Pet posting rules & minimum welfare standards

What are the rules for advertising pets in the UK?
Anyone posting a pet advert must follow UK animal welfare laws, licensing regulations, and responsible rehoming standards to ensure pets are advertised safely, legally, and ethically.

Pet advert image & title requirements

What photos should I use in a pet advert?

• Photos must be original images of the pet

• Screenshots, stock photos, or images of images are not allowed

• Each advert must include a unique, descriptive title

Puppy & Kitten advertising rules 

What are the legal requirements for selling puppies and kittens in the UK?

• Must be at least 8 weeks old

• Must be microchipped before rehoming

• Pets under 6 months old may only be advertised by:

  • The breeder

  • A licensed rescue or rehoming centre

• Puppies and kittens must:

  • Be viewed with their mother

  • Include a photo of the litter with the mother

• Breeders with 3 or more litters in 12 months must:

  • Advertise as a licensed breeder

  • Display a local authority licence number

• Mother animals must:

  • Be over 12 months old

  • Have one litter per year

  • Have no more than six litters in a lifetime

• Ear cropping is not permitted

• Pets must not be advertised as FREE

• Dogs with docked tails must have a valid vet-signed docking certificate

General pet rehoming rules

What welfare standards apply to all pets?

All pets must:

• Be born, bred, and legal to rehome in the UK

• Appear in a clear photograph (except fish)

• Be fully weaned and independent at the time of rehoming

• Not be pregnant

• Be collected in person 

• Adverts must include written information covering the five animal welfare needs
  (as defined by the Animal Welfare Act)

• Animals requiring a licence must have this declared in the advert

• Banned breeds and prohibited species cannot be advertised

Horse & Donkey Rehoming Rules 

What do horses and donkeys need before rehoming?

• Microchipped

• Registered on the Central Equine Database

• In possession of a valid equine passport

Why do these rules matter?

These standards protect animal welfare, prevent illegal sales, support licensed breeders and rescues, and help buyers rehome pets safely, responsibly, and legally in the UK.

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