Privacy Policy
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Lifeline of Galveston County Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Lifeline of Galveston County ("Lifeline," "we," "us," or "our") is a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Webster, Texas. We are committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who interacts with us — donors, adopters, fosters, volunteers, and visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
By using our website (lifelinetx.org), calling or texting our contact line, submitting a form, or otherwise interacting with Lifeline, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as some information automatically when you interact with our website or communications.
Information you provide to us:
Contact details (name, email, phone number, mailing address)
Adoption, foster, and volunteer application information (e.g., household details, experience with animals, references)
Scheduling information submitted through our appointment forms
Donation information (donor name, contact details, and payment information processed through our payment providers)
Messages, texts, calls, or emails you send us
Any other information you choose to share with us
Information collected automatically:
Basic website usage data (e.g., pages visited, browser type, device information) via standard website analytics
Text message metadata when you contact our SMS lines
We do not collect more information than we need to run our programs, and we do not sell personal information.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
Process adoption, foster, and volunteer applications
Schedule appointments (e.g., meet-and-greets, spay/neuter appointments)
Communicate with you about animals, applications, appointments, and program updates
Process and acknowledge donations
Respond to inquiries, including emergency and after-hours contacts
Improve our programs, services, and communications
Maintain accurate records of animals in our care and the people who support them
Comply with legal or regulatory obligations
3. How We Share Your Information
Lifeline does not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
Service providers: We use third-party platforms to help run our operations, including Shelterluv (animal management and records), Salesmsg (text messaging), Airtable (scheduling), and payment processors such as PayPal and Cash App (donation processing). These providers only receive the information needed to perform their function and are not permitted to use it for other purposes.
Partner organizations: If you are adopting, fostering, or transferring an animal, we may share relevant information with partner shelters, rescues, or veterinary partners involved in that animal's care.
Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental request, or to protect the safety of people or animals.
With your consent: We may share information for other purposes if you've given us permission to do so.
We do not knowingly share personal information for third-party advertising or marketing purposes.
4. Text Messages and Phone Calls
If you contact us by phone or text, including our main line, you may receive messages related to your inquiry, application, appointment, or animal care needs. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of text communications at any time by replying "STOP," and you can request help by replying "HELP."
Our main contact line also serves as an emergency contact point; messages sent to it may be reviewed by staff or volunteers to ensure animals and community members receive timely support.
Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect the information we collect using secure platforms and limiting access to personal information to staff and volunteers who need it to do their work. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy — for example, maintaining adoption records, honoring donor relationships, and complying with legal obligations. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.
7. Your Choices
You may:
Ask us what personal information we have about you
Ask us to correct or update your information
Ask us to delete your information, subject to any legal or recordkeeping obligations (for example, we may need to retain adoption records for animal welfare and legal purposes)
Unsubscribe from marketing emails or texts at any time using the links or instructions provided in those messages
To make any of these requests, contact us using the information below.
8. Children's Privacy
Our website and programs are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can address it.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites (such as our donation platforms or Shelterluv's embedded widget). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal or operational reasons. The "Effective Date" at the top of this page will indicate when it was last revised. Continued use of our website or services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please reach out:
Lifeline of Galveston County 100 E NASA Parkway, Suite 55 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: 409-797-6033 Website: lifelinetx.org
This policy is intended to help visitors, adopters, fosters, volunteers, and donors understand how Lifeline of Galveston County handles personal information. It is a general-purpose template and not a substitute for legal advice — we'd recommend having an attorney review it before publishing, especially around donor payment processing and any state-specific requirements.