Cookie Policy
Last updated: June 24, 2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners useful information. Similar technologies include local storage and session storage.
2. How We Use Cookies
Happy Waggie Tails uses a minimal set of cookies and similar technologies. We categorize them as follows:
Essential (Strictly Necessary)
These are required for the website to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| next-auth.session-token | Authentication session (admin only) | Session |
| next-auth.csrf-token | CSRF protection for forms | Session |
| next-auth.callback-url | Redirect after authentication | Session |
Consent Preference
Stores your cookie consent choice so we don’t ask you again.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| hwt_cookie_consent | Stores your accept/reject choice | Persistent (localStorage) |
Analytics (Optional — Requires Consent)
Only activated if you click “Accept All” on the consent banner. Used to understand how visitors use our site.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics — maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users | 24 hours |
3. Managing Your Preferences
When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner will appear allowing you to accept or reject non-essential (analytics) cookies. Your choice is stored in your browser’s local storage.
To change your preference: Clear your browser’s local storage for this site, or clear all cookies/site data in your browser settings. The consent banner will reappear on your next visit.
You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
4. Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors interact with our website. When you consent to analytics cookies, GA4 collects anonymized data including pages visited, session duration, approximate location (country/region), and device information. IP addresses are anonymized (anonymize_ip: true).
You can opt out of Google Analytics across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5. Do Not Track
We respect “Do Not Track” (DNT) browser signals. If your browser sends a DNT signal, non-essential cookies will not be loaded unless you explicitly accept them through our consent banner.
6. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please reach out through our contact page. For broader privacy questions, see our Privacy Policy.