Cookie Policy
Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies PetMatcher uses, why we use them, and how you can control them.
When you first visit petmatcher.com, you will be shown a cookie consent banner (managed through OneTrust) asking for your consent to non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time using the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our website.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains more broadly how we collect and use your personal data.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, phone or tablet) by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to site owners.
Cookies are not programs and cannot carry viruses or install malware. They contain only small amounts of data — typically an identifier, the website’s domain name, and an expiry date.
As well as cookies, we also use browser local storage to save your favourited pet listings. This data remains entirely on your device and is never sent to our servers.
2. Cookie Categories We Use
PetMatcher uses cookies across the following categories, all managed through OneTrust. Strictly necessary cookies are always active. All other categories require your consent.
Strictly Necessary Cookies — Always Active
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or setting your privacy preferences. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
pm_session
Purpose: Keeps you logged in to your PetMatcher account during a browsing session.
Provider: PetMatcher
Duration: Session
pm_auth_token
Purpose: Authenticates your account securely after login.
Provider: PetMatcher
Duration: 30 days
OptanonConsent
Purpose: Stores your OneTrust cookie consent preferences so you are not asked again on each visit.
Provider: OneTrust
Duration: 12 months
OptanonAlertBoxClosed
Purpose: Records that you have closed the OneTrust cookie banner.
Provider: OneTrust
Duration: 12 months
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, including remembering your settings and preferences. If you do not allow these cookies, some features may not function properly.
pm_preferences
Purpose: Remembers your site settings and display preferences between visits.
Provider: PetMatcher
Duration: 6 months
pm_language
Purpose: Stores your language or regional preferences.
Provider: PetMatcher
Duration: 6 months
Performance Cookies (Audience Measurement)
These cookies allow us to understand how you use our website and to measure the number of visitors. All information collected is aggregated and anonymised — it cannot be used to identify you personally.
ajs_anonymous_id
Purpose: Assigns an anonymous identifier to distinguish visitors. Used by Segment to track usage patterns without identifying individuals.
Provider: Segment
Duration: 1 year
ajs_user_id
Purpose: If logged in, links your anonymous analytics ID to your account for more accurate usage data. No personally identifiable information is shared with Segment.
Provider: Segment
Duration: 1 year
ajs_group_id
Purpose: Used by Segment to group related analytics events.
Provider: Segment
Duration: 1 year
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
_gcl_au
Purpose: Used by Google Ads to store and track conversions from ad clicks.
Provider: Google
Duration: 3 months
_fbp
Purpose: Used by Meta (Facebook) to deliver advertising and track conversions across Meta products.
Provider: Meta
Duration: 3 months
IDE
Purpose: Used by Google DoubleClick to record and report user actions after viewing or clicking an ad.
Provider: Google
Duration: 13 months
Personalised Advertising Cookies
These cookies allow us and our advertising partners to offer you personalised advertising that is more relevant to your interests, based on your browsing behaviour on our site and across other sites.
_uetsid
Purpose: Used by Microsoft Advertising (Bing) to engage with users who have previously visited our site.
Provider: Microsoft
Duration: 1 day
_uetvid
Purpose: Used by Microsoft Advertising to track visitors across sessions for remarketing purposes.
Provider: Microsoft
Duration: 13 months
fr
Purpose: Used by Meta to deliver, measure and improve the relevance of ads, with an encrypted Facebook ID and browser ID.
Provider: Meta
Duration: 3 months
Geolocated Advertising Cookies
These cookies allow us and our advertising partners to display personalised advertising based on your approximate location, derived from your IP address or device settings.
_gads
Purpose: Used by Google to serve ads based on approximate geographic location derived from IP address.
Provider: Google
Duration: 13 months
Social Network and Content Sharing Cookies
These cookies allow us to share information with social networks and to display content hosted on external platforms, such as embedded videos or social sharing buttons.
wd
Purpose: Used by Meta to optimise the size of content delivered via Facebook social plugins.
Provider: Meta
Duration: 1 week
datr
Purpose: Used by Meta to identify the browser used to connect to Facebook for security and integrity purposes.
Provider: Meta
Duration: 2 years
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
Purpose: Used by YouTube to estimate bandwidth for users who have viewed embedded videos.
Provider: Google / YouTube
Duration: 6 months
YSC
Purpose: Used by YouTube to track views of embedded videos.
Provider: Google / YouTube
Duration: Session
3. Local Storage
In addition to cookies, PetMatcher uses browser local storage to save your favourited pet listings. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not transmitted to our servers, is not accessible by us or any third party, and does not expire automatically. You can clear it at any time through your browser settings or by clearing site data for petmatcher.com.
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
OneTrust Cookie Settings
Click “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page on petmatcher.com to open the OneTrust preference centre, where you can toggle each category on or off. Your preferences are saved and can be updated at any time. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdrew it.
Browser Settings
Most browsers also allow you to block or delete cookies independently. For guidance:
- Google Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: support.mozilla.org/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Apple Safari: support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471
- Microsoft Edge: support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies
- All browsers: www.allaboutcookies.org
Please note that blocking cookies through your browser may affect website functionality, including your ability to stay logged in. Clearing cookies will also remove your saved consent preferences and you will be shown the cookie banner again on your next visit.
Opting Out of Interest-Based Advertising
You can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies through:
- Your Online Choices (UK): youronlinechoices.com
- Network Advertising Initiative: optout.networkadvertising.org
- Google Ads Settings: adssettings.google.com
- Meta Ad Preferences: facebook.com/ads/preferences
5. Third-Party Cookie Providers
The third-party services whose cookies we use are independent data controllers. Their use of cookies is governed by their own privacy and cookie policies:
- Google — policies.google.com/privacy
- Meta (Facebook / Instagram) — facebook.com/policy/cookies
- Microsoft (Bing Ads) — privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement
- Segment — segment.com/legal/privacy
- OneTrust — onetrust.com/privacy-notice
If you use the pet insurance quote journey on PetMatcher and click through to an insurer’s website, that insurer may set their own cookies, governed by their own cookie policy.
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 “Last updated” date. Where we make significant changes, we will re-ask for your consent through OneTrust where required.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, please contact us:
Email: info@petmatcher.com
Post: JPLC Limited t/a PetMatcher, 14th Floor, 20 Eastbourne Terrace, London, United Kingdom, W2 6LG
For more information about cookies and your rights, visit the ICO website at ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/online/cookies.