Privacy Policy Statement

This is the web site of catDNAtest.org, a cooperative effort by the Cat Fanciers' Association and Texas A&M University Animal Genetics Laboratory. Our contact informations is:

Animal Genetics Lab.
VIBS, CVM
Texas A&M University
TAMU 4458
College Station, TX 77843-4458

About this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy has been published to provide a clear and concise outline of how and when personal information is collected, disclosed, used, stored and otherwise handled by Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory. The Policy relates to personal information collected by any means and by any technology.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory treats the handling of your personal information very seriously. To that end, Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory, Inc.has systems and procedures in place to protect your privacy in relation to the handling of your personal information.

The objective of Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory is to handle information responsibly and provide you with some control over the way information about you is handled.

1. Collection of Personal Information
Personal information is information or opinion from which an individual's identity may be ascertained. The nature of personal information collected by Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory through our web site generally comprises an individual's name and contact details (including address, phone, fax and e-mail).

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory collects information volunteered by the consumer, such as requests for sample collection kits, name and address, telephone number, fax number, etc.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory does not collect personal information unless it is necessary for Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory to perform one or more of its functions and activities.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will generally collect personal information from you directly. For example, Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may collect personal information via telephone or letter, when you request printed information or specific mailings, etc.

2. Use & Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal information provided to Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may be shared with related laboratories working Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory, where it will be kept strictly confidential and will only be disclosed on a need-to-know basis. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will only use and disclose your personal information for the purpose for which the personal information was initially collected.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may also use that personal information for a purpose related to the initial purpose of collection if that other purpose would be within your reasonable expectations. Related purposes might include adding your name to an email notification list.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will not use or disclose your personal information for any other purposes without first obtaining your express or implied consent. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may however be required to disclose your personal information without your consent if the disclosure is:
a. required or authorized by law;
b. required in order to investigate an unlawful activity;
c. required by an enforcement body for investigative activities; or
d. necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to a person's life, health or safety, or to public health or safety.

3. Direct marketing
From time to time Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may use your personal information to identify activities which may be of interest to you to send you information regarding products available through Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory business partners.

If you do not wish to receive direct marketing information, please let Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory know. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will take immediate steps to ensure that you do not receive any direct marketing information in future.

4. Ad Servers
Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory does not partner with or have special relationships with any ad server companies.

5. Cookies
Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory uses cookies to store visitor preferences, record session information, such as items that consumers add to their shopping cart, secure area login data, etc.

6. Personal Information Security
Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory is committed to keeping your personal information secure, and we will take all reasonable precautions to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse or alteration.

Your personal information may be stored in hard copy documents, or electronically on Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory software or systems.

Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory maintains physical security over its paper and electronic data stores, such as locks and security systems. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory also maintains computer and network security using passwords to control and restrict access to authorized staff for approved purposes.

7. Access To Personal Information
You may request access to the personal information Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory holds about you.

The procedure for gaining access is as follows:
a. All requests for access to your personal information must be made in writing and addressed to the Director.
b. You must provide as much detail as possible regarding the business entity, department or person to whom you believe your personal information has been provided, and when. This will allow Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory to process your request faster.
c. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will acknowledge your request within 14 days, and access will usually be granted within 14 days, or if it is more complicated, 30 days. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will inform you if this timeframe is not achievable.
d. You will be asked to verify your identity.
e. A fee may apply to such access in the event that a request for access is onerous or time consuming. Such a fee will cover staff costs involved in locating and collating information, and reproduction costs.
f. Depending on the circumstances, you may be forwarded the information by mail or email, or you may be required to personally inspect your records at the appropriate place.
g. You will be given the opportunity to correct any personal information which is no longer accurate.

In some circumstances, Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may not be in a position to provide access. Such circumstances include where:
a. providing access will have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of other individuals;
b. denying access is required or authorized by law;
c. the request is frivolous;
d. legal proceedings are underway;
e. negotiations may be prejudiced by such access; or
f. access would reveal a commercially sensitive decision making process.

If Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory denies access to your personal information, it will provide you with reasons in writing.

8. Changes To This Policy
Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory may change this Policy from time to time for any reason and will update the Policy accordingly.

9. Complaints
If you believe that your privacy has been infringed you are entitled to complain. All complaints should initially be in writing. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will respond to your complaint as soon as possible, within 14 working days, to let you know who is responsible for managing your query. Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will try to resolve the complaint within 30 working days. When this is not possible Texas A & M University Animal Genetics Laboratory will contact you to provide an estimate of how long it will take to handle the complaint.

Animal Genetics Lab.
VIBS, CVM
Texas A&M University
TAMU 4458
College Station, TX 77843-4458