Privacy Policy
How Scout collects, uses, and protects your information.
Effective date: July 30, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Scout a Dog Park, LLC ("Scout," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use the Scout mobile application, our website at scoutadogpark.com, and related services (together, the "Service"). Scout is a location-based social app for dog owners and walkers that offers park check-ins, dog profiles, friend connections, one-on-one and group messaging, visit scheduling, and park discovery, among other things. By using the Service, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
The Service is intended only for people who are at least 18 years old. See "Children" below.
1. Information we collect
1.1 Information you provide to us
Account information. When you create an account, we collect a username, your real name (shown only to accepted friends, never displayed publicly), and a phone number or email address for sign-in (your choice). You also have the option to add links to your social media profiles and choose a public or private profile setting.
- Dog profiles. For each dog you add, we collect the dog's name, breed, age, sex, and any photos and information you upload. A dog profile may be one you own as the dog owner or one you use or create with the authorization of the dog's owner.
- Photos. Photos you choose to upload for check-ins, park reviews, park reports, or a dog's profile.
- Messages and activity. The content of messages you send through the Service (one-on-one and group), plus check-in history, visit streaks, friend connections, event RSVPs, and similar activity needed to make those features work.
- Communications. Information you provide when you contact us for support or otherwise communicate with us.
1.2 Information collected with your permission
Location. Scout uses your device's location to find dog parks near you and invites you to check in when you arrive at a park. If you turn on arrival and departure reminders, Scout uses background ("Always") location to detect when you enter and leave a park. It does not continuously track or store a history of your movements outside of that. You can enable or disable location access, and choose between "While Using the App" and "Always," in your device settings; if you disable it, related features may not work or may be limited. The Service does not use your location to reveal your real-time whereabouts to other users. See "Location information" below.
Contacts. If you choose to connect your phone contacts, we use them to match phone numbers and suggest people you may already know who use the Service. This is entirely optional — you can also add friends by searching or by QR code — and we do not use your contacts for advertising.
1.3 Information from other sources
Third-party sign-in. If you register or sign in using a third-party service such as Apple or Google, we receive certain information from that account, such as your name and email address, in accordance with that service's settings.
Other users. We may receive information about you when another user interacts with you, adds you as a friend, includes you in content, or has your contact information.
1.4 Information collected automatically
When you use the Service, we automatically collect device and log data — such as device model, operating system and version, app version, unique device identifiers, IP address, and information about how and when you use the Service.
1.5 Weather lookups
When you view a forecast for a park visit, the Service requests weather data from Apple's WeatherKit using that park's approximate coordinates. This request does not include your account or personal information.
2. How we use information
We use the information we collect to:
- provide, operate, maintain, and improve the Service, including check-ins, dog profiles, friend connections, messaging, events, and park discovery;
- show you relevant content, such as nearby parks, friends' activity, and forecasts for a planned visit;
- send notifications you have enabled, including friend requests, check-in alerts, planned-visit reminders, and pattern-based nudges based on your own usage history;
- verify your contact information and secure your account;
- keep the Service and its community safe, including reviewing reports of inappropriate content or behavior;
- comply with applicable law and respond to legal requests; and
- for any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information.
We may create de-identified or aggregated data and use and share it for any lawful purpose; such data is not subject to this Privacy Policy.
3. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use third-party advertising or analytics trackers. We share information only as follows:
With other users. According to your privacy settings and friend connections — for example, an accepted friend can see your dog's profile and check-ins, while a non-friend sees only limited information. Your real name is shown only to accepted friends.
With service providers. Third parties that help us run the Service, such as our backend database and hosting provider, and Apple (for maps, push notifications, and weather data). These providers may process your information only on our behalf and under obligations to protect it.
For legal reasons. With law enforcement, government authorities, or others when we believe it is necessary or appropriate to comply with law or legal process, enforce our terms, or protect the rights, safety, or property of Scout, our users, or others.
In a business transaction. In connection with a merger, financing, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
With your direction or consent. When you ask us to share your information or otherwise consent.
4. Location information
The Service uses your device's location — including precise location to find nearby parks and check you in, and, where you allow it, background ("Always") location to detect arrival at and departure from a dog park so we can send reminders. It does not continuously track your location or store a history of your movements outside of this.
You can enable or disable location access, and choose between "While Using the App" and "Always," in your device settings. If you disable location access, related features may not work or may be limited. We do not use your location to reveal your whereabouts to other users.
5. Your choices and rights
Permissions. You can manage location, contacts, photo, and notification permissions at any time in your iOS Settings.
Notifications. You can turn individual notification types (friend requests, check-ins, arrival prompts, pattern nudges) on or off in the app's settings.
Profile visibility. You can set your account to private to limit what non-friends can see.
Access and deletion. You can request a copy of your data or ask us to delete your account by contacting admin@scoutadogpark.com. We will remove your account, dog profiles, check-ins, photos, and messages, except where we are required to retain limited records (for example, to resolve an open safety report).
Promotional messages. You can opt out of promotional emails using the unsubscribe link and of promotional texts by replying STOP. You will still receive non-promotional messages, such as verification, security, and service messages, while you have an account.
6. U.S. state privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or delete it, to obtain a portable copy, to opt out of certain processing (such as targeted advertising or any "sale" or "sharing" of personal information), and to appeal a decision on your request. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising or use third-party advertising trackers.
To exercise these rights, contact us at admin@scoutadogpark.com. We will verify your request as required by law and will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights. If you are a California resident, you may use an authorized agent to submit a request, subject to our verifying the agent's authority.
7. Data retention
We keep your information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Service, and afterward as needed to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, prevent fraud and abuse, and enforce our agreements. When we no longer need your information, we delete it or de-identify it in accordance with applicable law.
8. Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential and for activity under your account.
9. Children
The Service is intended only for individuals who are at least 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a person under 18 has provided us personal information, contact us at admin@scoutadogpark.com and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
10. International users
We are based in the United States and process and store information in the United States and other countries, which may have data protection laws different from those in your country. By using the Service, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.
11. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. Because there is no common standard for these signals, we do not currently respond to them.
12. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date above and, for material changes, provide additional notice through the Service or by other reasonable means. Your continued use of the Service after an update means you accept the revised policy.
13. Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us at:
Scout a Dog Park, LLC
15 W. 11th St.
2AB
New York, NY 10011
admin@scoutadogpark.com