Kijiji Pets Code of Conduct
At Kijiji, the well-being of animals is our top priority. All ads posted in the Pets category must comply with both the Kijiji Pets Policy and the Pets Code of Conduct outlined below.
This policy exists to promote safe, responsible, and humane treatment of animals, and to ensure that all transactions involving pets on Kijiji respect Canadian animal welfare laws.
1. Compliance with Animal Protection Laws
Advertisers must comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws concerning the protection, sale, and transfer of animals.
This includes compliance with:
- The Criminal Code of Canada (animal cruelty provisions)
- Provincial animal welfare acts (such as Ontario’s PAWS Act or Quebec’s Loi sur le bien-être et la sécurité de l’animal)
- Any local by-laws governing animal breeding, sale, or transfer
Any ad that breaches these laws, or that is reported for potentially violating them, may be removed immediately and further action may be taken against the account.
2. For Those Rehoming a Pet
If you are looking to find a new home for your pet, please follow these best practices to ensure your animal’s safety and well-being:
- Verify the adopter’s background: Ask for references, proof of address, and, where appropriate, proof of stable income.
- Visit the adopter’s home: Ensure the living environment is safe and suitable for your pet. Explain your expectations regarding the animal’s care.
- Avoid “free-to-good-home” listings: Unfortunately, such ads are often targeted by people involved in resale, neglect, or illegal activities (e.g., dogfighting).
- Protect your safety: When meeting potential adopters, choose a public location if possible, or have someone accompany you.
- Assess compatibility: Consider whether the adopter’s lifestyle fits your pet’s needs (e.g., children in the home, space to exercise, time for care).
- Request ID and a signed agreement: Obtain a valid piece of identification (e.g., driver’s licence) and have the adopter sign a pet adoption agreement confirming the terms of care and return conditions.
- Ensure spay/neuter: Whenever possible, have your pet spayed or neutered before rehoming to help prevent overpopulation and irresponsible breeding.
3. For Those Adopting or Buying a Pet
If you are looking to adopt or purchase a pet on Kijiji, please take the following precautions:
- Visit the seller’s home or facility: Legitimate sellers and breeders are transparent about where and how their animals are raised.
- Ask to see the parents (if applicable): Responsible breeders will allow you to meet the animal’s parents and show you where the animals live.
- Avoid puppy mills and unverified sellers: Unethical sellers often claim animals are “home-raised” but source them from commercial breeding operations or illegal imports.
- Ask for references: Contact the seller’s veterinarian and, if possible, other previous buyers to verify credibility.
- Request documentation: Get written health guarantees, vaccination records, and any other relevant medical information.
- Buy locally: Adopt or buy from sellers within your region to ensure accountability and reduce stress on the animal.
- Never send money in advance: Avoid any request to send deposits or payments outside of Canada or before meeting the animal in person.
🚫 Warning: Scammers often impersonate breeders or rescue organizations. Be cautious of anyone who refuses to meet in person or requests payment via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services.
4. Prohibited Practices
The following are not permitted on Kijiji:
- Selling or rehoming endangered species, wild animals, or any animal species prohibited by law
- Offering animals as prizes, raffle rewards, or gifts
- Posting ads related to animal fighting, animal testing, or animal trafficking
- Selling unweaned animals or animals too young to be separated from their mothers
- Misrepresenting the breed, age, or health condition of an animal
5. Enforcement and Reporting
Kijiji reserves the right to remove any ad that appears to violate our Pets Policy, this Code of Conduct, or applicable animal welfare laws.
If you encounter an ad or individual that seems suspicious or unethical:
- Report the ad directly through the “Report Ad” link on the listing
- Provide as much detail as possible to help us investigate
- Our Trust & Safety team reviews all reports to maintain a safe and compassionate pet community on Kijiji.
6. Our Commitment
Kijiji is committed to working with animal welfare organizations, law enforcement, and regulatory authorities to protect animals from harm and exploitation.
We encourage all users to act responsibly, prioritize animal well-being, and report unethical practices.
Because every pet deserves a safe, loving, and lawful home. 🐾
