Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 20, 2026

The Bitter Root Humane Association (“BRHA,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, when we may share it, and the choices you have regarding your information when you visit our website.

By using this website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.


Who We Are

The Bitter Root Humane Association is a Montana nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting animals, promoting responsible pet ownership, and supporting pet adoption, fostering, education, and community outreach throughout the Bitterroot Valley.


Information We Collect

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide as well as certain information collected automatically when you use our website.

Information You Provide

Depending on how you interact with our website, you may provide information such as:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Information submitted through contact forms
  • Volunteer applications
  • Foster applications
  • Adoption applications
  • Event registrations
  • Information submitted when requesting assistance or services
  • Any other information you choose to provide

Please provide only information that is necessary for your request.


Donations

Online donations are processed through secure third-party payment providers. BRHA does not collect or store your credit card numbers or banking information on this website.

When making a donation, you may be redirected to a trusted third-party platform that maintains its own privacy and security practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before submitting payment information.


Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or choose to receive updates from us, we may use your email address to send:

  • Shelter news
  • Adoption stories
  • Upcoming events
  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Educational information
  • Other organization-related communications

You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in our emails or by contacting us directly.


Applications and Forms

Our website may include forms for:

  • Pet adoptions
  • Foster programs
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • General inquiries
  • Other services offered by BRHA

Information submitted through these forms is used solely for evaluating applications, communicating with applicants, and providing requested services.


Automatically Collected Information

Like many websites, we automatically collect certain technical information, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device type
  • Operating system
  • Pages viewed
  • Time spent on pages
  • Referring websites
  • Date and time of visits
  • General geographic region

This information helps us improve the website, understand visitor interests, and enhance the overall user experience.


Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and better understand how visitors use the site.

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites remember preferences and improve performance.

Most web browsers allow you to disable or manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality.


Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to better understand how visitors interact with our website.

Google Analytics collects anonymous information about website usage, including pages visited, time spent on the site, device information, and general location data.

This information helps us improve website performance and provide a better experience for our visitors. Google Analytics does not identify individual users.

For more information about Google’s privacy practices, please visit:

https://policies.google.com/privacy


How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to inquiries
  • Process applications
  • Communicate with volunteers, adopters, and foster families
  • Improve our programs and services
  • Improve website functionality
  • Send newsletters and organizational updates
  • Process and acknowledge donations
  • Maintain organizational records
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect the security and integrity of our website

Sharing Your Information

We respect your privacy.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may share information only when necessary with trusted service providers who help us operate our organization, including providers that assist with:

  • Donation processing
  • Website hosting
  • Email communications
  • Website analytics
  • Technical support

These providers receive only the information necessary to perform their services and are expected to maintain appropriate safeguards.

We may also disclose information if required by law or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of BRHA, our staff, volunteers, visitors, or others.


Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including donation platforms, social media pages, community partners, sponsors, and other organizations.

Once you leave our website, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.


Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect the personal information entrusted to us.

While we strive to protect your information, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.


Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
  • Maintain organizational records
  • Comply with legal, accounting, or regulatory requirements
  • Resolve disputes
  • Enforce our agreements

When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to securely dispose of it.


Your Choices

You may:

  • Request access to personal information you have submitted to us.
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information.
  • Ask us to update your contact information.
  • Request removal from our email communications.
  • Ask questions about how your information is used.

Certain records may need to be retained to comply with legal or organizational obligations.


Children’s Privacy

Our website is intended for adults and is not directed toward children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that such information has been submitted, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.


Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or organizational needs.

Any updates will be posted on this page along with the revised Effective Date.

Your continued use of this website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.


Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

Bitter Root Humane Association

262 Fairgrounds Road

Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-5311

Email: shelter@bitterroothumane.org

Website: https://bitterroothumane.org