Cookie Policy - Valpo Shelter Directory

Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 14, 2025

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They help recognize your browser, remember your preferences (such as language and login details), and provide analytics that improve your browsing experience. Cookies are safe and cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses. You can learn more about cookies from independent sources such as AllAboutCookies.org.

Types of Cookies Used by Valpo Shelter Directory

Cookies may be either session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (which remain until deleted or expired). Some are placed directly by our website ("first-party cookies") while others are from trusted third parties ("third-party cookies") that provide additional functionality, analytics, or embedded services.

We classify cookies into the following categories:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, login security, and navigation.
  • Functional or Preference Cookies: Remember your preferences such as language or region to improve usability.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website and improve performance.

Examples of Cookies We Use

  • SessionID: Maintains your login session and improves security (Session).
  • Locale: Stores your regional or language preference (1 day).
  • AnalyticsID: Helps us track anonymous usage data for site improvement (1 year).
  • ConsentStatus: Records your cookie consent choice (90 days).
  • PerformanceCache: Improves page loading time and reliability (1 hour).

These cookies ensure that our site functions properly and that we continue to deliver fast, secure, and personalized experiences.

Third-Party Cookies

Some pages on our website may include embedded content from third-party platforms (such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud). These services may set their own cookies to manage video playback, performance, or analytics. We choose the most privacy-friendly settings wherever possible, such as "Privacy Mode" or "Anonymous Statistics."

Examples of Third-Party Cookies

  • PREF: Stores viewing preferences and SafeSearch settings (8 months) - YouTube
  • YSC: Tracks videos viewed on YouTube (Session) - YouTube
  • VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE: Measures connection speed and player interface (8 months) - YouTube
  • player: Saves playback preferences for embedded videos (1 year) - Vimeo
  • vuid: Collects anonymous video interaction data (2 years) - Vimeo
  • sc_anonymous_id: Measures and improves embedded audio performance (10 years) - SoundCloud

These third-party cookies are controlled by their respective providers. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies for additional details.

How to Manage Cookies

Cookie Preference

You can update your cookie preferences anytime by using the "Manage Cookie Preference" link found in our website footer. Visitors from regions such as the EU, UK, Brazil, Japan, or California will also see a cookie consent icon in the lower corner of our webpages.

Browser Settings

You can control or delete cookies through your browser's settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality or limit your ability to save preferences and logins.

For guidance, visit the help pages of your browser:

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please review this page occasionally to stay informed about how we use cookies and related technologies.

Contact Us

Valpo Shelter Directory
1013 Fuller Street SW
Cullman, AL 35055
Email: info@valposhelter.org
Phone: 219-229-1633