Effective date: June 6, 2026
Last updated: July 22, 2026

Shepherd SOS respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly.

This Privacy Policy explains how Douglas James, doing business as Shepherd SOS (“Shepherd SOS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information when you:

• Visit ShepherdSOS.com

• Submit a contact or intake form

• Book or purchase a service

• Participate in a consultation or coaching program

• Submit photographs, videos, documents, or behavior logs

• Purchase or access a digital product

• Subscribe to an email list, membership, or recurring service

• Communicate with Coach Doug or Shepherd SOS

• Interact with our social-media pages

• Use any other current or future Shepherd SOS product or service

By accessing our website or providing personal information to us, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Business Information

Shepherd SOS
Operated by: Douglas James
Website: ShepherdSOS.com
Email: coach@shepherdsos.com

2. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected through Shepherd SOS websites, forms, booking systems, client portals, consultations, programs, communications, digital products, and related services.

This policy does not govern websites, platforms, payment processors, scheduling systems, social networks, or other services operated independently by third parties. Their privacy policies govern information they collect directly.

3. Information We Collect

The information we collect depends on how you interact with Shepherd SOS.

A. Contact and identity information

We may collect:

• First and last name

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Mailing or billing address

• City, state, ZIP code, or country

• Social-media username

• Preferred method of communication

B. Dog and household information

To provide personalized puppy behavior guidance, we may collect information concerning:

• Your dog’s name

• Age

• Sex

• Breed or suspected breed mix

• Weight

• Adoption, rescue, shelter, or breeder history

• Training history

• Daily routine

• Sleep schedule

• Feeding schedule

• Exercise and enrichment

• Crate and potty routines

• Behavior concerns

• Known triggers

• Growling, snapping, biting, guarding, escape, or reactivity history

• Interactions with adults, children, visitors, or other animals

• General household environment

• Housing type and yard availability

• Your goals for your dog

Although this information generally concerns your dog, it may also reveal information about you, your household, or other individuals.

C. Intake and consultation information

We may collect:

• Intake-form answers

• Consultation notes

• Behavior observations

• Training progress

• Action plans

• Follow-up questions

• Client feedback

• Appointment history

• Communication records

• Recommendations made during services

D. Photographs, videos, audio, and files

You may choose to submit:

• Photographs of your dog or home setup

• Videos showing behavior

• Audio recordings

• Training logs

• Veterinary records you choose to provide

• Breeder, adoption, or rescue documents

• Other files relevant to your service

These materials may incidentally include identifiable adults, minors, voices, faces, household interiors, addresses, vehicle information, or other personal details.

Do not submit material that is unnecessary for the service or that you do not have the right to provide.

Do not stage, provoke, or create an unsafe situation to obtain a photograph or video.

E. Payment and transaction information

When you make a purchase, we or our payment processors may collect:

• Name

• Billing address

• Payment method

• Transaction amount

• Purchase history

• Subscription status

• Payment-plan information

• Refund or dispute information

• Limited payment-card details, such as card type and last four digits

Shepherd SOS generally does not receive or store your complete payment-card number. Full payment information is normally processed by a third-party payment provider.

F. Booking and account information

We may collect:

• Selected appointment date and time

• Time zone

• Calendar information you choose to provide

• Rescheduling and cancellation history

• Login credentials, if client accounts are offered

• Membership or subscription details

• Course or digital-product progress

• Client-portal activity

G. Communications

We may retain communications sent through:

• Email

• Text message

• Contact forms

• Direct messages

• Video-conferencing platforms

• Client portals

• Social media

• Customer-support systems

This may include the content of your message, attached files, date, time, and contact information.

