Privacy policy

Last updated: June 26, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how PetEssentialist (“PetEssentialist,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit www.petessentialist.com(the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.

Information we collect

We collect the following categories of information:

Information you provide. If you sign up for our email list, we collect your email address. If you contact us, we collect the information you choose to share (such as your name, email, and message).
Automatically collected usage data. Like most websites, our hosting and infrastructure providers automatically log technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, and the date and time of your visit. We may use privacy-focused analytics to understand aggregate traffic patterns.
Outbound click data.When you click a product or partner link, our link redirector records non-identifying details such as which link was clicked, the page you clicked from, the referring URL, your browser's user-agent string, and a timestamp. We use this to understand which recommendations are useful and to reconcile affiliate activity.
Cookies and similar technologies. We and our partners use cookies and similar technologies as described below.

We do notintentionally collect sensitive personal information, and we do not knowingly collect payment card details — all purchases happen on the retailer's or brand's own website under their policies.

How we use information

To operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Site;
To measure the performance of our content and product recommendations;
To attribute referrals to our affiliate partners so we receive credit for qualifying activity;
To send emails you have requested (such as updates, guides, or offers), which you can opt out of at any time;
To respond to your inquiries and provide support;
To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, security, or technical issues; and
To comply with legal obligations.

Cookies, affiliate links & tracking

PetEssentialist is reader-supported and earns commissions through affiliate links — see our Affiliate Disclosure. When you click an affiliate link, the partner network or retailer (for example, a fresh-food brand, Amazon, Chewy, Petco, an insurance provider, or affiliate platforms such as Impact or Snowball) may place a cookie on your device. These cookies let the partner recognize that the referral came from us and pay us a commission if you make a qualifying purchase, at no extra cost to you. These cookies are controlled by the partners under their own privacy policies.

We use a minimal number of first-party cookies for basic functionality and measurement. You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings, and you can use browser “Do Not Track” or global-privacy-control signals; note that some Site features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as follows:

Service providers. We use trusted vendors to run the Site — for example, hosting and content delivery (Netlify), database and email-list storage (Supabase), and image providers — who process data on our behalf under agreements that limit their use of it.
Affiliate and advertising partners.When you follow an affiliate link, your interaction occurs on the partner's site and is subject to their privacy practices.
Legal and safety. We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PetEssentialist, our users, or others.
Business transfers. If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

Your rights and choices

Email. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email or by contacting us.
Cookies. You can manage cookies through your browser.
Access, correction, and deletion.Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal information, or to object to or restrict certain processing. Residents of California (CCPA/CPRA), the EU/UK (GDPR), and other regions may have additional rights, including the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising them. We do not sell or “share” personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined under California law.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us. We will respond consistent with applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.

Data retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy, to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements — after which we delete or anonymize it.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's privacy

The Site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

International visitors

We operate in the United States, and information we collect is processed and stored in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. By using the Site, you understand your information may be transferred to and processed in countries whose data-protection laws may differ from those in your country.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Your continued use of the Site after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

Contact us

Questions or requests about this policy or your information? Email contact@petessentialist.com or use our contact page.