Cookie policy
Last updated: 3 May 2026
We use a small set of cookies to keep the site working. Some are strictly necessary; others (where they exist) ask for your consent first via the banner you see on your first visit.
You can withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time by clicking the small “cookie preferences” link in the footer (or by clearing your browser cookies for this site).
What we set
| Cookie | What for | How long | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| pawspot_token | Keeps you signed in. HttpOnly + Secure (in production), so your browser handles it but JavaScript can't read it. | 30 days | Strictly necessary |
| pawspot_session | Marker the frontend reads to know you're signed in (so the header can show your avatar without an auth round-trip). Holds nothing sensitive. | 30 days | Strictly necessary |
| pawspot_consent | Remembers your cookie banner choice (accept / reject). | 6 months | Strictly necessary |
| Stripe cookies | Stripe sets these on the checkout page to fight fraud and keep your payment session secure. We don't read them. | Various, set by Stripe | Strictly necessary |
None of these track you across sites. We don't set advertising cookies, and we don't currently use analytics cookies. If we add analytics in future, the cookie banner will ask for your consent first.
Strictly necessary vs. consent
Under UK PECR, “strictly necessary” cookies don't require your consent, that's the small set above, all of which are needed to keep you signed in or process a payment securely. Anything beyond that (analytics, marketing, ad-targeting) requires your positive opt-in via the banner. We don't pre-tick boxes; reject is as easy as accept.
Changing your mind
You can withdraw consent at any time:
- Use the “cookie preferences” link in the footer to reopen the banner
- Or clear cookies for
pawspot.co.ukin your browser settings, the banner will ask again on your next visit - Most browsers also let you block specific cookies or all cookies. The site will mostly still work, but you won't stay signed in between visits.
Contact
Questions about cookies, or about how we handle your data more broadly? Email hello@pawspot.co.uk. The full data-handling story is in our Privacy Notice.