H. Website and device information

When you visit our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect information such as:

• Internet Protocol address

• Browser type

• Device type

• Operating system

• Referring page

• Pages viewed

• Date and time of access

• Approximate location derived from an IP address

• Click activity

• Session duration

• Website errors

• Cookie and similar-technology identifiers

I. Marketing and preference information

We may collect:

• Email-subscription preferences

• Communication preferences

• Offers viewed

• Referral source

• Survey responses

• Promotion or discount use

• Whether you opened or interacted with an email, when supported by our email provider

J. Information from third parties

We may receive information from third parties, including:

• Payment processors

• Scheduling providers

• Website hosts

• Form providers

• Email-service providers

• Video-conferencing platforms

• Social networks

• Breeders, rescues, shelters, trainers, or referral partners

• Advertising or analytics providers, if used

• A person who purchases a service for you

We may combine that information with information collected directly from you.

4. Information We Ask You Not to Provide

Unless specifically requested and reasonably necessary, do not provide:

• Social Security numbers

• Driver’s-license numbers

• Passport numbers

• Government-identification numbers

• Complete financial-account information

• Account passwords

• Precise location coordinates

• Human medical records

• Information concerning another person that you are not authorized to share

If potentially sensitive information is necessary for a service, provide only the minimum information needed.

5. How We Use Information

We may use personal information to:

Provide services

• Review intake forms and submitted media

• Prepare for consultations

• Conduct virtual coaching sessions

• Evaluate reported behavior patterns

• Create personalized routines and action plans

• Deliver video reviews, reports, courses, downloads, or other materials

• Provide follow-up support

• Track client progress

• Refer clients to an appropriate professional when necessary

Operate the business

• Process bookings

• Confirm appointments

• Process payments and refunds

• Manage subscriptions and payment plans

• Maintain client records

• Respond to questions

• Provide technical or customer support

• Administer accounts, memberships, and client portals

• Enforce our Terms and Conditions

Communicate with you

• Send booking confirmations and reminders

• Deliver service materials

• Respond to inquiries

• Provide safety or service notices

• Notify you about policy changes

• Send requested resources

• Send marketing communications when permitted

Improve Shepherd SOS

• Understand which services are useful

• Improve website performance

• Develop future services, materials, and programs

• Evaluate common client questions

• Identify technical issues

• Analyze general business performance

When reasonably possible, we use aggregated or de-identified information for business analysis and service improvement.

Protect safety and legal rights

• Detect fraud or misuse

• Address payment disputes

• Protect clients, animals, Shepherd SOS, or third parties

• Investigate violations of our Terms

• Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims

• Comply with legal obligations

• Respond to valid legal requests

6. Legal Bases for Processing

Depending on your location and the circumstances, we may process information because

• It is necessary to provide a product or service you requested.

• It is necessary to complete a transaction.

• You provided consent.

• We have a legitimate business interest that does not override your rights.

• Processing is necessary to comply with law.

• Processing is necessary to protect a person or animal from a serious safety risk.

• Processing is necessary to establish, exercise, or defend legal rights.

Where consent is the legal basis, you may withdraw consent for future processing, subject to legal and contractual limitations.

7. Sensitive Personal Information

Shepherd SOS does not intend to collect Social Security numbers, government-identification numbers, complete financial-account credentials, precise geolocation, or biometric identifiers used to uniquely identify a person.

Photographs, videos, or audio may contain a person’s face or voice. Shepherd SOS does not use those characteristics for biometric identification or authentication.

We do not sell sensitive personal information.

Where applicable law requires consent before processing a category of sensitive information, we will seek that consent before processing it.

8. How We Share Information

We may disclose personal information in the following circumstances.

A. Service providers

We may share information with companies that help us operate Shepherd SOS, such as:

• Website-hosting providers

• Domain providers

• Form and survey platforms

• Scheduling services

• Payment processors

• Video-conferencing services

• Email and text-messaging providers

• Cloud-storage providers

• Client-management systems

• Accounting and bookkeeping services

• Analytics providers

• Information-technology and security providers

• Professional advisers

These providers may access information only as reasonably necessary to perform services for us, subject to their agreements and privacy practices.

B. Business and referral partners

With your direction or consent, we may share information with:

• Veterinarians

• Veterinary behaviorists

• In-person trainers

• Behavior professionals

• Breeders

• Rescues

• Shelters

• Other professionals involved in helping you and your dog

We will not send identifiable client details to a referral partner merely because that partner originally referred you, unless you consent or the disclosure is otherwise legally permitted.

C. Legal and safety disclosures

We may disclose information when we reasonably believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with a law, subpoena, court order, or legal process

• Respond to a lawful government request

• Protect the rights or property of Shepherd SOS

• Investigate fraud or misuse

• Enforce an agreement

• Protect a person or animal from a credible and serious safety risk

• Establish, exercise, or defend a legal claim

D. Business transfers

Information may be disclosed or transferred in connection with a proposed or completed:

• Merger

• Acquisition

• Financing

• Reorganization

• Sale of assets

• Change of ownership

• Bankruptcy or similar business event

A recipient will be required to handle personal information consistently with applicable law and any commitments that continue to apply.

E. With your consent

We may disclose information for another purpose when you direct us or give permission.

9. Sale of Personal Data and Targeted Advertising

Shepherd SOS does not sell personal information for money.

We do not sell sensitive personal information or biometric information.

We do not currently use personal information to make decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning employment, lending, housing, insurance, education enrollment, health care, or criminal justice.

Some privacy laws define “sale,” “sharing,” or “targeted advertising” broadly enough to include certain advertising cookies or transfers of online identifiers, even when no money is exchanged.

If Shepherd SOS later uses technology that qualifies as a sale, sharing, or targeted advertising under applicable law, we will update this Privacy Policy and provide any required notice and opt-out method.

10. Cookies and Similar Technologies

ShepherdSOS.com and its service providers may use cookies, pixels, local storage, software-development kits, and similar technologies.

These technologies may be used for:

Essential functions

• Operating the website

• Maintaining security

• Processing forms

• Remembering privacy choices

• Supporting checkout or login functions

Preferences

• Remembering settings

• Improving convenience

• Maintaining session information

Analytics

• Measuring website traffic

• Understanding page use

• Identifying errors

• Improving website performance

Advertising

If advertising technology is added in the future, it may be used to:

• Measure advertising effectiveness

• Limit repeated advertisements

• Understand referrals

• Display more relevant advertising

Where required, we will request consent before placing nonessential cookies.

You may be able to manage cookies through:

• A cookie-preference tool on our website

• Your browser settings

• Your device settings

• The settings provided by the relevant third party

Blocking certain cookies may affect website functionality.

11. Global Privacy Control and Do Not Track

Some browsers and devices provide privacy signals, including Global Privacy Control or “Do Not Track” settings.

Where applicable law requires us to recognize a supported browser-based opt-out signal, we will process that signal as required.

Because there is not one universally accepted standard for all Do Not Track signals, the website may not respond to every signal unless legally required.

12. Payments

Payments are processed through third-party payment providers such as Stripe, Squarespace, and Paypal.

Payment providers collect and process information according to their own privacy policies and security procedures.

Shepherd SOS may receive transaction details but generally does not receive your complete payment-card information.

Do not send payment-card information by ordinary email, text message, or social-media message.

13. Scheduling and Video Conferencing

Appointments may be managed through providers such as Squarespace/Acuity Scheduling.

Virtual consultations may be conducted using Google Meet or Zoom.

Those providers may collect information such as your name, email address, IP address, appointment details, device information, and meeting metadata according to their own privacy policies.

14. Call and Session Recordings

Shepherd SOS will not intentionally record a private consultation without notice and consent.

When a recording is requested or offered, we will explain:

• Whether recording is optional

• The purpose of the recording

• How it may be used

• Who may access it

• How long it may be retained

You may not record or distribute a consultation without prior permission, as described in our Terms and Conditions.

15. Client Photographs and Videos

Client photographs, videos, and other media are reviewed only for purposes reasonably connected to the requested service, maintaining business records, protecting legal rights, or complying with law.

Submitting media does not give Shepherd SOS permission to publish it.

We will not intentionally use identifiable client media for:

• Advertising

• Social media

• Testimonials

• Public case studies

• Courses

• Public educational content

unless you give separate permission.

Permission for one use does not automatically authorize every other use.

16. Testimonials

If you submit a testimonial, we will request permission before publicly associating it with identifying details such as the following:

• Your full name

• Photograph

• Voice

• Video

• Location

• Dog’s photograph or video

• Social-media profile

We may offer options such as using your first name, initials, dog’s name, or general location.

You may withdraw permission for future use by contacting us. Withdrawal may not require us to recall or destroy materials already printed, published, or distributed before the withdrawal.

17. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools

Shepherd SOS may use software containing artificial intelligence features to assist with limited business functions such as:

• Administrative organization

• Formatting

• Draft preparation

• Transcription

• Summarization

• Website support

• General business analysis

We do not use automated systems to make decisions producing legal or similarly significant effects concerning you.

We do not knowingly submit identifiable client videos, private consultation recordings, or sensitive client records to a publicly accessible artificial-intelligence system for model training without permission.

When an artificial intelligence service provider processes personal information on our behalf, we will seek to use appropriate settings and safeguards based on the nature of the information.

Recommendations provided to clients remain subject to human review and professional judgment.

18. Email Marketing

You may receive promotional emails when:

• You request information

• You subscribe to our mailing list

• You make a purchase and marketing is legally permitted

• You otherwise agree to receive marketing

Promotional emails will provide a method to unsubscribe.

You may unsubscribe at any time by:

• Clicking the unsubscribe link

• Following the instructions in the message

• Emailing [PRIVACY OR SUPPORT EMAIL]

Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent us from sending necessary transactional messages, including appointment confirmations, receipts, service notices, safety communications, and account information.

19. Text Messages

If you provide a telephone number, we may use it for service-related communications such as the following:

• Appointment reminders

• Scheduling updates

• Client support

• Responses to your questions

• Program communications

We will obtain any consent required for recurring promotional text messages.

You may opt out of promotional texts by replying STOP or following the instructions in the message.

Standard message and data rates may apply.

20. Social Media

When you interact with Shepherd SOS through a social-media platform, the platform may collect information separately from us.

Information you post publicly—including comments, reviews, photographs, or videos—may be visible to other users.

Do not post confidential or sensitive behavior information publicly when you intend it to remain private.

Direct messages may be retained as part of our business communications, but social-media platforms control their own systems and data practices.

21. Referrals, Breeders, Rescues, and Partners

A breeder, rescue, shelter, trainer, veterinarian, or another person may refer you to Shepherd SOS.

We may record the source of a referral for business administration, discounts, or an agreed referral program.

Unless you direct us otherwise, we do not provide the referring party with detailed information about your consultation, submitted videos, household, or behavior plan.

We may confirm that a referral occurred or that an applicable referral credit was earned when reasonably necessary to administer a referral program.

22. Data Retention

We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including delivering services, maintaining business records, resolving disputes, enforcing agreements, and complying with legal obligations.

Retention periods may vary by information type.

Typical retention considerations include the following:

• Contact inquiries: up to [12–24 MONTHS] after the last communication

• Intake forms and consultation records: up to [3–7 YEARS] after the service

• Submitted photographs and videos: up to [12–24 MONTHS] after service completion, unless longer retention is necessary or authorized

• Payment and transaction records: as required for tax, accounting, dispute, and legal purposes

• Marketing information: until you unsubscribe or the information is no longer needed

• Account records: while the account is active and for a reasonable period afterward

• Legal and safety records: for as long as reasonably necessary to protect legal rights

We may retain de-identified or aggregated information that can no longer reasonably identify you.

When information is no longer needed, we may delete it, anonymize it, or securely dispose of it.

23. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards intended to protect personal information.

These measures may include:

• Password protection

• Access restrictions

• Multifactor authentication when available

• Secure payment processors

• Encrypted transmission where supported

• Software updates

• Limited access to client records

• Secure deletion or disposal procedures

• Service-provider review based on risk

No website, transmission, cloud service, or storage method is completely secure. We cannot guarantee that unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure will never occur.

You are responsible for protecting your own passwords, devices, accounts, and internet connection.

Contact us promptly if you believe your information or account may have been compromised.

24. Data Breach Response

If we become aware of a security incident involving personal information, we will investigate and take reasonable steps based on the nature of the incident.

When legally required, we will notify affected individuals, regulators, or other authorities within the applicable time period.

25. Children’s Privacy

Shepherd SOS services are intended for adults.

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13.

A parent or legal guardian may provide limited information concerning a child when relevant to household safety and puppy behavior. The adult submitting that information is responsible for ensuring that the disclosure is appropriate and authorized.

Do not allow a child under 13 to independently

• Submit a website form

• Create an account

• Book a service

• Make a purchase

• Join a consultation

• Send photographs or videos

• Communicate privately with Shepherd SOS

If you believe a child under 13 has directly provided personal information without appropriate permission, contact us so we can review and delete the information when required.

26. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to

• Confirm whether we process your personal information

• Access personal information we maintain about you

• Correct inaccurate information

• Request deletion

• Obtain a portable copy of certain information

• Withdraw consent

• Opt out of certain marketing communications

• Opt out of qualifying sales, targeted advertising, or profiling

• Restrict or object to certain processing

• Appeal a decision concerning a privacy request

• Lodge a complaint with an appropriate authority

These rights may be subject to exceptions. For example, we may retain information needed to complete a transaction, comply with law, maintain business records, protect safety, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, or establish legal claims.

We will not discriminate against you for exercising a privacy right.

27. Texas Privacy Rights

Eligible Texas residents may have rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, including rights to:

• Confirm whether personal data is being processed

• Access personal data

• Correct inaccuracies

• Delete certain personal data

• Obtain certain personal data in a portable format

• Opt out of qualifying targeted advertising

• Opt out of the sale of personal data

• Opt out of certain qualifying profiling

Some businesses and types of information may be exempt from some or all requirements of that law. Shepherd SOS may nevertheless choose to honor reasonable requests when practical.

If we deny an eligible Texas privacy request, you may appeal using the procedure below.

28. How to Submit a Privacy Request

To exercise a privacy right, contact:

Email: coach@shepherdsos.com
Subject: Privacy Request

Please provide:

• Your name

• The email address or telephone number associated with your interaction

• The right you wish to exercise

• Enough information for us to locate relevant records

• Your state or country of residence

We may need to verify your identity before completing a request.

Verification may involve confirming information we already maintain. Do not send copies of government identification unless we specifically request it and provide a secure method.

We will respond within the time required by applicable law.

29. Authorized Agents

Where permitted by law, you may authorize another person to submit a request for you.

We may require:

• Written proof of authorization

• Verification of your identity

• Direct confirmation that you authorized the request

We may deny a request when we cannot reasonably verify the requester’s identity or authority.

30. Appeals

If we deny a privacy request and applicable law gives you a right to appeal, send an appeal to:

Email: coach@shepherdsos.com
Subject: Privacy Request Appeal

Explain why you believe the decision should be reconsidered.

We will review and respond within the period required by applicable law.

If a Texas resident’s appeal is denied, the resident may have the right to contact the Texas Attorney General regarding the result.

31. International Visitors

Shepherd SOS is operated from Texas in the United States.

If you access our website or services from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States or another country where our service providers operate.

Those countries may have privacy laws different from the laws in your location.

By providing information, you acknowledge these transfers, subject to any rights and safeguards required by applicable law.

32. Third-Party Links

Our website, emails, programs, or materials may link to third-party websites or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy, security, accuracy, or content of an independently operated third party.

Review the third party’s privacy policy before providing information.

33. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• Changes to our services

• Changes to technology or service providers

• New business practices

• Legal or regulatory developments

• Security improvements

The “Last updated” date will identify the current version.

Material changes may be communicated through the website, email, account notice, checkout page, or another reasonable method.

Changes apply prospectively unless applicable law requires otherwise.

34. Contact Us

Questions, concerns, or privacy requests may be sent to:

Shepherd SOS
Operated by: Douglas James
Website: ShepherdSOS.com
Privacy email: coach@shepherdsos.com