Cookie Policy

Last updated: June 2024

The Whisker Report ("we," "us," or "our") uses a limited number of cookies and browser storage technologies to make whiskerporch.com function properly and to understand how visitors use our pet supplies reviews and guides. This policy explains what we use, why we use it, and how you can control it.

What Are Cookies and Local Storage?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. Local storage (specifically, localStorage) is a similar browser technology that allows a website to store small pieces of data directly in your browser, without an expiration date, until it is manually cleared. We use a mix of both, described below.

How We Use Cookies and Local Storage

1. Consent Preference (Essential, localStorage)

When you first visit The Whisker Report, a cookie consent banner appears asking whether you accept or decline non-essential cookies. Your choice is saved using localStorage on your own device so that we don't have to ask you again on every visit. This storage entry:

• Contains only your accept/decline preference and the date it was recorded.
• Is not shared with any third party.
• Does not expire automatically, but remains until you clear your browser's site data.
• Is essential to remembering your cookie choice, so it is used regardless of whether you accept or decline analytics cookies.

2. Analytics Cookies (Non-Essential, only with consent)

If you click "Accept" on our cookie banner, we load a third-party web analytics tool that sets its own cookies to help us understand aggregate visitor behavior, such as which pet product reviews are most popular, how visitors navigate the site, and which pages could be improved. These cookies help us:

• Count approximate visitor numbers and page views.
• Understand which articles, comparisons, and buying guides are most useful.
• Identify broken links or pages with high bounce rates.
• Improve site structure and content over time.

These analytics cookies are not set unless you explicitly accept cookies via the banner. If you decline, or if you do not interact with the banner, only the essential consent-preference storage described above is used, and no analytics cookies are placed.

Third-Party Cookies

Our analytics provider may set its own cookies directly in your browser once consent is given. These third-party cookies are governed by the analytics provider's own privacy and cookie policies, not directly by The Whisker Report. We do not control the exact duration or technical details of these cookies, but we only enable them after you have given consent, and we do not use them to identify you personally.

We do not use cookies for third-party advertising, retargeting, or cross-site tracking networks.

Do We Use Any Other Storage?

Aside from the consent-preference entry in localStorage and analytics cookies (when accepted), The Whisker Report does not use additional tracking pixels, fingerprinting scripts, or session-replay tools.

How to Withdraw or Change Your Consent

You are always in control of your cookie preferences. Since your consent choice and any analytics cookies are stored locally in your browser, you can withdraw consent or reset your preference at any time by:

• Clearing your browser's cookies and site data for whiskerporch.com through your browser settings (usually found under Privacy, History, or Site Settings).
• Clearing your browser's localStorage for this site, which will also remove your saved consent preference so the cookie banner appears again on your next visit.
• Using your browser's private/incognito mode, which does not retain cookies or local storage after the session ends.
• Adjusting your browser settings to block cookies entirely, though this may affect how some parts of the site display.

Once your browser data is cleared, our cookie banner will appear again the next time you visit, allowing you to make a fresh choice.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to review, manage, and delete cookies through their settings menus. Instructions vary depending on your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and others), but you can typically find these options under "Privacy and Security" settings.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy occasionally to reflect changes in the tools we use or for legal and operational reasons. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how The Whisker Report uses cookies and local storage, please reach out through the contact information provided on our website.