Cookie Policy
Introduction
Wholsy Pets Ltd. use cookies, which, amongst other things, help us to improve your experience on our Site and to make sure you get a seamless service. We store cookies to hold items in your basket or to make filling out forms easier. Here are some more details about what cookies we are using, how we are using them, and how cookies impact your online journey with us.
We will ask you to consent to the use of cookies in accordance with the terms of this Policy when you first visit our website.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file made up of letters and numbers. When you visit a website, the site can send a cookie to your browser. Your browser then stores this file on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Cookies hold small pieces of information. This might include your language preference, whether you are logged in, or what is currently in your shopping basket. The next time you visit the same website, your browser sends the cookie back. This lets the website remember you and your previous choices.
Cookies are not harmful on their own. They cannot access other files on your device, and they cannot carry viruses. They simply store small amounts of information to help websites work better and feel more personal.
There are two broad categories of cookies, based on how long they last:
Session cookies. These are temporary. They are deleted automatically when you close your browser. Session cookies are often used to remember what is in your shopping basket while you browse.
Persistent cookies. These stay on your device for a set period, or until you delete them manually. Persistent cookies are often used to remember your login details or preferences, so you do not have to enter them every time you visit.
Cookies can also be grouped by who sets them:
First-party cookies. These are set directly by Wholsy Pets, through our own website.
Third-party cookies. Other organisations, such as our advertising partners or analytics providers, set these. These organisations may collect information when you visit our site, even though the cookie is not set by us directly.
Why do we use cookies?
We use cookies for a number of reasons. Broadly speaking, these fall into four categories, which we explain in more detail below. Cookies help us:
- Keep our website working correctly, so pages load quickly and securely.
- Remember what is in your shopping basket as you move between pages.
- Understand how visitors use our website so that we can spot and fix problems.
- Recognise you when you return so that we can personalise your experience.
- Show you more relevant offers and adverts, both on our site and elsewhere.
- Measure how well our marketing campaigns are performing.
Some cookies are essential for our website to function. Others are optional, and you can choose whether to allow them. We explain the difference below.
Please note that if you choose not to allow strictly necessary cookies, some parts of our website may not work properly. For example, you may not be able to add items to your basket or complete a purchase.
The types of cookies we use
We use four main types of cookies on our website. Each type serves a different purpose. We have explained each one below, along with some examples of how we use them.
1. Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for our website to work. Without them, certain features simply would not function. Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent, because they are needed to provide the service you have asked for.
Examples of what strictly necessary cookies do on our site include:
- Remembering the items in your shopping basket as you browse.
- Keeping you logged into your Wholsy Pets account securely.
- Enabling you to complete checkout and payment safely.
- Balancing the load on our website, so pages load quickly during busy periods.
- Remembering your cookie consent choices, so we do not ask you again unnecessarily.
- Protecting our website and your data against fraud and misuse.
Because these cookies are essential, you cannot opt out of them through our cookie settings. However, you can block them through your browser settings if you wish. Please be aware that doing so may prevent you from using parts of our website, including the ability to purchase products.
2. Analytical and performance cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website. They tell us which pages are popular, how long people spend on each page, and whether visitors run into any errors.
We use this information to improve our website over time. For example, if we notice that many visitors are leaving a particular page quickly, we might investigate whether something is confusing or not working as expected.
Examples of what analytical and performance cookies do on our site include:
- Counting the number of visitors to our website.
- Recording which pages are viewed most often.
- Measuring how visitors move between pages.
- Identifying broken links or pages that load slowly.
- Helping us understand which products and content are most popular.
These cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify you. The data is usually combined and reported in an anonymous or aggregated form. We may use third-party analytics providers, such as Google Analytics, to help us with this. These providers may set their own cookies, which are governed by their own privacy policies.
3. Functionality cookies
Functionality cookies help us recognise you when you return to our website. They allow us to remember your preferences and give you a more personal experience.
Examples of what functionality cookies do on our site include:
- Remembering your preferred language or region.
- Remembering products you have viewed recently.
- Remembering whether you have completed a quiz, such as our pet health or joint support questionnaires.
- Greeting you by name if you are signed in.
- Remembering choices you have made, such as dismissing a pop-up.
If you do not accept functionality cookies, our website will still work. However, you may need to re-enter your preferences each time you visit, and some features may feel less personal.
4. Targeting and advertising cookies
These cookies track your visit to our website, including the pages you view and the links you follow. We use this information to make our advertising more relevant to you and your interests.
We may also share this information with third-party advertising partners, such as Google and Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram). These partners may use the information to show you Wholsy Pets adverts on other websites and social media platforms, based on your browsing behaviour.
Examples of what targeting and advertising cookies do include:
- Showing you adverts for products you have recently viewed on our site.
- Limiting the number of times you see the same advert.
- Measuring the effectiveness of an advertising campaign.
- Helping us understand which channels bring visitors to our website.
