Last updated August 28, 2026
Happy Ratters respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect through happyratters.com, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using this website, you agree to the practices described here.
Information we collect
Information you give us. When you fill out a form on this site — such as the Contact form, a trial or host club application, a judge application, an incident report, a Junior Handler application, or a request to be listed as a photographer — we collect the information you provide. Depending on the form, this may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, club name, details about your dog, and any comments or files you choose to include.
Listing information. If you are a Happy Ratters judge, a host club contact, or a listed photographer, we keep the contact details you have given us so that handlers can find and reach you.
Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our hosting provider records basic technical information such as your IP address and browser type in order to keep the site secure and running. We do not use analytics or advertising trackers on this site.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- respond to your questions and requests,
- review and process applications,
- schedule trials and administer the sport,
- publish and maintain the judge, club, and photographer directories,
- send you a sign-in link when you ask to update your listing, and
- protect the site against spam and abuse.
We do not sell or rent your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.
Cookies
This site does not use tracking cookies. Some of our longer forms save a draft of what you have typed in your own browser so that your work is not lost if the page closes; this information stays on your device and is cleared when you submit the form.
Sharing your information
Information you submit is seen by the Happy Ratters volunteers responsible for handling it. We also rely on a small number of trusted service providers — for website hosting, email delivery, spam protection, and maps — who process information only as needed to provide those services to us. Interactive maps and address suggestions on this site are provided by a third-party mapping service, which may receive technical information from your browser when those features load.
We do not share your personal information with anyone else, except where required by law.
Public directories
Our Judge Listing, Find a Club, and Photographers pages publish contact information so that handlers can reach judges, host clubs, and photographers. This may include a name, city and state, phone number, email address, and website or social media links. If you are listed and would like your details updated, your contact information hidden, or your listing removed, use the "update your listing" link on that page or contact us.
Email from us
We send email only in connection with your use of the site: sign-in links you request, replies to your submissions, and occasional reminders asking listed judges, clubs, and photographers to confirm their details are still current. Every reminder includes a link to stop future reminders. We do not send newsletters or marketing email.
Children
The Junior Handler Application is completed by a parent or guardian on behalf of a handler aged 5 to 17. We collect only what is needed to confirm eligibility and issue a handler number, and we keep the parent or guardian as the contact on file. Parents may contact us at any time to review or remove information about their child.
How long we keep information
We keep submissions and listing information for as long as needed for the purposes described above, such as maintaining records of trials, titles, and applications. You may ask us to delete your information at any time, and we will do so where we reasonably can.
Your choices
You may ask us to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you, to remove your details from a public directory, or to stop reminder emails. To make a request, contact us. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.
Security
This site is served over a secure (HTTPS) connection, and submitted information is stored in a private system accessible only to authorized volunteers. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised date. If you have questions about this policy, please contact us.