What is Coaldale Pet Clinic’s Privacy Policy?

At Coaldale Pet Clinic, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients and their pets. This page outlines how we collect, use disclose and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act of Alberta and other applicable Canadian and industry privacy laws.

Collection of Personal Information:

Personal information is information about an identifiable individual. We collect personal information to provide veterinary services and ensure the best care for your pet. The type of information we collect may include:

– Your name, address, phone number and email

– Pet information (name, species, breed, age, medical history and treatment records)

– Payment and billing information

– Secondary and/or emergency contact details such as name and phone number

– Any other information necessary to provide high quality veterinary care.

We collect this information directly from you when you schedule an appointment, complete a client form, use our website, or contact us via text, email or telephone call for inquiries.

What Information is Protected?

Coaldale Pet Clinic is responsible for protecting any of your personal information that it has in it’s possession. This includes all personal information collected for or submitted to a third party to which you have consented (i.e.: laboratory services), as well as information collected during appointments and conversations via telephone, text messages and emails.

Protection of Personal Information:

We take appropriate security measure to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure or misuse. These measures include:

– Secure storage of paper and electronic records

– Restricted access to personal information by authorized personnel only

– Secure audit trail

Why Do We Collect Personal Information?

We collect and use your personal information to:

– Verify your identity

– Comply with federal, provincial, local law/ by-law requirements, as well as industrial governing body requirements

– Invoice for goods and services

– Collect unpaid accounts

– Send out health care reminders

– Make referrals to veterinary specialists and/or laboratories

– Provide updates to clients in the event of a large clinical disruption (i.e.: unexpected clinic closure etc.)

Your personal information may be collected, used or disclosed for any of the purposes identified above. If your personal information is not required for one of these purposes, we will not use or disclose it without your prior consent.

Your Consent

We require your consent before we may collect, use or disclose any of your personal information, except under specific circumstances, including but not limited to police investigations or other situations permitted by law.

How Do You Provide Us with Your Consent?

You are considered to have given us your consent when:

– Your signature is placed on a specific “Consent” document

– Your written, verbal or implied consent is obtained during an appointment or conversation via text message, email or telephone call

– Your consent as provided by persons authorized by you to make decisions on your behalf

Pet Ownership and Account Holder

The account holder (or main contact on file) is the primary owner of the pet(s) on file and has full authority to access the pet’s medical records and other associated information. Coaldale Pet Clinic may ask if the primary account holder would like to list a secondary contact, if one is not already listed. Coaldale Pet Clinic considers the secondary contact listed is permitted to access information without prior consent from the account holder/primary contact. In cases where ownership disputes arise, Coaldale Pet Clinic may require legal documentation or other official records to verify rightful ownership before disclosing any information.

Disclosure to Unauthorized Persons 

Coaldale Pet Clinic will not disclose personal information to any individual who has not been given prior access or consent, unless as required by law. This includes family members, friends or any other third parties who are not explicitly authorized by the primary account holder and/or listed as the secondary contact. If someone requests access to your pet’s medical records or any other personal details, we will require either written or verbal consent by the account holder before any information is shared. If you believe your information has been improperly accessed or disclosed, please contact Coaldale Pet Clinic immediately.

Recorded Telephone Calls

Coaldale Pet Clinic may record telephone calls for quality assurance, training and dispute resolution purposes. Any recorded calls will be handled in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). There is an automated alert at the beginning of every phone call, informing of the recording. If this recording was not made clear during the call, please let us know immediately. The telephone call recordings are securely stored and will only be accessed by authorized personnel. These recordings will not be shared with third parties unless required to by law or with your explicit consent. If you have any concerns regarding recorded calls, you may contact Coaldale Pet Clinic.

Accuracy

Coaldale Pet Clinic will make every reasonable effort to ensure that the personal information collected will be as accurate, complete and as up-to-date as possible for the purposes for which the information is to be used.

Transparency

Coaldale Pet Clinic will make our privacy policies and procedures available to any interested individual. Any complaints about the personal information polices and procedures of Coaldale Pet Clinic will be dealt with by proper procedure including consultation with all owners and managers, to ensure they are fairly reviewed and dealt with in an objective and effective manner.

Privacy Officer Contact Information

Coaldale Pet Clinic

Office Manager or Designate

1402 20th Ave

Box 900

Coaldale, AB

T1M 1M7