PRIVACY POLICY
Webvet Ltd trading as Duggan Veterinary Consultants
Version: 1.1
Date: 5 November 2026
Website: https://dvconsultants.co.uk
1. Introduction
1.1 Webvet Ltd trading as Duggan Veterinary Consultants ("DVC", "we", "us" or "our") respects the privacy of everyone who visits our website, contacts us or interacts with our business.
1.2 This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, store and protect personal information.
1.3 It applies to all members of the public, including people who simply browse our website without contacting us, as well as prospective clients, private individuals, animal owners, veterinary professionals, solicitors, insurers, witnesses and other persons involved in our professional work.
1.4 You do not need to be a client, solicitor or professional contact for this Privacy Policy to apply to you.
1.5 We process personal data in accordance with applicable UK and Irish data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, EU GDPR and relevant Irish legislation.
2. Who We Are
The organisation responsible for this Privacy Policy is:
Webvet Ltd trading as Duggan Veterinary Consultants
Company registration number: 13825677
Registered office: 167–169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF, United Kingdom
Website: https://dvconsultants.co.uk
Privacy contact: admin@webvetltd.co.uk
Webvet Ltd is ordinarily the data controller for personal information it collects and uses to operate its website, manage enquiries and provide its professional services.
Other organisations involved in particular matters may act as independent controllers or processors, depending on their actual responsibilities.
3. Who This Policy Covers
This Policy applies to personal data relating to:
Members of the public browsing our website, whether or not they identify themselves.
People researching veterinary consultancy or expert witness services.
Individuals submitting website forms, sending emails or making enquiries.
Private clients, animal owners and animal keepers.
Solicitors, barristers, insurers and other professional contacts.
Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other professionals.
Witnesses, complainants and persons involved in disputes or investigations.
Individuals whose information appears in veterinary, legal or regulatory records.
Suppliers, business contacts and other persons interacting with DVC.
We do not require a professional relationship or an accepted instruction before our privacy obligations arise.
4. Our Website and Squarespace
4.1 Our website is built and hosted using Squarespace, a third-party website platform.
4.2 When you access our website, technical information may be processed through Squarespace and the systems supporting the website, even if you do not complete a form or contact us.
4.3 Depending on the website configuration, this information may include:
(a) your IP address;
(b) browser, network and device information;
(c) the pages you visit;
(d) the date and time of your visit;
(e) the website or search engine that referred you to our website;
(f) navigation, clicks and other website interactions;
(g) information needed to operate and secure the website; and
(h) cookie and consent preferences.
4.4 We use Squarespace to make our website available to the public, maintain its operation and security, display content and support website functionality.
4.5 Where enabled and lawfully configured, Squarespace analytics may also help us understand website traffic, visitor interactions and the performance of our website.
4.6 We do not assume that all website analytics information is anonymous. Some technical identifiers may constitute personal data.
4.7 Squarespace may process information as a service provider acting on our behalf and, for certain purposes determined independently by Squarespace, in its own capacity. The applicable roles depend on the particular processing.
4.8 Squarespace's own processing is described in its privacy documentation at:
https://www.squarespace.com/privacy/
4.9 We remain responsible for our own compliance obligations concerning the website and the processing we determine.
5. Browsing Our Website Without Contacting Us
5.1 You may ordinarily browse the publicly accessible areas of our website without registering an account or providing your name.
5.2 However, accessing a website involves technical communications that may reveal information such as your IP address and device characteristics.
5.3 We may process necessary technical information to:
(a) deliver website pages;
(b) maintain website functionality;
(c) protect against malicious activity;
(d) investigate security incidents;
(e) diagnose technical problems; and
(f) maintain the availability and integrity of our website.
5.4 Where applicable, this processing is based on our legitimate interests in operating a secure and functional website or another appropriate lawful basis.
