an additional or more specific legal basis in the notice provided to participants.
9. HOW WE DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION
We do not sell or rent personal information.
We may disclose personal information in the following circumstances.
9.1 Service Providers
9.1 Service Providers
We may provide personal information to companies that perform services for us, including:
• Squarespace, for website hosting, form processing, security, analytics, and cookie controls
• HubSpot, for subscription forms, contact management, and email communications
• SurveyMonkey, for survey and research administration
• [Name of actual email provider], for email hosting and delivery, if that service is not provided through HubSpot
These providers may process personal information only for the services they provide to us, subject to applicable agreements and legal requirements.
9.2 Research and Collaborative Partners
We may disclose information to APOP, universities, researchers, veterinary organizations, or other collaborators when necessary for a disclosed project or program.
The notice provided with the relevant survey, research project, or collaborative program will explain whether identifiable information may be shared.
Where reasonably possible, information used for research, reporting, or publication will be aggregated or de-identified.
9.3 Legal and Protective Disclosures
We may disclose information when we reasonably believe it is necessary to:
• Comply with a law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or lawful request
• Protect the rights, safety, or property of WPOA, our users, participants, or others
• Investigate suspected fraud, misuse, or security incidents
• Enforce an agreement or policy
• Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
9.4 Organizational Changes
If WPOA undergoes a merger, reorganization, transfer of operations, dissolution, or similar organizational change, information may be transferred as part of that process.
Any recipient will be required to handle the information consistently with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.
10. COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies.
Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies support website operation, navigation, security, form functions, and other essential features. Some necessary cookies cannot be disabled without affecting website functionality.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
With your permission, where required, we may use analytics or performance cookies to understand website traffic, measure content use, and improve our resources.
Third-Party Cookies
Forms, videos, social media tools, or other third-party content embedded on our website may use cookies or similar technologies in accordance with the provider’s policies and consent controls.
Managing Your Preferences
Where available, you may use our cookie banner or Cookie Settings control to:
• Accept optional cookies
• Reject optional cookies
• Choose particular cookie categories
• Change a previous selection
You may also delete or restrict cookies through your browser settings. Restricting cookies may affect optional website functions, embedded content, or analytics, but necessary website functions should remain available where technically possible.
Our cookie controls may not automatically restrict every cookie placed by custom code or an independently operated third-party service.
11. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Some of our service providers operate internationally and may process or store your personal information in the United States or other countries outside your country of residence. These providers may include Squarespace, which hosts our website, and HubSpot, if used for forms, subscriptions, contact management, or email communications.
Privacy and data protection laws may differ across countries.
When personal information from the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland is transferred to a country that has not been recognized as providing an adequate level of data protection, our service providers and we rely on an appropriate legal transfer mechanism where required. Depending on the provider and the circumstances, these mechanisms may include:
A decision recognizing that the receiving country provides an adequate level of data protection
Participation by the service provider in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, or the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework
Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
The United Kingdom International Data Transfer Addendum or another transfer mechanism recognized under UK law
Another lawful transfer mechanism permitted by applicable data-protection law
Where required, the relevant organization or service provider may also assess the circumstances of the transfer and apply additional contractual, technical, or organizational safeguards.
To request more information about the safeguards that apply to a particular transfer, or to request a copy of applicable contractual safeguards subject to permitted redactions, contact us at:
12. DATA RETENTION
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, including to meet legal, accounting, security, research, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements.
The retention period depends on factors such as:
• The nature and purpose of the information
• The duration of the relationship or program
• Whether an inquiry or request remains open
• The terms of a research or collaborative project
• Applicable legal or contractual requirements
• The time needed to address disputes or claims
• The sensitivity of the information
• Whether the information can be securely de-identified
Our general retention approach is as follows:
• Newsletter information is retained until you unsubscribe or the subscription is otherwise closed. We may retain a limited suppression record to continue honoring unsubscribe requests.
• Contact and correspondence records are retained for the time reasonably necessary to respond, document the communication, and complete appropriate follow-up.
• Event-registration information is retained for event administration, appropriate follow-up, organizational records, and any period required by law.
• Survey and research information is retained for the period described in the applicable survey or research notice or for the time reasonably necessary to complete analysis, reporting, validation, and recordkeeping.
• Website security, activity, and technical records are retained according to our platform settings, security needs, and applicable requirements.
When personal information is no longer needed, we delete it, anonymize it, or securely dispose of it, subject to legal and operational requirements.
13. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:
• Ask whether we process your personal information
• Request access to personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of personal information
• Request restriction of certain processing
• Object to certain processing, including direct marketing
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Receive certain information in a portable, machine-readable format
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Appeal a decision concerning a privacy request, where applicable
• Submit a complaint to an appropriate privacy or data-protection authority
These rights are not absolute. A request may be limited or denied when an exception applies, including when information must be retained to comply with law, protect legal rights, maintain security, or complete an appropriate research or recordkeeping purpose.
To exercise a privacy right, email:
Use the subject line:
Privacy Request
Please describe the request and the service, program, form, or communication involved.
We may request information that is reasonably necessary to verify your identity and protect your personal information from unauthorized access or deletion.
We will respond within the period required by applicable law.
14. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
You may unsubscribe from WPOA marketing or newsletter communications at any time by:
• Selecting the unsubscribe link in an email
• Updating available communication preferences
• Contacting info@worldpetobesity.org
We may continue to send non-promotional messages that are reasonably necessary for an event, survey, research project, privacy request, security matter, or other active interaction.
15. DATA SECURITY
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
These measures may include:
• Limiting access to people and providers with a legitimate need
• Using reputable websites and communication platforms
• Maintaining appropriate account and access controls
• Reviewing service-provider security and privacy practices
• Using secure transmission and storage methods where appropriate
• Maintaining procedures for responding to suspected incidents
No internet transmission, website, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security.
16. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
Our website and services are intended for adults, veterinary professionals, researchers, organizations, and adult pet owners. They are not directed to children under 13 or a higher minimum age where required by applicable law.
We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children without appropriate authorization.
If you believe that a child has submitted personal information to us, contact info@worldpetobesity.org. We will review the matter and take appropriate steps, including deletion where required.
17. LINKS AND THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
Our website may contain links to external websites, forms, publications, social media services, or other resources.
WPOA does not control the privacy, security, accessibility, or content practices of independently operated services.
A link from our website does not mean that the third party follows this Privacy Policy. Review the third party’s privacy policy before submitting personal information.
18. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, programs, technologies, data practices, or legal obligations.
When we update the policy, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of the page.
If a change materially affects how we use previously collected personal information, we will provide additional notice and obtain consent where required by law.
19. CONTACT US
Questions, concerns, complaints, or privacy requests may be directed to:
World Pet Obesity Association
Mailing address:
1108 New Pointe Blvd.
Ste 130 PMB 1005
Leland, NC 28451
United States
Email:
Website:
Privacy-request subject line:
Privacy Request
Depending on your location, you may also have the right to contact the privacy or data-protection authority responsible for your jurisdiction.