Gumtree Pets Code of Practice

These policies are based on RSPCA principles

All ads posted in the Gumtree pets section must comply with the Gumtree Pets Policy and this Pets Code of Practice set out below. We understand some Australian states have different laws, please check with the relevant governing body in your state for further clarification. Any ads found to be breaching applicable laws and reported to us for breaching these laws will be removed from Gumtree.

Advertising a pet on Gumtree

Docked tail and cropped ear pets are not allowed on Gumtree, these are prohibited practices and Gumtree do not accept ads of this nature.

Age restrictions apply for certain types of pets advertised and animals have to be of a certain age before they are adoptable/available for rehoming/sale.

1. We strongly recommend that the buyer and seller meet in person before transacting to help ensure that the animals are in healthy condition, that the breeder is providing a high standard of housing and care and also ask any additional questions you may have regarding future care of the animal. Never buy a pet from someone who is unwilling to let you see how and where the animal is living!

   If you have any concerns about an animal advertised on Gumtree please report it to us and notify your local RSPCA Inspectorate.

2. If you are paying for a pet, never mail a cheque or use payment services like Bidpay, Western Union or Money Gram. It is our belief that these forms of funds transfer are favoured by fraudsters. 

3. Visit your local RSPCA or other reputable animal rescue organisation for tips on identifying responsible practices. See these RSPCA documents for detailed information:

   • RSPCA Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide pamphlet
   • RSPCA Smart Kitten & Cat Buyer’s guide

4. There are two types of registration for breeders:

   Pedigree or purebred dog breeders are often referred to as ‘registered breeders’ when they are members of a breed club or association that operates a stud book or register, or another breeder association. The terms 'registered breeder' or 'recognised breeder' may also be used to refer to registration with the relevant local authority. This varies in different jurisdictions (for example, some jurisdictions have a mandatory dog breeder register) so you should check with the relevant local authority.

   Requirements for dog breeders vary from state to state. We recommend you call the relevant local council to confirm if breeders have to be registered with them and whether there is a code of practice or guidelines that the breeder should be following. If the answer is yes, you can ask the breeder for their registration details and what guidelines they follow.

   If the breeder is ‘registered’ as a member of a non-government association, e.g. State Canine council, they should also provide their membership details.

   Note that being a ‘registered’ breeder does not necessarily mean a breeder meets good animal welfare standards. The only way to be sure is to visit the place where the animal was bred to check out the living conditions and to meet the mother dog (and father if he’s there) to check they’re happy and healthy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          See What is a 'registered breeder'?

5. Check that the breeder/seller is responsible throughout the sale process. This is important because there are a number of serious animal welfare issues that can be associated with breeding in Australia including puppy and kitten farms.

   A puppy or kitten farm (also known as a puppy/kitten factory or puppy/kitten mill) is an intensive dog or cat breeding facility that is operated under inadequate conditions that fail to meet the animals' behavioural, social and/or physiological needs. Puppy/kitten farms are usually large-scale commercial operations, but inadequate conditions may also exist in small volume breeding establishments which may or may not be run for profit.

   Breeding animals and their litters on puppy/kitten farms live in appalling conditions. Dogs and cats are often kept in overcrowded and filthy environments. Breeding animals may be confined permanently in small cages, continually bred from and never allowed out for a walk, to go to the toilet in a separate space, play or express normal behaviours.

   Be aware of other welfare problems that can be associated with breeding including inherited diseases, inbreeding and exaggerated physical features.

   See the RSPCA Interactive Puppy and Dog Buyer’s Guide and the RSPCA Smart Kitten Buyer’s Guide for more information.

6. Buyers of cats and dogs should expect to be provided with documentation confirming microchipping, vaccination status and vet check. It’s important that the breeder/seller is permanently recorded on the microchip register so they can be identified and traced from each individual cat or dog

7. If in doubt contact your local RSPCA

8. For tips and advice when considering adopting or buying a pet, please see our Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership.

For more information visit the Gumtree pets policies.