5.5 Optional analytics and tracking technologies are subject to the additional requirements explained in Section 13.
5.6 We do not require ordinary public visitors to accept a professional services contract merely to browse the website.
6. Information You Provide Voluntarily
6.1 If you contact us through our website, email or another communication channel, we may collect:
(a) your name;
(b) email address;
(c) telephone number;
(d) organisation, where applicable;
(e) details of your enquiry;
(f) documents or attachments you choose to provide; and
(g) related correspondence.
6.2 We use this information to understand and respond to your enquiry, assess whether we can assist and, where appropriate, discuss or arrange professional services.
6.3 We may retain appropriate records of enquiries for business administration, professional risk management and legitimate evidential purposes.
6.4 Submitting an enquiry does not automatically establish a professional engagement.
6.5 Please avoid including unnecessary confidential, medical or sensitive personal information in an initial website enquiry.
6.6 Where particularly sensitive records are required, we may arrange an appropriate method for providing them.
7. Professional Services and Case Information
7.1 When providing veterinary consultancy, expert witness or related services, we may process information including:
(a) veterinary clinical records;
(b) animal ownership and keeper information;
(c) correspondence and professional records;
(d) photographs, diagnostic imaging and laboratory results;
(e) legal pleadings and witness statements;
(f) expert reports and opinions;
(g) allegations concerning professional conduct;
(h) insurance and claims information;
(i) court, tribunal and regulatory documents; and
(j) other information relevant to an accepted instruction.
7.2 Information about an animal is not necessarily personal data, but animal records may identify owners, keepers, veterinary professionals and other individuals.
7.3 We may receive information about people who have not directly contacted us.
7.4 We process such information only where there is an appropriate lawful basis and, where necessary, an additional legal condition for sensitive information.
7.5 Our professional work may require information to be included in reports or disclosed in legal proceedings.
7.6 Such disclosures will be assessed in accordance with applicable law, court directions, confidentiality obligations and professional duties.
8. Why We Process Personal Data
8.1 Our principal processing purposes and potential lawful bases are set out below.
PurposeApplicable lawful basis, as appropriateOperating and securing the public websiteLegitimate interests or legal obligationResponding to general public enquiriesLegitimate interests or pre-contractual steps where applicableProviding agreed professional servicesContractual necessity where applicable, legitimate interests or another lawful basisPreparing expert reports and reviewing recordsLegitimate interests or another applicable lawful basisManaging court and regulatory requirementsLegal obligation where applicable or another lawful basisManaging invoices, payments and accountingContractual necessity, legal obligation or legitimate interestsHandling complaints and defending legal claimsLegitimate interests, legal obligation or another applicable basisOptional website analytics and non-essential cookiesConsent where requiredOptional marketing communicationsConsent or another basis only where permitted by applicable law
8.2 The lawful basis depends on the particular activity and individual concerned.
8.3 We do not rely on contractual necessity for every person mentioned in a professional case file.
8.4 Where we rely on legitimate interests, we consider the necessity of the processing and its impact on individuals.
8.5 Where we rely on consent, it may be withdrawn at any time without affecting processing lawfully carried out beforehand.
9. Sensitive Personal Data
9.1 Professional instructions may involve special category personal data, including information concerning an individual's health or other protected characteristics.
9.2 We may also receive information concerning alleged criminal offences, investigations or convictions.
9.3 Such information will be processed only where an appropriate Article 6 lawful basis and any additional condition required under applicable legislation are satisfied.
9.4 Depending on the circumstances, relevant conditions may include processing necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
9.5 We will consider whether additional safeguards, documentation or restrictions are required.
9.6 We do not assume that all sensitive information received through an enquiry or case file may automatically be used for any purpose.
10. How We Obtain Information
10.1 We may receive personal data:
(a) directly from you;
(b) through Squarespace website functionality;
(c) from emails, telephone calls or correspondence;
(d) from solicitors, insurers or other instructing parties;
(e) from veterinary practices and professional advisers;
(f) from courts, tribunals or regulators;
(g) from public records where lawful; and
(h) from other persons legitimately involved in an enquiry or instruction.
10.2 Where personal data is obtained indirectly, we will provide the privacy information required by law unless a relevant exception or exemption applies.
