Privacy Policy
Humane Society of Greater Niagara
Effective Date: February, 11, 2026
The Humane Society of Greater Niagara (“HSGN,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors, donors, volunteers, adopters, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://www.hsgn.ca/ (the “Website”).
By using our Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
a) Personal Information You Provide Voluntarily
You may provide personal information when you:
- Make a donation
- Submit an adoption application
- Apply to volunteer
- Register for events
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Contact us through a form
- Participate in raffles, promotions, or fundraising campaigns
This information may include:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Other information you choose to provide
b) Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect certain information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Date and time of visit
- Referring website
This information helps us improve our Website and user experience.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
- Process donations and issue tax receipts
- Respond to inquiries
- Process adoption and volunteer applications
- Communicate about events, programs, and campaigns
- Send newsletters and updates (if you opt in)
- Improve our Website and services
- Meet legal and regulatory requirements
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
3. Donations & Payment Processing
Online donations are processed through secure third-party payment processors. We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers. Your payment information is handled in accordance with the privacy policies and security practices of the payment provider.
4. Email Communications
If you subscribe to our newsletter or communications, you may receive updates about our work, fundraising campaigns, events, and adoptable animals. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails.
5. Cookies & Website Tracking
Our Website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Analyze traffic and usage patterns
- Enhance user experience
You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some features of the Website may not function properly.
6. Sharing of Information
We may share information:
- With trusted service providers who assist in operating our Website, processing donations, or sending communications
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of HSGN, our supporters, or others
All third-party service providers are expected to safeguard personal information.
7. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.
8. Retention of Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law (including record-keeping for charitable tax receipting).
11. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (such as event platforms or donation processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Humane Society of Greater Niagara
160 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B6
Phone: 905-628-0767
Email: hello@hsgn.ca
Website: https://www.hsgn.ca/