Our Policies

Kiwibuyers Code of Animal Welfare

Applies to: All listings involving any animals, cats and dogs
Effective Date: 12 June 2025
Legal Reference: Animal Welfare Act 1999, Animal Welfare Codes of Welfare (MPI)

At Kiwibuyers, we are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and high standards of animal welfare. This Code outlines the responsibilities of all members listing or purchasing cats or dogs through our platform.

Misrepresenting your compliance with this Code may breach the Fair Trading Act 1986 and result in listing removal or termination of your Kiwibuyers membership.

General Animal Welfare Standards

All animals listed must:

  • Be in good healthand fully weaned (independent of the mother).
  • Be at least 8 weeks oldat the time of sale or rehoming.
  • Have received age-appropriate vaccinations(with veterinary records).
  • Be current with flea and worm treatments.
  • Be socialisedwith people and other animals (where applicable).
  • Have been raised in accordance with:
  • The Animal Welfare Act 1999
  • The Code of Welfare: Dogsor Code of Welfare: Companion Cats

Veterinary records must be made available to buyers and produced to Kiwibuyers upon request.

Puppies – Specific Conditions for Listing

In addition to the general requirements, if you are listing a puppy, you confirm that:

  • The puppy will not be releasedbefore 8 weeks of age.
  • The puppy has been weaned and examined by a registered vet, with written records.
  • The mother:
  • Was in good health and temperamentat the time of breeding.
  • Was aged 1–6 yearsat conception.
  • Has had no more than 3 litters
  • Has not had more than two caesarean sections.
  • Was microchipped (required under the Dog Control Act 1996).
  • Was kept current on parasite treatments during pregnancy.
    • The puppy has been socialised and has experienced a range of environments.
    • The listing discloses:
  • Any hereditary disorders or known breed-specific issues.
  • Any surgery performed on the puppy or its parents to correct inherited traits.

If the parents were related within two generations.

Kittens – Specific Conditions for Listing

In addition to the general standards, if you are listing a kitten, you confirm that:

  • The kitten will not be releasedbefore 8 weeks of age.
  • The kitten has been weaned and assessed by a registered vet, with health records.
  • The mother:
  • Was in good health and temperamentat the time of breeding.
  • Was aged 9 months–7 yearsat conception.
  • Has had no more than 6 litters
  • Has not had more than two caesarean sections.
  • Was up to date with deworming and flea treatments.
    • The kitten has been handled and socialised from 3 weeks of age.
    • The listing discloses:
  • Any hereditary issues or breed-specific risks.
  • Any surgical correction performed on the kitten or parents.
  • If the parents were related within two generations.

Additional Responsibilities for Sellers

Sellers must:

  • Maintain and provide health, vaccination, and parasite treatment recordsto new owners.
  • Offer buyers information on proper care, including:
  • Diet, desexing, health, parasite control
  • Housing and familiar environments (e.g., litter or toilet training materials)

Assess the suitability of potential buyers before releasing an animal.
If you have doubts about a buyer’s ability to care for the animal, you must not proceed with the sale and are encouraged to report concerns to support@kiwibuyers.com.

Animal Listing Restrictions

Animals must not be listed if:

  • They are pregnant, ill, or under 8 weeks old.
  • They show aggression, excessive anxiety, or behavioural issues such as barking/fence-jumping.

Their welfare may be compromised by relocation or sale.Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers must:

  • Ensure they are ready and legally able to care for an animal.
  • Request and review vet records and health documentation.
  • Understand the long-term commitment and costsof ownership.
  • Report any animal welfare concerns via support@kiwibuyers.com.

Enforcement and Compliance

Kiwibuyers reserves the right to:

  • Request evidence of compliance(e.g., vet records, photos).
  • Remove listingsthat breach this Code or appear suspicious.
  • Restrict or terminatemember accounts in serious or repeated cases.

Refer unlawful conduct to the relevant authorities.

Resources and Further Reading

  • Animal Welfare Act 1999 (NZ)
  • Code of Welfare: Dogs (MPI)
  • Code of Welfare: Companion Cats (MPI)

SPCA New Zealand – Companion Animal Guidelines