Privacy policy

Last updated: 27 October 2026

About this policy

Thrive Dog Kitchen (TDK) is my canine nutrition coaching business. I'm Hilary Wilkie, a Certified Canine Nutritionist and Coach based in Greytown, New Zealand. This policy explains what personal information I collect, why, how I look after it, and what you can do about it.

I follow the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and its Information Privacy Principles. In plain terms: I only collect what I need to help you and your dog, I tell you what I'm doing with it, and you can always ask to see it or fix it.

This policy covers my website, the free Thrive Check, my emails, my digital products, and my 1:1 coaching and recipe formulation services. It should be read alongside my Terms of Service, Client Agreement and Disclaimer.

What information I collect

What I collect depends on how you work with me.

Information about your dog isn't personal information under the Privacy Act. I treat it with the same care anyway, because it usually sits alongside your details and because it matters to you.

I don't ask for more than I need. You don't have to give me anything, but if you hold back information I need for coaching, I may not be able to give you safe, accurate advice.

How I collect it

Most of what I hold comes straight from you: through my website, forms, emails, calls and coaching sessions.

Sometimes I get information about you from someone else. For example:

• your vet, when you've asked them to send me records or you've agreed to me contacting them

• a vet, trainer or other professional who refers you to me

• a family member or partner who contacts me on your behalf

When this happens, I'll let you know what I've received, who from, and why, unless you already know (for example, because you asked your vet to send it). This is a requirement of the Privacy Act that came into force in May 2026.

How I use it

I use your information to:

• give you the feedback, products and coaching you've asked for

• design nutrition plans and recipes that are safe for your dog

• book sessions, send reminders and keep in touch during your programme

• process payments and keep my business and tax records

• send you emails you've signed up for

• improve my website, resources and services

I won't use your information for anything unrelated without asking you first.

Testimonials and case studies. I only share your story, your words, or photos of your dog publicly with your clear permission. Where I use a client's case to teach or illustrate a point, I remove anything that could identify you.

I never sell or rent your personal information.

Who I share it with

I only share your information when I need to, and only as much as is needed.

People involved in your dog's care. With your agreement, I may talk with your vet or other professionals about your dog. In complex cases I sometimes seek a second opinion from a qualified canine nutrition colleague. When I do, I share only your dog's details and history, not your name or contact details.

The tools that run my business. Like most small businesses, I use trusted online services to store information and get things done. They can only use your information to provide their service to me.

When the law requires it. I may disclose information if required by law, or if I believe it's necessary to prevent a serious threat to someone's health or safety.

If the business changes hands. If TDK is ever sold or restructured, your information may pass to the new owner, who must continue to protect it under this policy. I'd tell you first.

Storage overseas

Most of the services above store data outside New Zealand, mainly in Canada, the European Union, Australia and the United States. I choose providers with strong security and privacy standards comparable to New Zealand's. Using them doesn't change my responsibility to you: I remain accountable for your information wherever it's stored.

Emails and marketing

I only send marketing emails if you've opted in, as required by the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007. Completing the Thrive Check or buying a product doesn't sign you up on its own; you'll be asked separately.

Every marketing email has an unsubscribe link, and I act on it straight away. You can also just reply and ask. If you unsubscribe, I'll still send emails you need, like receipts and appointment details.

My emails may record whether they were opened or a link was clicked. I use this to see what's useful and to send fewer emails that aren't.

Cookies and website data

My website uses cookies: small files saved by your browser. Some are essential, for things like checkout and remembering your login. Others, set by Shopify and Klaviyo, help me understand how people use the site and which emails and pages are useful. If I run ads on Facebook or Instagram, I may also use the Meta Pixel to see how they perform.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. The site will still work, though some features like checkout may not.

My website links to other sites, such as social media and product pages. I'm not responsible for their privacy practices, so it's worth checking their policies.

Keeping it safe, and for how long

I protect your information with strong passwords, two-factor authentication on my accounts, and by being the only person with access. No system is completely secure, but I take reasonable steps to prevent loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

If a privacy breach happens that's likely to cause you serious harm, I'll tell you and the Privacy Commissioner as soon as I can, as the law requires.

I keep information only as long as I need it:

• Client records (coaching notes, dog health history, recipes): 7 years after our last work together, so I can support you if you return and respond to any questions about the advice given.

• Financial records: 7 years, as required by Inland Revenue.

• Mailing list: until you unsubscribe, or after 2 years with no engagement.

• Thrive Check answers: 2 years, unless you become a client.

After that, I securely delete it or remove anything that identifies you.

Your rights

You can ask to see the personal information I hold about you, and ask me to correct anything that's wrong. Just email me. I'll respond within 20 working days, and there's no charge.

You can also ask me to delete your information. I'll do so unless I need to keep it by law (for example, financial records).

If you have a concern about how I've handled your information, please talk to me first. I'll do my best to put it right. If you're not satisfied, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz or on 0800 803 909.

Changes and contact

I may update this policy as my business or the law changes. The latest version will always be on this page, with the date at the top. If I make a significant change, I'll let clients and subscribers know by email.

Privacy Officer: Hilary Wilkie Email: hello@thrivedogkitchen.co.nz Post: 41 McMaster Street, Greytown 5712, New Zealand

Thrive Dog Kitchen Limited NZBN, 7840216