Last updated: 3/2/2026
This Privacy & Cookie Policy applies exclusively to the VSF International website and related digital platforms (the “Website”), operated by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières International (VSF International).
This policy explains how personal data is collected, used, shared, and protected when you interact with the Website, including for fundraising, communications, and informational purposes.
VSF International processes personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679). As the central coordinator of the VSF network, VSF International initially collects and stores personal data in a central database located within the European Union.
When personal data is subsequently shared with a national VSF Member for the purposes described in this policy, that Member processes the data in accordance with GDPR (where applicable) and its own national data-protection laws. In such cases, the privacy policy of the relevant VSF Member also applies to the processing carried out by that Member.
1. Data Controller
The data controller for the Website is:
Vétérinaires Sans Frontières International a.i.s.b.l.
(“VSF International”)
VSF International coordinates an international network of independent national VSF organisations (“VSF Members”).
2. Scope of This Policy
- Use of the VSF International Website;
- Online donations and fundraising activities conducted via the Website;
- Newsletter subscriptions and communications;
- Contact requests and online interactions;
- Use of cookies and similar tracking technologies.
This policy does not directly govern the processing activities of national VSF Members on their own websites or systems, which are subject to their respective local privacy notices. Online donations are handled on separate platforms or websites governed by their own privacy notices.
The Website is not intended for children under 16, and VSF International does not knowingly collect personal data from children.
3. Principles Governing Data Processing
VSF International processes personal data in accordance with the following principles:
- Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
- Purpose limitation
- Data minimisation
- Accuracy
- Storage limitation
- Integrity and confidentiality
- Accountability
Personal data is processed only where a valid legal basis exists and only for clearly defined purposes.
4. Categories of Personal Data
Depending on your interaction with the Website, VSF International may collect and process:
- Identification data (e.g. name, title)
- Contact data (e.g. email address, postal address, telephone number)
- Communication preferences (e.g. newsletter subscriptions)
- Website usage data (e.g. IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited)
- Technical identifiers (e.g. cookies, similar tracking technologies)
Sensitive personal data is not intentionally collected via the Website.
5. Purposes and Legal Bases of Processing
5.1 Purposes
Personal data collected via the Website is processed for the following purposes:
- Operating, securing, and improving the Website;
- Managing fundraising campaigns and supporter relations;
- Issuing confirmations, acknowledgements, and (where applicable) fiscal documentation;
- Responding to enquiries and requests;
- Sending newsletters and informational communications;
- Ensuring legal, accounting, and regulatory compliance.
5.2 Legal Bases
Processing is based on one or more of the following legal bases, as applicable:
- Your consent (e.g. newsletters, non-essential cookies);
- Performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures (e.g. responding to a request you submit);
- Compliance with legal obligations;
- Legitimate interests pursued by VSF International, balanced against your fundamental rights.
Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
5.3 Automated Decision-Making and Profiling
VSF International does not use automated decision-making or profiling within the meaning of Article 22 GDPR.
6. Data Sharing Within the VSF Network
This Website does not collect donation data. However, VSF International processes fundraising-related personal data in other contexts across the VSF network. The personal data collected through the Website (for example, contact information) may be shared with the relevant national VSF Member based on the country of origin of the user, in line with the purposes described in this policy.
The personal data collected through the Website is initially stored in a centralised database owned and managed by VSF International, located within the European Union. This centralised system ensures consistent data-protection standards, security, and accountability across the VSF network.
When data is reallocated to a national VSF Member, that Member processes the data in accordance with GDPR (where applicable) and its own national data protection laws. Some national VSF Members use CRM systems that may involve automated processing or profiling (for example, automated donor categorisation or workflow management). Such processing is carried out under the responsibility of the relevant VSF Member and is described in that Member’s own privacy policy.
VSF International and the relevant national VSF Member act as joint controllers for the personal data shared between them. You may exercise your rights with either controller, and each request will be handled in accordance with applicable data-protection laws. Contact details for national VSF Members are provided in Section 12\.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
7.1 Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device to support the technical functioning of the Website and to enable certain essential features.
The Website uses only technical cookies, which are strictly necessary for its proper functioning and for the provision of its services.
Technical cookies are used, for example, to:
- enable normal navigation and use of the Website
- maintain user sessions
- ensure security and the correct operation of essential functionalities
These cookies do not allow the personal identification of users and are not used for profiling, marketing, or tracking purposes. In accordance with applicable data \-protection regulations, user consent is not required for the use of technical cookies.
The Website does not use third–party cookies for analytics, advertising, or profiling.
7.2 Embedded content from other websites
The Website may display embedded video content from YouTube. Videos are integrated using YouTube’s privacy enhanced- mode. In this configuration, no information about Website visitors is stored unless the user actively interacts with the video (for example, by clicking “Play”).
8. Data Storage and Security
8.1 General Information
- Personal data collected via the Website is stored in a centralised database managed by VSF International.
- Appropriate technical and organisational measures are implemented to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.
- Access to personal data is limited to authorised personnel and VSF Members with a legitimate need to know.
- Our servers are located in Italy (Serverplan), and all data is stored within the European Union.
- Where data is accessed from outside the EU (e.g., by VSF Members), appropriate safeguards are applied as described in Section 9\.
8.2 Processors
To operate the Website and deliver our services, VSF International uses trusted external service providers (“Processors”). These include:
- Hosting and infrastructure providers (to store and secure the Website and database)
- CRM / donor management system (to organise and manage supporter information)
- Email delivery services (to send newsletters and communications)
All processors act under written agreements and may only process personal data according to our instructions.
9. International Data Transfers
Where personal data is accessed or transferred across borders, VSF International applies appropriate safeguards, including:
- EU Standard Contractual Clauses where required;
- Adequacy decisions where available;
- Additional technical and organisational safeguards.
10. Data Retention
Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal and accounting obligations.
Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the data and applicable legal requirements.
11. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data;
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data;
- Request deletion of your personal data;
- Restrict or object to certain processing activities;
- Withdraw consent at any time;
- Lodge a complaint with a competent supervisory authority.
Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.
12. Contact Information
For questions, requests, or to exercise your data protection rights, you may contact:
VSF International
Email: info@vsf-international.org
National Contacts
Belgium
Email: info@vsf-belgium.org
Canada and USA
Email: info@vwb.org
France
Email: donateur@avsf.org
Germany
Email: datenschutz@togev.de
Ireland
Email: info@vwbi.ie
Italy
Email: info@vsf-italia.it
Portugal
Email: vsfportugal@gmail.com
Switzerland
Email: info@vsf-suisse.org
The Netherlands
Email: coordinator@dierenartsenzondergrenzen.nl
13. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal, technical, or organisational changes. The latest version is always available on the Website.
Significant changes will be communicated through appropriate channels.