eBay Classifieds Pet Policies
Solution Free online classified ads have made it easier for animal lovers to find their perfect pet from local households, rescue shelters, and breeders. It is important to eBay Classifieds and animal lovers that frequent the site that ethical and legal requirements covering the breeding and sale of pets are followed by our users. Millions of pets are sold yearly in the United States and profit is frequently made at the cost of an animal's comfort, health and well-being.
Federal, state and local laws have been implemented to standardize animal living conditions, prevent premature separation of newborn animals from their mothers, and encourage healthy breeding and handling practices. Animal interest groups are increasing public awareness of the crimes committed against pets and seek to make unethical profiteers accountable. Finally, pet buyers themselves have a responsibility to recognize the hallmarks of proper animal breeding, care and selling practices and decline to fuel unethical pet profiteering. (Be sure to follow the link from each pet ad to our
"Responsible Pet Ownership & Adoption" guidelines provided by The Humane Society of the United States.)
It is eBay Classifieds policy to prohibit the listing of any pet ad that violates any applicable law or regulation. Any ad in the pet category that does not comply with applicable laws, including laws set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as the Animal Welfare Act will be removed immediately. Anyone who has had a history of non-compliant inspections with the USDA will have their accounts suspended.
Animal welfare and protection organizations have a reliable network of databases and websites to track unethical breeders and sellers. eBay Classifieds has the right at any time, and without warning, to take appropriate action, including the removal of ads and/or suspension of selling privileges, against any user who have been reported on these databases and websites if the complaint is deemed legitimate. We will listen very closely to our community for any reports of unhealthy animals.
Therefore, by placing an ad on the site you agree that eBay Classifieds can, at any time, remove an ad at our discretion and without notification and request information on your establishment if we feel it is to help make an informed decision. This includes, but is not limited to, recent inspection of facilities, vet reference, or health certificate. Refusal to provide this information will result in an automatic closing of the account. You also understand that providing this information does not guarantee that the account will be reinstated.
All puppies and kittens being sold on our site must come with a good health certificate established by a veterinarian and up to date vaccinations. All documentation must be ready to be provided if requested. Failure to provide this information can result in removal of your ad and/or suspension of posting privileges.
In accordance with many state laws, eBay Classifieds prohibits the sale of puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old. If eBay Classifieds believes a user is selling a puppy or kitten under 8 weeks of age we reserve the right to remove the ad and suspend posting privileges. Ads asking for deposits on new litters as well as ads for upcoming litters are permitted so long as the ad clearly states that you will not be selling the animal until 8 weeks of age.
Pet stores, brokers, dealers, or any middleman are not permitted to post dog and cat ads for sale on our site. This includes selling puppies or kittens on behalf of others.
When posting a dog on our site we ask that you represent yourself honestly. To help ensure you choose the correct user type for your ad here is a breakdown of the types of posters that are permitted on our site:
Shelter: A nonprofit or not-for-profit organization that houses homeless, abandoned, recovered or unwanted animals.
Owner: A person who posts an ad for a pet he or she owns. Please note: If you have purposefully bred an animal for profit, or breed animals that reside in your home, you are NOT an owner. Please only choose owner if you are rehoming an animal you can no longer take care of.
Breeder: An individual or organization engaged in breeding and selling animals or profit.
Failure to accurately represent yourself and your user type can result in removal of your ad (with or without notice) and suspension of your account.
eBay Classifieds does not condone "bait and switch" tactics. Any report of such practices will be looked into, and, if deemed legitimate, we reserve the right to remove the ad and/or suspend posting privileges.
Please do not post for sale any animal that is on the endangered species list,
Fish and Wildlife list, are wild animals, or animals that are not permitted to be owned or sold in any city in which the ad is being posted or could be considered dangerous to others.
Due to feedback from our community, we ask that you please do not post ads with photos of dogs mating on our site. Your ad will get flagged and will be removed.
We do not permit the sale and/or stud service of wolf hybrids (this does not apply to recognized animal shelters and rescues unless your state law prohibits ownership of this breed of dog).
As well, primates are not permitted on our site. By posting an ad in the pet category you are agreeing to our terms and conditions. You understand that eBay Classifieds has a right, at any time, with or without notification, to enforce these policies.