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Rules for pet ads

Last updated: 03/11/2026

The Animals category is open. Every pet ad is checked by our team, with its papers, before it goes live.

We want every animal advertised on nixomarket to go to a good home, and every ad to follow the law. Our rules follow the minimum standards of the UK Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and the law in England, Wales and Scotland. Sellers in other countries must also follow the law where they live.

How pet ads are checked

  • Every pet ad is checked by our team before it goes live, with the papers the seller sends. Ads without papers are not published.
  • The papers (for example the microchip certificate, a vaccination record or pet passport, and the seller's licence) are seen only by our team. They are never shown on the ad. Approved ads show "Papers checked by nixomarket".
  • When the seller changes the ad, it is checked again before it is back online.
  • We keep the papers as proof of our check, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

What every pet ad must have

  • The type of animal, the breed (or "mixed"), the age in weeks and who the seller is: a private owner rehoming their pet, the breeder who bred the animal, a licensed breeder or seller, or a rescue or rehoming centre.
  • Dogs and cats: the 15-digit microchip number. In England dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks and cats by 20 weeks, before they go to a new home.
  • Licensed breeders and sellers: the licence number and the council that issued it. In England a licence is needed, for example, to breed 3 or more litters a year or to sell animals as a business.
  • A recent photo of the animal itself (no stock photos).

What cannot be advertised

  • Animals younger than 8 weeks, or not yet weaned.
  • Puppies and kittens under 6 months, unless the seller is the breeder who bred them or a rescue centre (Lucy's Law: no third-party sales).
  • Dog types banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully.
  • Pregnant animals, animals that are ill or injured, and endangered or protected species without the legal papers (CITES).
  • Animals as prizes, in swaps for other items, or sold by auction.
  • Veterinary medicines (flea, worm and prescription treatments), in any category.

Advice for buyers

  • Always see the animal in person before you pay, at the seller's home. Puppies and kittens should be seen with their mother.
  • Ask for the microchip paperwork and the vaccination record, and check that the microchip is registered to the seller.
  • Never pay a deposit for an animal you have not seen. Read our Safety tips and report any ad that breaks these rules with "Report this ad".

Pet food and products are in Pet Supplies.

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