10.3 We will not treat the existence of a legal dispute as removing all privacy and transparency obligations.
11. Sharing Personal Data
11.1 We do not sell personal data.
11.2 Where lawful and necessary, personal data may be shared with:
(a) Squarespace, as our website platform provider;
(b) other website and IT service providers;
(c) email, document storage and communications providers;
(d) instructing clients and authorised representatives;
(e) solicitors, counsel and other professional advisers;
(f) veterinary professionals, laboratories and specialist consultants;
(g) courts, tribunals and regulatory authorities;
(h) professional indemnity insurers and advisers;
(i) accountants and business administration providers; and
(j) public authorities where disclosure is lawfully required or justified.
11.3 Access and disclosures shall be limited to what is appropriate for the relevant purpose.
11.4 Where service providers process information on our behalf, appropriate contractual and security arrangements will be used where required.
11.5 We will not disclose confidential case information merely because an unrelated person requests it.
12. International Data Transfers
12.1 We operate from a UK-registered company and may provide services involving individuals and organisations in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
12.2 Our website provider and other service providers may process or store information in countries outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area.
12.3 We assess relevant international transfers under the applicable UK GDPR or EU GDPR requirements.
12.4 Where available and applicable, we may rely on an adequacy decision.
12.5 Where required, other appropriate transfer mechanisms and safeguards will be used.
12.6 We do not assume that using Squarespace or another established technology provider automatically satisfies all international transfer requirements.
12.7 Information about applicable transfer arrangements may be requested by contacting us.
13. Cookies and Website Analytics
13.1 Our Squarespace website uses cookies and may use similar technologies.
13.2 Cookies are small files or other identifiers that help websites function, remember settings or collect information about website use.
13.3 Cookies and related technologies may include:
Necessary cookies: Used to operate and secure the website, provide essential functionality and remember appropriate privacy preferences.
Analytics and performance cookies: Used, where enabled, to understand website visits, navigation and performance.
Other optional technologies: Used only if actually implemented and where legally permitted, with any required consent.
13.4 Non-essential cookies and similar tracking technologies will not be used before obtaining consent where applicable law requires it.
13.5 We will provide appropriate information and choices through the website's cookie controls.
13.6 Visitors may be able to accept, reject or manage optional cookies through the available consent mechanism.
13.7 Consent may be withdrawn using the available preference controls or other appropriate means.
13.8 Browser settings may also allow visitors to restrict or delete cookies, although blocking necessary cookies may affect website functionality.
13.9 The particular cookies used depend on our Squarespace configuration and any third-party integrations.
13.10 A separate Cookie Policy or cookie information panel will identify the cookies actually deployed, their purposes, providers and durations.
13.11 Acceptance of this Privacy Policy does not constitute consent to non-essential cookies.
14. Data Security
14.1 We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.
14.2 Measures may include access controls, authentication, secure communications, software security, appropriate backups and restricted access to professional case files.
14.3 The measures used will reflect the nature and sensitivity of the information and the risks associated with processing.
14.4 Squarespace and other technology providers may maintain their own platform security measures, but their involvement does not remove our responsibilities for processing we control.
14.5 No electronic service can be guaranteed completely secure.
14.6 Suspected personal data breaches will be assessed and notified to the relevant authority or affected individuals where required by law.
15. How Long We Keep Information
15.1 We retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it is processed, taking account of applicable legal, regulatory, tax, insurance, professional and evidential requirements.
15.2 Retention periods may differ for:
(a) website technical and security information;
(b) general enquiries;
(c) professional case files;
(d) expert reports and supporting evidence;
(e) financial records; and
(f) complaints and disputes.
15.3 Case files may need to be retained after an instruction concludes where reasonably necessary for professional accountability, potential claims, regulatory requirements or legal proceedings.
15.4 Website data held through Squarespace may be subject to relevant platform settings and retention arrangements.
15.5 We maintain or will maintain appropriate internal retention rules and will review them when material processing arrangements change.
15.6 Where information is no longer required, it will be deleted, anonymised or otherwise handled in accordance with applicable law.
