RESCUE FORCE PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: February 27, 2026
Rescue Force (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the Rescue Alert mobile application (“App”) and related services (collectively, the “Service”). Rescue Force is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing community-based animal rescue coordination and information services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.
By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically through your use of the Service.
A. Information You Provide
When you register or use the Service, we may collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address (if voluntarily provided)
- Geographic location (if enabled)
- Account credentials
- Communications with us
- Information related to rescue requests or volunteer activities
Providing this information is voluntary but may be required to access certain features.
B. Location Information
If you enable location services, we may collect precise or approximate location data to:
- Coordinate animal rescue activity
- Connect users with nearby volunteers
- Provide relevant emergency notifications
You may disable location access at any time through the app’s settings or your device’s system settings.
C. Automatically Collected Information (Log Data)
In the event of app errors or usage analytics, we may collect:
- IP address
- Device type and model
- Operating system version
- App configuration and usage data
- Date and time of access
This data helps us improve reliability and performance.
D. Third-Party Services
The App may use third-party services such as:
- Google Play Services
- Apple Services
- Cloud hosting providers
- Messaging providers (e.g., Twilio)
These providers may collect information as governed by their own privacy policies.
2. SMS Communications
If you provide your mobile phone number, you may receive SMS messages related to:
- Animal rescue coordination
- Volunteer notifications
- Emergency updates
- Support responses
Consent
By voluntarily providing your phone number and opting in via the in-app consent checkbox, you consent to receive SMS communications from Rescue Force through the Rescue Alert mobile app.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies depending on rescue activity and your engagement with the platform.
Fees
Message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless carrier plan.
Opt-Out
You may opt out at any time by:
- Replying STOP to any message
- Toggling SMS Messaging off in the app’s settings
- Contacting us at info@rescueforce.org
Reply HELP to any message for assistance.
Rescue Force does not sell, rent, or share your phone number for marketing purposes.
We do not send promotional or fundraising messages without separate express consent.
3. Push Notifications
With your consent, we may send push notifications to your device regarding rescue alerts and account activity. You may disable push notifications through your device’s system settings at any time.
4. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
- Provide and operate the Service
- Coordinate animal rescue efforts
- Communicate with users
- Improve app functionality
- Ensure safety and fraud prevention
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not use personal data for unrelated advertising purposes.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share information:
- With service providers acting on our behalf
- To comply with legal obligations
- To protect the safety of users, animals, or the public
- In connection with a merger, dissolution, or transfer of operations to another nonprofit organization (if applicable)
All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
We do not sell personal information.
6. Data Storage
Your information is stored on secure servers located in the United States. If you access the Service from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Provide the Service
- Fulfill rescue coordination needs
- Comply with legal obligations
Inactive accounts may be deleted after a reasonable period.
8. Data Deletion Rights
You may request deletion of your account and associated data by emailing info@rescueforce.org.
Please send the request from the email associated with your account.
If you no longer have access to that email, we will provide alternative verification methods.
We will process deletion requests within a reasonable timeframe unless retention is required by law.
9. Security
We implement commercially reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information.
However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Children’s Privacy
The Service is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.
If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us.
11. Cookies and Web Tracking
Our web-based services do not use tracking cookies. We may use basic analytics to understand usage patterns.
12. Links to Other Sites
The Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
13. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion
- Withdraw consent
Contact us to exercise these rights.
14. California Residents
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt out of the sale of personal information. Rescue Force does not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact info@rescueforce.org.
15. 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.
16. Contact Us
Rescue Force
info@rescueforce.org
https://rescueforce.org