Purpose

To guarantee animal welfare, transparency, and buyer protection on our platform, while complying with Kenyan law and promoting international best practices.

1. Pet Listing Rules

✅ Allowed Listings

• Species: Dogs and cats only (Phase 1).
• Minimum Age:
    • Puppies: at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and vaccinated.
    • Kittens: at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and vaccinated.
• Health Requirements: Must have up-to-date vaccination and deworming records and a veterinary health certificate (within 14 days of listing).
• Documentation: Must disclose microchip number (if available).
• Listing Detail: Must clearly state breed, sex, age, date of birth, location (county/town), asking price, and delivery or pickup options.

🚫 Banned / Restricted Listings

• Wildlife, exotic or endangered species (as per Kenya Wildlife Conservation & Management Act).
• Imported breeds without legal import permits.
• Pets below 8 weeks (or not fully weaned).
• Animals with contagious disease or lacking vaccination proof.
• Misrepresented or stolen animals.
• False claims (e.g., “disease-free for life,” guaranteed show champion) — such claims will lead to removal.
• Listings that violate Cap. 360 (e.g. cruel acts, hawking live animals improperly)

2. Mandated Disclosures & Verified Information

Each pet listing must include:

1. Vaccination record (Rabies + DHLP or equivalent for dogs; Cat Flu + Rabies for cats).
2. Deworming record & vet health certificate (signed by a licensed veterinarian).
3. Microchip number, if available.
4. Breed classification: Purebred, Cross, or Mixed.
5. Date of birth and readiness-for-adoption date.
6. Seller’s location (county, town).
7. Seller’s credentials (breeder license, veterinary references).

Optional, but strongly encouraged:

• A short video clip (<20 seconds) showing the pet in a calm, safe environment.
• Pedigree documentation (for purebreds) — but only when vetted.

3. Photo & Media Standards

To maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation:

• Minimum of 3 high-resolution photos (≥ 1600 px width).
• No filters, watermarks, or collages.
• Must include at least one full-body photo and one close-up.
• Pet should be in a clean, safe, uncluttered space (no wires, other animals).
• Background should not mislead (e.g., show another pet’s items).
• Optional: short video clip (<20 seconds) showing movement, demeanor, and behavior.

4. Rehoming vs. Breeding Listings

Rehoming Listings

• For private individuals rehoming a pet.
• Must state reason (illness, relocation, inability to care).
• Adoption fee should be reasonable, not exploitative.

Breeder Listings

• Only allowed for verified breeders (upload license or vet references).
• Must meet additional vetting and maintain performance metrics (reviews, returns, health claims).
• May receive an “Accredited Breeder” badge once verified.
• Must agree to periodic audits or inspections (photo, home, vet checks).

5. Listing Duration & Renewal

• Listings stay live for 30 days.
• Vendors get a renewal reminder 3 days before expiry.
• Expired listings revert to “Draft” or removed unless renewed.
• Renewals require re-verification (photos, certificate) if substantial time has passed.

6. Duplicate & Cross-listing Policy

• Each pet may only be listed once on our marketplace.
• Cross-posting identical listing under different accounts is prohibited.
• Attempted duplicates will be flagged or removed.
• Repeated offenses lead to warnings, then suspension, then ban.

7. Moderation, Enforcement & Penalties

• All new listings pass through manual or semi-automated moderation before going live.
• Admin reserves the right to request additional verification.
• Violation escalation:

• Severe misconduct (fraud, cruelty) reported to law enforcement and/or KSPCA.
• The marketplace retains right to override refund/commission decisions in case of misrepresentation.

8. Legal & Regulatory Context (Kenyan Adaptation)

• The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Cap. 360 prohibits cruelty, hawking animals, exposure to unnecessary suffering.
• Under Cap. 360, public exhibitions, cruelty, and improper transport are punishable offenses.
• Should comply with Nairobi County Dog Control & Welfare Act, 2015 for any pet sales within Nairobi jurisdictions.
• Must avoid selling species covered by Wildlife Conservation & Management Act (protected species).
• Sellers and platform must avoid “hawking animals in a cruel manner” (disallowed under Cap. 360)
• Be aware of import requirements (if you ever allow cross-border listings) such as rabies vaccine and permits.