Privacy Policy

Our Commitment

Vet Uplift is designed as an informational directory for veteran resources. Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to protect it. Vet Uplift is operated by Mektra LLC ("we," "us," or "our"). This site is not intended to profile users, infer eligibility for benefits, or build marketing profiles. We believe veterans and their families deserve transparent, respectful handling of their information.

Information We Collect

• Server logs: Standard web server data including IP addresses, browser type, referring pages, and timestamps. This data is collected automatically and is necessary to operate the Service.
• Search and filter inputs: When you search for resources or apply filters, those inputs are processed to return results. This data is treated as transient operational data and is not tied to individual user profiles.
• Analytics data: Aggregate usage patterns such as page views, feature usage, and resource popularity. This helps us understand how the site is being used and where to focus improvements.
• Error reports: Technical error data that helps us identify and fix bugs in the Service.
• Voluntarily submitted information: If you contact us, request a callback from a partner, or purchase a paid service, we retain the contact details and request information you provide to fulfill that request.
• Account and purchase information: If you create an optional account or buy a paid service, we store your account details and a record of your purchase. Payment card details are handled by our payment processor (Stripe); we do not store full card numbers.

When We Share Your Information (Only With Partners You Choose)

We do not sell your personal information. The only time we share the details you provide with an outside organization is when you explicitly ask us to — for example, when you request that a specific partner contact you about help you need. In those cases we share only the information you provide, only with the specific partner or partners you select, and only for the purpose you requested. Before we share anything, we show you exactly what will be shared and with whom, and we keep a versioned record of your consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time, and we never share your information with partners you have not chosen.

Paid Services, Partners, and Sponsorship

Vet Uplift offers optional paid services and may receive compensation from partners and sponsors. Where content or a listing is paid for or sponsored, it is clearly labeled. Compensation does not change what data we collect about you, never affects how resources are verified or ranked, and never results in your personal information being sold. Payments for paid services are processed by Stripe under its own privacy practices; we receive confirmation of payment and the product purchased, not your full card details.

What We Do Not Do

• We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for marketing or any other purpose.
• We do not use your activity on the site to build a marketing profile or target advertising.
• We do not infer protected attributes such as disability status, health conditions, military service details, or benefits eligibility.
• We do not share your information with any partner you have not specifically chosen, and a paid or sponsored relationship never means your data is sold.
• We do not require an account to use the directory — accounts are optional, and you can browse, read guides, and use most tools without one.
• We do not use tracking cookies for cross-site advertising or behavioral targeting.
• We do not share your search queries or browsing patterns with resource providers listed on the site.

How We Protect Your Information

• Data encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS protocols.
• Access controls: Our infrastructure uses role-based access controls to limit who can access system data.
• Minimal collection: We practice data minimization, collecting only what is necessary to provide and improve the Service.
• Secure infrastructure: Our hosting and database services use industry-standard security practices, including regular security updates and monitoring.
• No persistent user tracking: We do not create persistent user profiles or maintain long-term tracking mechanisms.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate our site and understand how visitors interact with it. When you first visit, a cookie consent banner gives you the option to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or manage your preferences. Your choice is saved and respected across visits. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting the site.

• Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly, including session management and security. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Used via Google Analytics (GA4) through Google Tag Manager to understand how visitors use our site, which pages are popular, and how users navigate. This data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.
• Performance and UX cookies: Powered by Contentsquare via Google Tag Manager. These allow us to see how visitors interact with our site through session recordings, heatmaps, and experience analytics so we can improve usability.
• Marketing cookies: Reserved for future use. Currently not active. When enabled, these would be used for advertising and retargeting purposes.

Google Consent Mode v2

We implement Google Consent Mode v2, which means that Google tags on our site respect your cookie preferences. When you deny analytics or marketing cookies, Google tags adjust their behavior accordingly: no cookies are written for those purposes, and measurement data is limited. If you later change your mind and accept cookies, the tags resume full functionality. This approach complies with Google's EU user consent policy and helps protect your privacy while allowing us to understand aggregate site usage.

Third-Party Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services to host, operate, and monitor the Service. These include cloud hosting providers, database services, and analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Contentsquare). These providers may process operational data on our behalf, but only to the extent necessary to deliver their services. They are contractually obligated to protect the data they process and are not permitted to use it for their own purposes. We select providers that maintain strong security and privacy practices.

Data Retention

Server logs and operational data are retained for a limited period necessary to operate and improve the Service, typically no longer than 90 days. Search inputs are transient and are not stored beyond the duration of your browsing session. If you contact us directly, we may retain your correspondence for as long as necessary to resolve your inquiry and for a reasonable period afterward for our records.

Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of any personal information we may hold about you, and to withdraw any consent you have given (for example, permission to share your details with a partner you previously selected). We keep a versioned record of the consents you give so we can honor and audit them. If you use the directory without an account, we typically hold very little personal information about you. If you have an account, have purchased a paid service, contacted us, or asked a partner to follow up, you can request access to or deletion of that information through the contact details on our About page. We will respond to reasonable requests in a timely manner.

Children's Privacy

Vet Uplift is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this page. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was most recently revised. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through the contact information provided on our About page. We take privacy inquiries seriously and will respond within a reasonable timeframe.