Why Kijiji Maintains a Pets Category
We understand the concerns that have been raised about allowing the sale of pets on Kijiji. While we take these concerns seriously, we have chosen to continue offering a Pets category for several important reasons:
We work very hard to discourage impulsive, irresponsible, and illegal trade in pets.
We have developed a variety of educational measures to encourage responsible buying and selling of pets. Personal inspection is crucial when buying a pet and with our education we guide our users asking the right questions and discouraging impulsive buying of pets (see our
Pets Code of Conduct and our
Guide to Responsible Pet Adoption). For selling a pet, we have strict posting policies that you can find in our
Pet Posting Rules.
1. We Choose Responsibility Over Convenience
Instead of taking the easy route of closing the Pets section—which could simply drive users to other platforms with fewer safeguards—we have opted to work with trusted industry partners to provide a safe, responsible channel for buying and selling pets. Animal welfare organizations support this approach because it allows for monitoring and education, rather than pushing transactions underground.
2. We Actively Discourage Impulsive, Irresponsible, and Illegal Sales
Kijiji has implemented multiple measures to promote responsible pet ownership and transactions:
- Education for buyers: Our Pets Code of Conduct and Guide to Responsible Pet Adoption encourage users to ask the right questions and avoid impulsive purchases. Personal inspection of the pet is a crucial part of the adoption or purchase process.
- Rules for sellers: Our Pet Posting Rules ensure that sellers provide the information necessary for safe and responsible transactions.
- Listing fees: A fee is required to post a dog or cat ad, which discourages impulsive selling and provides Kijiji with additional vendor information that can aid in investigations against illegal or unethical pet sellers.
- Dedicated support staff: Our team reviews reported ads manually and works closely with the community and reputable animal welfare agencies across Canada to detect, prevent, and discourage illegal activity.
Users can actively participate in keeping the category safe by flagging ads or contacting our support team with concerns.
3. Collaboration with Animal Welfare Leaders
Over the years, Kijiji has built strong partnerships with animal welfare organizations such as the OSPCA, Calgary Humane Society, Nova Scotia SPCA, and New Brunswick SPCA. Together, we have:
- Identified users of concern and prevented activity from puppy mills or unscrupulous breeders.
- Supported investigations and prosecutions of those engaged in illegal pet sales.
- Developed stronger policies and educational resources to prevent abuse.
- Participated in conferences, sponsorships, and events to explore ways Kijiji can be part of the solution.
4. Encouraging Adoption
Kijiji actively promotes adoption by partnering with shelters to feature a large number of pets directly from animal welfare organizations. Users can filter listings to view shelter pets only, encouraging adoption as the first choice before purchasing from private sellers.
5. Our Commitment
We are proud of the work we have done in collaboration with animal welfare groups across Canada. Kijiji continues to:
- Promote responsible pet transactions.
- Maintain a safe online channel for re-homing animals.
- Encourage the community to reach out with questions or concerns, ensuring that the welfare of pets remains our top priority.
By combining education, enforcement, and collaboration, Kijiji strives to make its Pets category a safe, responsible, and supportive space for both pets and their future owners.