15.7 Individuals may contact us for further information about the relevant retention period or criteria.
16. Your Data Protection Rights
16.1 Depending on applicable law and the circumstances, you may have rights to:
(a) access your personal data;
(b) correct inaccurate information;
(c) request erasure;
(d) restrict processing;
(e) object to certain processing;
(f) request data portability where applicable;
(g) withdraw consent where processing relies on consent; and
(h) receive information about certain automated decisions.
16.2 These rights apply to members of the public as well as professional clients and contacts.
16.3 Rights are subject to applicable statutory conditions, exceptions and exemptions.
16.4 For example, some information may need to be retained for legal claims, court proceedings or regulatory obligations.
16.5 We may need to verify your identity before responding to a request.
16.6 Requests will be considered within the applicable statutory period.
16.7 To exercise your rights, contact admin@webvetltd.co.uk.
17. Information About Other People
17.1 Veterinary and legal records may contain information about individuals other than the person who supplied them.
17.2 We will consider privacy rights and confidentiality obligations affecting all relevant individuals.
17.3 We will not automatically disclose another person's confidential information in response to a request.
17.4 Where records contain disputed allegations or professional opinions, preserving the original evidential record may be necessary. Appropriate corrections or statements of disagreement may be added where required.
17.5 Applicable legal privilege, court directions and statutory exemptions may affect disclosure.
18. Marketing Communications
18.1 We may contact individuals concerning enquiries they have made or services they have requested.
18.2 Optional promotional communications will be sent only where permitted by applicable data protection and electronic marketing legislation.
18.3 Where consent is required, it will be obtained before the relevant marketing.
18.4 Individuals may object to direct marketing at any time.
18.5 Marketing requests may be sent to admin@webvetltd.co.uk.
18.6 Browsing our public website does not, by itself, constitute agreement to receive marketing.
19. Children and Vulnerable Individuals
19.1 Our website is publicly accessible but is not specifically directed at children.
19.2 We may receive information relating to children or vulnerable individuals where relevant to a lawful enquiry or professional instruction.
19.3 Such information will be handled with appropriate safeguards.
19.4 We will not knowingly use children's personal data for unrelated promotional purposes without an appropriate lawful basis.
20. Automated Decision-Making
20.1 We do not ordinarily make decisions about individuals solely through automated processing that produce legal or similarly significant effects.
20.2 If our practices materially change, we will provide the information required by applicable law.
20.3 Any use of automated tools in professional work remains subject to confidentiality, security, data protection and professional obligations.
21. External Websites
21.1 Our website may link to websites or services operated by third parties.
21.2 Those organisations may have separate privacy policies and processing practices.
21.3 We do not control independent third-party processing.
21.4 Nothing in this clause excludes responsibility for processing activities for which Webvet Ltd is legally responsible.
22. Complaints
22.1 If you have a concern about how we handle personal data, please contact:
22.2 We will consider privacy complaints and respond within a reasonable period.
22.3 You may also complain to a competent supervisory authority.
United Kingdom
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk
Republic of Ireland
Data Protection Commission (DPC)
https://www.dataprotection.ie
22.4 The appropriate supervisory authority depends on the relevant processing and applicable jurisdictional rules.
22.5 Nothing in this Policy restricts statutory complaint or legal rights.
23. Changes to This Privacy Policy
23.1 We may update this Policy to reflect changes in legislation, technology, website functionality or our processing activities.
23.2 The current version will be published on our website.
23.3 Material changes will be communicated where required by law.
23.4 Updating this Policy does not retrospectively establish a lawful basis for processing that was previously unlawful.
23.5 We will review the Policy when material changes occur, including changes to Squarespace functionality or additional website integrations.
24. Contact Information
Webvet Ltd trading as Duggan Veterinary Consultants
Company number: 13825677
Registered office: 167–169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF, United Kingdom
Email: admin@webvetltd.co.uk
Website: https://dvconsultants.co.uk
End of Privacy Policy
Version 1.1 — 5 November 2026