PawKeep Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Overview

PawKeep ("we", "our", "the app") is a pet health tracking application. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data PawKeep collects, how it is used, and your rights.

PawKeep is local-first. All of your data is stored on your device. We do not operate servers, we do not maintain databases of your personal information, and we do not share your data with any third party.

Data You Enter Into PawKeep

The following data is stored locally on your device when you choose to enter it into the app:

System Permissions and How They Are Used

Location

PawKeep requests location access for two purposes:

Location data is never transmitted to any PawKeep-operated server. You can revoke this permission at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → PawKeep.

HealthKit (Apple Health)

If you grant permission, PawKeep integrates with Apple Health to:

Health data stays inside Apple's HealthKit framework and on your device. It is never transmitted to any PawKeep server and is never shared with third parties. You can revoke this permission at any time in iOS Settings → Health → Data Access & Devices → PawKeep, or in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Health → PawKeep.

Motion and Fitness

PawKeep uses the Motion & Fitness sensor (CoreMotion / pedometer) to count steps during a walk when HealthKit access has not been granted. Motion data is processed on-device and stored as part of your walk record. You can revoke this in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Motion & Fitness → PawKeep.

Camera and Photos

PawKeep accesses your camera and photo library only when you choose to add a pet photo, attach a receipt, scan a document, or upload a lab report. Photos you select are stored inside the app and, optionally, in your Camera Roll if you save them. PawKeep uses Apple's out-of-process photo picker by default, so PawKeep can only see the photos you explicitly choose — not your entire library.

Microphone

The microphone is used only when you start a vet visit recording (a Premium feature). Audio is recorded and stored locally on your device. A visible "Recording" indicator with a red dot is shown the entire time the microphone is active. Recordings are not transmitted off the device unless you explicitly export them.

Speech Recognition

If you transcribe a vet visit recording, transcription is performed by Apple's on-device Speech Recognition. Audio is not sent to any server, including Apple's. You can revoke this in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Speech Recognition → PawKeep.

Notifications

If you grant permission, PawKeep sends local notifications for medication reminders, walk completion, feeding schedules, and similar events. Notifications are generated on-device. PawKeep does not use push notifications from a remote server in this version.

iCloud, CloudKit, and Sharing

PawKeep is configured with the iCloud and CloudKit entitlement so that you can share an individual pet's profile with another user (for example, a family member or pet sitter) via the standard Apple sharing flow. Shared pet data syncs through your private iCloud database under your Apple ID, encrypted with Apple's standard iCloud encryption.

In the current version of PawKeep, automatic CloudKit sync of all data is disabled. iCloud is used only when you explicitly use the share-a-pet feature.

PawKeep does not have access to your iCloud data; only Apple does, governed by your Apple ID and Apple's iCloud terms.

In-App Purchases and Subscriptions

PawKeep Premium is offered via Apple's standard in-app purchase system using StoreKit 2. PawKeep does not collect or store your payment information. Transactions are handled entirely by Apple. The app reads your current subscription entitlement from Apple's StoreKit framework to determine whether to unlock Premium features. PawKeep does not use any third-party payment processor or subscription management SDK.

Third-Party Services

This version of PawKeep does not include any third-party analytics, crash reporting, advertising, tracking, or social-media SDKs. No third party receives any data from PawKeep.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your data. We do not share your data with advertisers, data brokers, or any other third party. Your pet's information stays on your device.

Health and fitness data collected through HealthKit is never used for advertising, marketing, or any data-mining purpose.

Data Retention and Deletion

Your data is stored on your device for as long as you use the app. You can delete individual records at any time inside the app. Uninstalling PawKeep removes all locally-stored data, including walk routes, photos, documents, and audio recordings. If you have shared a pet via the iCloud share feature, the shared CloudKit record may persist in iCloud until you revoke the share; you can manage that in the app under Pet → Share & Sync.

Children's Privacy

PawKeep does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. The app is rated 4+ and does not contain age-restricted content.

Your Rights

Because all data is stored locally on your device, you have full control over it. You may:

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Material changes will also be communicated within the app on first launch after the update.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at:

Email: support@getpawkeep.com