PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: 11/08/2025

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Richmond Animal Hospital, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide:

  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Your pet's name, species, breed, age, and medical history
  • Payment and billing information
  • Emergency contact information
  • Communication preferences
  • Any other information you choose to provide through forms, emails, or phone calls

Information Collected Automatically:

  • Browser type and device information
  • IP address and location data
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referral sources
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Schedule and manage veterinary appointments
  • Provide medical care and maintain your pet's health records
  • Process payments for services and medications
  • Send appointment reminders and follow-up communications
  • Share important updates about your pet's care
  • Respond to your questions and requests
  • Send newsletters and educational content (only if you opt in)
  • Improve our website and services
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Prevent fraud and maintain security

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

Service Providers:

  • Practice management software providers (for medical records)
  • Payment processors (for secure payment handling)
  • Email and communication platforms (for appointment reminders and newsletters)
  • Website hosting and analytics providers (Google Analytics)
  • Online pharmacy partners (Blue Rabbit, when you use their services)

Legal Requirements:

  • When required by law or legal process
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of Richmond Animal Hospital, our clients, or others
  • In connection with emergency situations involving animal welfare

Veterinary Partners:

  • Referral veterinarians and specialists (with your consent)
  • Emergency veterinary hospitals (when necessary for your pet's care)
  • Laboratory services (for diagnostic testing)

Business Transfers:

  • In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information and pet medical records
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information (subject to legal record-keeping requirements)
  • Opt out of marketing communications (clinical communications will continue)
  • Restrict how we process your information
  • Request a copy of your pet's medical records

To exercise these rights, contact us at (802) 434-4935 or info@richmondanimalhospitalvt.com.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
  • Improve website functionality
  • Provide personalized content

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some website features.

We use:

  • Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site
  • Session cookies to maintain your browsing session
  • Preference cookies to remember your settings

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

  • Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
  • Access controls limiting who can view personal information
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Staff training on privacy and data protection
  • Secure disposal of physical and electronic records

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

  • You are an active client of Richmond Animal Hospital
  • Required by veterinary medical record laws (typically 7 years in Vermont)
  • Necessary for legal, tax, or regulatory purposes

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (emergency hospitals, pet resources, online pharmacy partners). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies.

Patient Portal (Coming Soon)

When our patient portal launches, you will be able to:

  • Access your pet's medical records online
  • Book appointments and request prescription refills
  • View invoices and make payments
  • Message our veterinary team

The portal will have additional security measures including password protection and multi-factor authentication. Portal-specific privacy terms will be provided at launch.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or prominent website notice.

Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information:

Richmond Animal Hospital
233 E. Main Street
Richmond, VT 05477
Phone: (802) 434-4935
Email: info@richmondanimalhospitalvt.com