Targeting cookies are optional. You can switch these off in our cookie preference settings without affecting your ability to browse or shop with us.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies on our website are placed by third parties, not by Wholsy Pets directly. These might include:
- Analytics providers, such as Google Analytics, who help us understand website traffic.
- Advertising networks, such as Google Ads and Meta, which help us run and measure advertising campaigns.
- Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, if you interact with social sharing buttons or embedded content on our site.
- Payment providers, which help us process your payments securely.
- Customer review platforms, which may use cookies to display or collect product reviews.
We do not control how these third parties use cookies. Their use of cookies is subject to their own cookie and privacy policies, which we encourage you to review. These third-party cookies are most likely to be analytical or targeting cookies, as described above.
You can block third-party cookies using your browser settings, or by using the opt-out tools described later in this policy.
Examples of third parties we may work with
To help you understand the kinds of organisations involved, here are some general examples of the categories of third parties we may use. Please note that the exact list of partners can change over time, as we improve and update our website.
- Web analytics tools, which help us count visitors and understand browsing patterns.
- Advertising platforms, which help us reach pet owners who may be interested in our products.
- Email marketing tools, which may use cookies to track whether an email has led to a website visit.
- Live chat and customer support tools, which may use cookies to keep track of an ongoing conversation.
- Product review platforms, which help us display genuine customer feedback.
- Payment gateways, which handle secure transactions when you place an order.
Each of these third parties has its own privacy and cookie policy. We recommend reviewing these if you would like to understand exactly how they process your information.
Cookies used on our website
Below is a detailed list of the cookies we use on wholsypets.com, grouped by category. This list is reviewed and updated regularly, as the tools and services we use can change over time.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for our website to run and cannot be switched off. They are only set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. You can block these cookies in your browser, but parts of our site may then stop working.
Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow our website to offer extra features and remember your settings. They may be set by us, or by third-party providers we work with. If you switch these off, some services may not work properly.
Analytics and Statistics Cookies
These cookies help us measure website traffic and understand how visitors use our site. This helps us see which products and pages are most popular, and where we can improve.
Marketing and Retargeting Cookies
Our advertising and marketing partners usually set these cookies. They may build a profile of your interests, so you see more relevant adverts. If you switch these off, you will still see adverts, but they will be less tailored to you.
Unclassified Cookies
From time to time, our website may set cookies that we have not yet fully classified, often because a new tool or feature has just been added. We review and reclassify these regularly. If you have questions about a specific cookie, please contact us using the details below.
If you would like more detail about any cookie listed here, including which organisation sets it, please contact us using the details at the end of this policy.
Please note: this list gives a representative overview of the categories and types of cookies used across our website. The exact cookies active on your device may vary depending on your location, the pages you visit, and the marketing tools we are using at the time.
Cookies and your shopping experience
Cookies play a big part in making online shopping easier. On our website, cookies help in ways you might not always notice. Here are a few everyday examples.
When you add a bag of food or a joint supplement to your basket, a cookie remembers this as you continue browsing. Without it, your basket could empty itself every time you clicked to a new page. This would make shopping frustrating and slow.
When you return to our website after a previous visit, cookies may help us recognise you. This means we can show you products similar to ones you viewed before, such as supplements suited to your dog’s age or breed. It also means we can remind you about items left in your basket, in case you got distracted before checking out.
Cookies also help us run our loyalty and rewards programme, where relevant. They allow us to recognise returning customers and apply any discounts or rewards you may be entitled to.
Finally, cookies help us test and improve our website. We sometimes run small experiments, showing slightly different versions of a page to different visitors. Cookies help us measure which version works better, so we can keep improving your experience over time.
The law behind this policy
In the UK, the use of cookies is governed mainly by two pieces of legislation. The first is the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, often shortened to PECR. The second is the UK General Data Protection Regulation, known as UK GDPR, alongside the Data Protection Act 2018.
Together, these laws set out when websites need consent to use cookies, and how personal data collected through cookies should be handled. In simple terms, the law says:
- Strictly necessary cookies can be used without asking for consent, because the website cannot function without them.
- Almost all other cookies need your clear, informed consent before they are placed on your device.
- You must be able to withdraw your consent as easily as you gave it.
- Any personal data collected through cookies must be handled fairly, securely, and in line with UK GDPR.
We take these responsibilities seriously. Our cookie banner and preference centre are designed to make it easy for you to understand your choices, and to change them whenever you like.
How do we ask for your consent?
Under UK data protection law, we need your permission before we can place most cookies on your device. The exception is strictly necessary cookies, which do not require consent because they are essential for the website to work.
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner or pop-up. This gives you the choice to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or manage your preferences in more detail.
You can change your mind about cookies at any time. Simply look for the “Cookie Settings” link, usually found in the footer of our website, and update your preferences there.
