All ads posted in the Kijiji pets section must comply with the Kijiji Pets Policy and the Pets Code of Practices set out below.
As an advertiser, you must comply with all federal, provincial and municipal legislation related to animal protection. Check the relevant government sites for clarification. Any ads found to be breaching applicable laws or by-laws, and reported to us for breaching these laws, will be subject to removal from Kijiji immediately.
If you are someone searching for a new home for your pet on Kijiji, you can make the most responsible placement by following the guidelines below:
- Check the references of anyone with whom you are placing an animal. Ask them to provide proof of residence and income.
- Visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which your pet will be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure he or she will be cared for. Screen potential homes carefully.
- Don't be fooled. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Individuals known as "bunchers" routinely answer "free-to-good-home" ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actual fact, they sell pets to animal dealers. Dogfighters have also been known to obtain domestic animals for baiting through "free-to-good-home" ads. These people are "professionals" who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets.
- Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home.
- Carefully consider all the elements of the new home: Will your pet get along with small children? Is the family planning to keep the dog chained outside as a watch dog? This sort of treatment is neglectful and inhumane; dogs are social, companion animals that need to be part of a home. Will the cat be kept only as a mouse catcher? Does the family have a veterinary reference? Do not be shy about asking questions. Your pet's life and happiness may depend on it.
- Ask for a valid form of identification (preferably a driver's license). Record the number for your records and require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.
- Have your pet neutered or spayed before he or she goes to the new home. This will make the animal more adoptable and help stop irresponsible breeding.
If you are searching for a pet on Kijiji, either via responding to posted ads or by posting your own wanting to adopt/buy ad on the site, here are some tips and guidelines:
- Visit the pet seller's home or business and see how they raise and care for their animals. If the seller is a breeder and will not make the parents of a puppy or kitten animal available for inspection, there may be a problem. For instance, many unethical sellers buy animals from puppy mills and similar sources but pass them off as home-raised. If you're buying, or responding to a "free to good home" offer from an individual who is not a breeder, ask for as much information as possible about the animal's history in terms of source, health records, and behaviour information.
- Get references, including other customers, and the seller's veterinarian. Check them out and be vigilant to ensure that the pet is in good health.
- Get all health guarantees and other promises in writing.
- Adopt/buy from sellers who live in your area. Long distances between buyers and sellers make it less likely that your complaints will be addressed. And transporting animals by air may put the animal's health at risk.
- Avoid sellers located outside your local Kijiji city or area. Never send money outside of Canada no matter where the seller says the animal is located.
