Effective Date: 18th August 2025

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At The Handler, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our services or visit our website www.thehandler.uk.

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1. Who We Are

The Handler is an elite canine behaviour and training service based in Essex.
For the purposes of UK GDPR, we are the “data controller” of the personal information you provide.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact info@thehandler.uk

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2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following personal information when you contact us, fill in our forms, or book a service:

• Contact details: Name, email address, phone number

• Dog information: Name, breed, age, behavioural history

• Booking details: Dates, times, and services requested

• Payment details: Processed securely via Stripe (we do not store card details)

• Website usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited (via cookies or analytics tools)

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3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal information to:

• Respond to your enquiries and process bookings

• Provide canine training and behaviour services

• Send important updates about your sessions or policies

• Improve our website and services through analytics

• Meet legal, tax, and accounting obligations

We will never sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

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4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases to process your data:

• Contract – to deliver the services you request

• Legitimate interest – to operate and grow our business

• Legal obligation – to keep financial and service records

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5. Data Storage & Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information.
Your data is stored securely and only accessed by authorised personnel.

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6. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your information only as long as necessary for the purposes described above:

• Service records: up to 7 years for tax/accounting compliance

• Marketing contact details: until you unsubscribe or request deletion

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7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Request corrections or updates

• Request deletion of your data (unless we must keep it for legal reasons)

• Object to certain types of processing

• Withdraw consent (where applicable)

To exercise these rights, contact info@thehandler.uk

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8. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies to improve your experience and track anonymous usage data.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.

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9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date”.

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10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, contact info@thehandler.uk

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk