Privacy Policy & Messaging Terms

How the Humane Society of Skagit Valley collects, uses, and protects your information, including our SMS text-reminder program.

Last updated: June 2026

The Humane Society of Skagit Valley ("we," "us," or "our") operates skagithumane.org. This page explains what information we collect through our website and services, how we use and protect it, and the specific terms that apply to our optional SMS (text message) appointment-reminder program. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Skagit County, Washington.

Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect only the information you choose to provide when you interact with our website, such as:

  • Contact details you submit through forms, such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
  • Spay/neuter appointment details, such as your name, phone, email, and information about your pet.
  • Adoption, foster, and volunteer application information.
  • Donation information processed securely through our payment provider.
  • Pet-alert and newsletter email subscriptions you opt into.
  • Basic, non-identifying website analytics (pages visited, general region) to help us improve the site.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide solely to operate our programs and serve our community, including to:

  • Schedule, confirm, and remind you about clinic appointments and shelter services.
  • Respond to your questions, applications, and requests.
  • Process donations and send receipts.
  • Send email alerts or newsletters you have subscribed to.
  • Comply with our legal and recordkeeping obligations.

Text Messaging (SMS) Data

If you provide your mobile phone number and opt in to appointment reminders, we use that number only to send the text messages described in the Messaging Terms below. Providing your mobile number for text reminders is always optional and is never required to receive any of our services.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in / consent data are never shared with or sold to any third party or affiliate for marketing purposes, and text-messaging opt-in data is not shared with third parties.

Service Providers

We rely on a small number of trusted service providers strictly to deliver our own services on our behalf, such as a payment processor (Stripe) to handle donations, a messaging provider (Twilio) to deliver appointment text reminders, and an email delivery provider for transactional email. These providers may only process the information needed to perform their function for us and are not permitted to use it for their own marketing.

Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as needed to provide our services and meet our legal and recordkeeping requirements, including retaining records of messaging consent for as long as required. You may request that we delete information that we are not required to keep.

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Your Choices

You can unsubscribe from email alerts at any time using the link in those emails, opt out of text reminders at any time by replying STOP (see below), and contact us to access, correct, or delete your information.

SMS / Text Messaging Terms

The following terms apply to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley appointment text-reminder program. By providing your mobile phone number and checking the consent box on our spay/neuter appointment form, you agree to these terms.

Program Description

This is an appointment-reminder messaging program. We send text reminders about your scheduled spay/neuter clinic appointment (for example, the day before and two days before your appointment) and occasional service notifications related to an appointment you have booked. We do not send marketing or promotional text messages.

How to Opt In

Opt-in is express and voluntary. To receive reminders, enter your mobile number on the appointment form and check the box that reads, "Yes, send me appointment reminder text messages from Humane Society of Skagit Valley at the phone number provided." The box is unchecked by default, and consent is not a condition of booking an appointment or receiving any service.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies. You can expect up to approximately 2 messages per appointment (typically 24 and 48 hours before your scheduled time).

Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. We do not charge a fee for the text reminders themselves.

Opt Out: Reply STOP

You can cancel text reminders at any time by replying STOP to any message. After you send STOP, we will send one confirmation message and then stop sending reminders to that number. You can also contact us directly to opt out.

Help: Reply HELP

For help, reply HELP to any message, call us at (360) 757-0445, or visit our contact page.

Carrier Disclaimer

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Message delivery is subject to your carrier's network availability.

Privacy of Messaging Data

We will never share or sell your mobile number or SMS opt-in data with third parties for marketing. Your number is used only to send the appointment reminders you requested. See the Privacy Policy above for full details.

Contact Us

Questions about this policy or your data? Reach us at:

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