Queensland Veterinary Specialists (QVS) recognises the importance of protecting your privacy. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other relevant legislation. This Privacy Policy applies across all websites we own and operate and all services we provide. For simplicity, we will refer to them collectively as our ‘Services’. Our staff adhere to the following principles when handling your personal information.

Data Protection – General

To facilitate your use of our services, you may be required to provide personal information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we use your data. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and other applicable regulations.

Types of Personal Information – 

Personal information is any data about an identifiable individual. You provide personal information voluntarily, and you may choose not to provide certain details, which may limit our ability to offer our services.

We may collect:

• Name
• Contact details (including email and physical address)
• Location
• Computer or network information
• Interactions with QVS
• Billing information

Collecting Personal Information

We collect personal information in several ways:

1. Directly from you: Through interactions such as forms, emails, events, or support inquiries.
2. Automatically: Via your use of our websites and services, including IP address, device type, and site navigation data collected using cookies and similar technologies.

If you visit our hospital, your information is entered into our patient database for treatment and communication purposes. This information will not be used for marketing unless explicitly stated.

Veterinary professionals on our mailing list receive industry updates and can opt out anytime.

Using Information

We use personal information to:

1. Communicate with you, including:
   • Providing requested information or support
   • Operational updates
   • Marketing communications, per your preferences
   • Feedback or research participation requests
2. Provide services to you and your pet
3. Share information with referring vets or insurance companies with your consent
4. Support you through email, phone, or system-based support, potentially involving third parties

We do not use your personal information for purposes other than those consented to or outlined here, except in certain legal or public interest circumstances.

Use of Images and Video

Events may be recorded for marketing purposes. By participating, you consent to this use.

Phone Recordings

Calls may be recorded for training, quality assurance, or dispute resolution and stored securely for a minimum of two years.

Storing Information

We store information securely, either physically or electronically, and retain it as needed for service provision and legal compliance. We securely destroy information when no longer required.

Disclosing Information

We only disclose personal information with consent or under specific circumstances, such as:

• For the purpose collected
• Legal requirements
• Preventing harm or crime
• Research, provided it’s anonymised

Privacy Breaches

We will notify individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner of any data breaches that pose a risk of serious harm.

Sharing Information with Overseas Agencies

If sharing information overseas, we ensure compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 or comparable legislation, or we inform the individuals involved.

Contacting Us

For questions about how we handle your personal information, contact our privacy officer:

Email: privacy@qvs.com.au

Address: Privacy Officer, Queensland Veterinary Specialists, 45 Hayward Street, Stafford

Last Updated: June 2024