Legal

SMS Consent & Messaging Policy

Last updated: July 14, 2026

The short version

HoundStack only sends text messages to people who ask for them, and every message we send includes a way to stop. Reply STOP to any message to opt out immediately, or HELP for assistance.

What messages we send

HoundStack sends two kinds of text messages, and both require prior consent:

  • Account messages to business users. If you create a HoundStack account and provide a mobile number with consent, we may text you login codes and important account or service notifications.
  • Service messages to a business's customers. Pet-care businesses that run on HoundStack can text their own customers things like visit reminders, "your technician is on the way" notices, visit-completed confirmations, portal sign-in codes, overdue-invoice reminders, and review requests. These messages are sent only to customers who gave that business their number and consent to be contacted.

We do not send marketing or promotional cold texts, and we never text numbers that have not opted in.

How consent is collected

Business users opt in during account creation by entering a mobile number and checking an unticked-by-default consent box with this language:

"I agree to receive text messages from HoundStack at the number provided, including login codes and service notifications. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase."

We record when consent was given, the number it covers, and the exact language shown.

Consent from a business's own customers

A business using HoundStack cannot text one of its customers until that customer has opted in. This is enforced by the platform, not left to the business: a customer record with no consent on file cannot be sent a message by any route (manual messages, appointment reminders, on-my-way notifications, or review requests). Consent is collected one of two ways, and which one is recorded against every customer:

  • The customer opts in themselves from their own client portal, signed in with a link sent to them, by ticking an unticked-by-default box.
  • The business records consent obtained directly (in person, on a signed service agreement, or over the phone) from the customer's page. These are stored as staff-recorded so they are distinguishable in an audit.

The box the customer sees reads:

"I agree to receive service text messages about my appointments, visit updates, and billing from this business at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help."

Consent is stored with the timestamp, the number it was given for, that exact wording, and how it was collected. Consent applies only to the number given: if a customer's phone number is later changed, the consent is cleared automatically and they must opt in again on the new number. Replying STOP overrides any consent on file immediately.

Message frequency and rates

Message frequency varies based on your account activity and service schedule. Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier's plan. Consent to receive texts is never a condition of purchasing any product or service.

How to opt out (SMS un-consent)

  • Reply STOP to any message you receive from HoundStack or from a business using HoundStack. Opt-outs take effect immediately and are enforced automatically: the platform blocks further texts to your number.
  • Reply HELP to any message for assistance.
  • Business users can also remove their mobile number or withdraw texting consent in Settings, and customers of a HoundStack business can manage notification preferences in their client portal or by contacting the business directly.
  • You can always email support@houndstack.comand we will process the opt-out for you.

Privacy of your mobile information

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent are not shared with any third parties, except with our SMS delivery provider solely to send the messages you asked for. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Carriers

Messages are delivered over the networks of participating carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Contact

Questions about this policy:support@houndstack.com.