Data Retention Policy

This Data Retention Policy explains how HomeWagger retains, reviews and deletes personal data.

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Support compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018;
  • Protect users, shelters and animals;
  • Support safeguarding and fraud prevention;
  • Ensure personal data is not retained longer than necessary; and
  • Provide transparency regarding retention practices.

This Policy should be read alongside the HomeWagger Privacy Notice.

1. Scope

This Policy applies to personal data processed by:

  • HomeWagger Tech Ltd; and
  • HomeWagger CIC

in connection with the HomeWagger Platform and related services.

2. General Principles

HomeWagger will:

  • Retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary;
  • Review retained data periodically;
  • Delete or anonymise information where appropriate; and
  • Retain information longer where required by law, safeguarding obligations, fraud prevention requirements or legitimate business needs.

3. Retention Periods

User Accounts

Active user accounts are retained while the account remains active.

Where an account is deleted or becomes inactive, account information may be retained for up to six (6) years for:

  • Legal compliance;
  • Fraud prevention;
  • Dispute resolution;
  • Safeguarding investigations;
  • Platform security; and
  • Audit requirements.

Adopter Profiles

Adopter profile information may be retained for up to six (6) years following account closure where reasonably necessary for safeguarding, audit or dispute purposes.

Information may be anonymised sooner where appropriate.

Rehomer Profiles

Rehomer profile information may be retained for up to six (6) years following account closure.

Shelter Accounts

Shelter account records, verification information and organisational details may be retained for up to six (6) years following closure of the account or termination of participation.

Dog Listings

Published and archived dog listings may be retained for operational, safeguarding, audit and historical record purposes.

Where possible, personal information relating to individuals may be removed or anonymised.

Messages and Communications

Platform messages, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and communication records may be retained for up to six (6) years where reasonably necessary for:

  • Safeguarding;
  • Fraud prevention;
  • Complaint handling;
  • Legal claims; and
  • Platform integrity.

Verification Records

Identity verification records, organisation verification records and trust-related information may be retained for up to six (6) years following account closure.

Where third-party verification providers are used, retention may also be subject to the provider’s own retention policies.

Moderation, Complaints and Safeguarding Records

Reports, complaints, investigations, moderation actions and safeguarding records may be retained for longer than standard account data where reasonably necessary to:

  • Protect users;
  • Protect animal welfare;
  • Prevent repeat abuse;
  • Defend legal claims; or
  • Comply with legal obligations.

Such records will be reviewed periodically.

Payment Records

Subscription, billing and financial records may be retained for at least six (6) years to comply with tax and accounting requirements.

Payment card details are not stored by HomeWagger.

Technical Logs and Security Records

System logs, authentication logs, monitoring records and security-related information may be retained for up to twenty-four (24) months, or longer where required for:

  • Security investigations;
  • Fraud prevention;
  • Legal compliance; or
  • Incident response.

Support Enquiries

Customer support records and correspondence may be retained for up to six (6) years following closure of the enquiry.

4. Safeguarding and Welfare Exception

HomeWagger operates as a welfare-first platform.

Where reasonably necessary and lawful, information may be retained beyond the standard retention periods where required to:

  • Protect animal welfare;
  • Investigate safeguarding concerns;
  • Prevent abuse or neglect;
  • Protect vulnerable individuals;
  • Prevent fraud; or
  • Respond to legal or regulatory requirements.

Retention decisions will be reviewed periodically.

5. Data Deletion and Anonymisation

Where information is no longer required, HomeWagger may:

  • Permanently delete the information; or
  • Anonymise the information so that individuals can no longer be identified.

Anonymised information may be retained for:

  • Statistical analysis;
  • Research;
  • Service improvement; and
  • Platform reporting.

6. User Requests

Users may request:

  • Access to their personal data;
  • Correction of inaccurate data;
  • Deletion of personal data where applicable; or
  • Restriction of processing.

Requests will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the HomeWagger Privacy Notice.

7. Policy Reviews

This Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary to reflect:

  • Changes in legislation;
  • Platform development;
  • Safeguarding requirements; and
  • Operational needs.

8. Contact

Questions regarding this Policy may be directed to:

Email: hello@homewagger.org.uk

Last Updated: 5 June 2026

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