Anti-Spam Policy

Valpo Shelter Directory Anti-Spam Policy

Effective Date: October 14, 2025
Last Updated: October 14, 2025

At Valpo Shelter Directory, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of email integrity and respect for user privacy. This Anti-Spam Policy applies to all email communications, automations, campaigns, and marketing activities conducted through Valpo Shelter Directory's platforms, systems, or services (collectively referred to as the "Covered Services").

By using our Covered Services, you agree to comply fully with this Anti-Spam Policy and all applicable laws, including the CAN-SPAM Act (U.S.), GDPR (EU), and CASL (Canada).

Permission-Based Emailing

Valpo Shelter Directory requires explicit, provable consent before sending any commercial or bulk email. Covered Services may only be used to contact individuals who have given you direct permission to receive such communications.

Acceptable forms of consent include (but are not limited to):

• The recipient has subscribed to your newsletter or updates via a web form where the checkbox to opt-in was unchecked by default.
• The recipient has requested information, downloaded a resource, or purchased a product/service from your website, with clear disclosure that they would receive follow-up emails.
• The recipient provided their email address voluntarily during an event, contest, or business interaction where it was made clear they would receive related communications.
• The recipient handed you a business card and explicitly indicated their willingness to receive promotional emails.

If you do not have clear and documented proof of permission, you may not use our services to send that contact email.

Prohibited Activities

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

• Sending emails to lists that are purchased, rented, borrowed, scraped, or acquired from third parties.
• Sending emails to individuals who have not opted in to receive communications from you.
• Using misleading subject lines, deceptive headers, or false sender information.
• Omitting a clear unsubscribe option or failing to honor unsubscribe requests within 10 business days.
• Failing to include your valid physical mailing address in every message.
• Concealing the commercial nature of a message. All marketing emails must clearly indicate that they are advertisements or solicitations.

Violation of these conditions may result in the suspension or termination of your Valpo Shelter Directory account.

Unsubscribe Requirements

Every commercial email sent through Valpo Shelter Directory must contain a clear, visible, one-click unsubscribe link. Once a recipient opts out, you must:

• Immediately remove them from active mailing lists.
• Cease sending them any further marketing communications.
• Retain proof of the unsubscribe request for compliance purposes.

Content Accuracy & Identification

To maintain transparency and compliance:

• Ensure that the "From" and "Reply-To" fields accurately represent your business or organization.
• Do not use misleading "friendly names" or routing domains.
• Include your company's physical address and valid contact details at the bottom of each message.

Proof of Permission

• We may request documented evidence of subscriber consent at any time.
• You are responsible for maintaining verifiable records showing how and when each recipient gave permission to receive your communications.
• Failure to provide adequate proof may result in account suspension or termination.

Enforcement

Valpo Shelter Directory actively monitors usage for compliance with this policy. If we detect any violations, we may:

• Temporarily suspend or permanently terminate the offending account.
• Blacklist domains or IPs associated with the spam activity.
• Report abuse to relevant authorities or email service providers.

Reporting Spam or Abuse

If you believe a Valpo Shelter Directory user is sending unsolicited emails or violating this policy, please report it immediately to our compliance team.

Contact Information

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

We investigate all reports thoroughly and take appropriate action to maintain a trusted and compliant environment for all users.

Policy Updates

We may modify this Anti-Spam Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or best practices. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

In summary

At Valpo Shelter Directory, we stand firmly against spam. We require 100% permission-based email marketing and full compliance with global anti-spam standards to protect both our customers and their audiences.