Please remember that if you reject non-essential cookies, some features of our website may not work as well. For example, you might see less relevant product recommendations, or you might need to re-enter your preferences on each visit.
How to manage or delete cookies?
You have several options if you would like to manage, limit, or delete cookies. We have set these out below.
1. Our cookie preference settings
The easiest way to manage cookies on our website is through our Cookie Settings panel. Here, you can see the different categories of cookies we use, and switch optional categories on or off. You can access this panel at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the website footer.
Please note that strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off in this panel, because our website cannot function properly without them.
2. Your browser settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually choose to:
- Block all cookies.
- Block only third-party cookies.
- Delete cookies when you close your browser.
- Be notified whenever a cookie is set.
Below is some general guidance for popular browsers. Because browsers update regularly, we recommend checking the browser’s own help pages for the most current instructions.
Google Chrome: Open Settings, then select Privacy and Security, then Cookies and other site data. From here you can view, block, or delete cookies.
Safari: Open Preferences, then select the Privacy tab. From here, you can manage cookies and website data.
Mozilla Firefox: Open Settings, then select Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, you can manage your preferences.
Microsoft Edge: Open Settings, then select Cookies and Site Permissions. From here, you can view and manage cookies.
Mobile devices: If you are browsing on a mobile phone or tablet, cookie settings are usually found within your device’s browser app settings, or within the general privacy settings of your device. Please refer to your device’s help documentation for detailed instructions.
For more general information about cookies, and how to manage them across a range of browsers, you may find the following independent websites useful:
Please be aware that if you block or delete cookies, some parts of our website may not work as expected. For example, you may need to log in again each time you visit, or your basket may not be saved between sessions.
3. Opting out of third-party advertising cookies
If you would like to opt out of receiving personalised advertising from third-party providers, you can visit the Your Online Choices website, run by the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page. These tools allow you to manage preferences with many advertising companies at once.
- Network Advertising Initiative: http://optout.networkadvertising.org/
- Your Online Choices: https://www.youronlinechoices.com/
You can also manage advertising preferences directly with individual platforms, such as Google and Meta, through their own account settings.
4. Do Not Track signals
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” feature. When switched on, this sends a signal to websites asking them not to track your browsing activity. At present, there is no common industry standard for how websites should respond to these signals. For this reason, our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals in a specific way. Instead, we recommend using our Cookie Settings panel or your browser settings to manage your cookie preferences directly.
How do we keep your information secure?
We take the security of your personal information seriously. Where cookies collect personal data, such as your browsing behaviour or preferences, we take reasonable steps to keep this information safe.
This includes:
- Using secure, encrypted connections across our website.
- Limiting access to personal data to staff and partners who genuinely need it.
- Working only with reputable third-party providers who meet appropriate data protection standards.
- Reviewing our cookie usage regularly to make sure it stays in line with current law and best practice.
If you have any concerns about the security of your data, please contact us using the details at the end of this policy.
Cookies and children
Our website is intended for use by adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies or otherwise. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
How long do cookies last?
The length of time a cookie stays on your device depends on whether it is a session cookie or a persistent cookie.
Session cookies are deleted automatically when you close your browser. They are used for things like remembering what is in your basket while you shop.
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period, which can range from a few hours to several years, depending on their purpose. For example, a cookie that remembers your cookie consent choices might last for twelve months, while a cookie used for basic website functionality might expire after a single session.
We aim to keep cookie lifespans as short as reasonably possible, while still allowing the cookie to do its job effectively.
Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. This might happen if we start using new cookies, change how we use existing cookies, or if the law changes and we need to update our practices.
Any changes will be posted on this page, along with an updated revision date at the top. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
If we make significant changes to how we use cookies, we may also ask for your consent again, or notify you through a banner on our website.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have certain rights in relation to any personal data collected through cookies. These may include the right to:
- Ask us what personal data we hold about you.
- Ask us to correct inaccurate personal data.
- Ask us to delete your personal data in certain circumstances.
- Object to certain types of processing, such as direct marketing.
- Withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time.
For more information about your rights and how we handle personal data more generally, please see our full Privacy Policy. If you have any concerns about how we handle your data, you also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection regulator.
The ICO can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lan,e Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. Website: www.ico.org.uk Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Governing law and jurisdiction
If you are a consumer, this Cookie Policy, and any dispute arising from it, is governed by the law of England and Wales. You and Wholsy Pets Ltd. both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute.
If you live in Scotland, you may also bring proceedings in the Scottish courts. If you live in Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings in the Northern Irish courts.
If you are a business customer, this Cookie Policy, and any dispute arising from it, is governed by the law of England and Wales, and both parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
Contact us
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Cookie Policy, or about how we use cookies on our website, please get in touch. We are happy to help.
Wholsy Pets Ltd. Email: ish@wholsypets.com Telephone: +44 7805038640
We aim to respond to all queries as quickly as possible.
Thank you for visiting Wholsy Pets.
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