Things to consider when selling animals online:
In Australia, the selling of animals is regulated by state and territory legislation. It is important to ensure that any sale of animals is done in compliance with these regulations to ensure the welfare of the animals and avoid any legal issues. It is recommended to do research and consult with the relevant authorities before selling any animals.
Important Information to Know Before Selling or Giving Away a Pet
If you’re considering selling or giving away a cat or dog, there are new regulations you should be aware of to avoid facing serious consequences!
The recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Companion Animal Breeding Practices has introduced changes to legislation that require owners to provide an identification number in all advertisements for kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs being sold or given away in NSW starting July 1, 2019. Failing to comply with this rule can lead to an on-the-spot fine of $330, with a maximum penalty of $5,500 in court. These changes will apply to posters, community notice boards, and online advertising. If you’re interested in getting a new pet, make sure the seller has followed the rules. If not, report it to an authorised agent (See Below).
What information is required to sell pets online:
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- Vaccination status: vaccinated or unvaccinated
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- Status of seller: owner, breeder, shelter or rescue group
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- Age of animal
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- Desexed status: desexed or entire
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- Health status: has the animal undergone veterinary checks in last 12 month
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- Breeder information number: or similar identification number in those states where it is a legal requirement (i.e. Qld, Vic, SA)
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- Sex:
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- Expected size of breed: very small, small, medium, large, Very Large
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- Contact details: Name address phone number (South Australia compulsory)
Policys for selling/buying of animals in each state:
New South Wales
From 1 July 2019 it is a legal requirement all users advertising cats/dogs require
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- Breeder identification number
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- Microchip number
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- Rehoming organization number
which can be found here
Regardless of the animal’s age, whether it was bred by you, or where you plan to advertise it for sale or giveaway, sellers must provide an identification number. This requirement applies even if the animal hasn’t been born yet, and whether you’re a hobby or professional breeder.
Reptiles: It is prohibited by law to advertise reptiles and amphibians in NSW. We do not accept ads for reptiles in NSW
In NSW, dogs must be registered by six months of age, and cats must be registered by four months of age. If an animal over these ages is being sold or given away, it must be registered before its ownership can be transferred.
How Other Australian States Approach Pet Legislation:
While New South Wales (NSW) prepares to introduce new legislation, other states have already adopted their own laws regarding pet ownership. Here is a brief overview of how each state approaches pet legislation:
Queensland:
Providing a supply number in your advertisement is mandatory for anyone who is giving away or selling dogs, with the exception of dogs that were born before May 26, 2017.
In QLD you need to have licenses or paperwork to keep certain animals like birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. Please check here for further information
Advertising of rabbits are prohibited by QLD law. Keeping and supplying rabbits in QLD is illegal. We do not except rabbit advertisements from QLD
Victoria:
As of July 1st, 2019, all advertisements selling or giving away dogs and cats must include a microchip number and a source number, with the exception of animals that have a veterinarian’s certificate stating that microchipping may have dangerous health impacts.
We do not accept ads for Koi Fish in the state of Victoria
South Australia:
To avoid a fine of up to $5,000, sellers must include specific information in their advertisements, including the name and phone number of the seller, breeder, and breeder identification number (if applicable). Registered breeders selling to other registered breeders are exempt from this rule.
Western Australia:
Dogs over three months of age must be desexed and registered with local government
Cats over 6 months of age must be de-sexed, and registered with local government before being given away
ACT:
Some reptiles, ferrets and birds requires a license number to be included with there advertisement
Enforcing the Laws: Who is Responsible?
The NSW Police, RSPCA NSW, and Animal Welfare League NSW are the authorized agencies responsible for enforcing the new advertising laws. It is important to note that local council officers do not have the power to enforce these laws, contrary to popular belief. Let’s all do our part in combating puppy farms by doing the right thing, not just because it’s the law, but because it’s the ethical thing to do
Dog breeds banned in Australia:
American pit bull terrier (or just Pit Bull Terrier), Dogo Argentino (or Argentinean mastiff), Fila Brasileiro (which is also referred to as the Brazilian guard dog, Brazilian mastiff, or Cão de Fila), Japanese Tosa (which also goes by the names of Tosa Inu, Tosa fighting dog, and Japanese fighting dog), and Perro de Presa Canario (or simple Presa Canario)
Minimum age requirement:
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- Cats/ Dogs must be at least 9 Weeks of age
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- Rabbits 8 weeks old
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- Guinea pigs mice and rats 4 weeks of age
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- Ferrets 10 weeks of age
Duty of Care:
As part of Simply Post it duty of care, any advertisements that are misleading or inappropriate may be removed at our discretion. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that they adhere to applicable laws and regulations. We highly encourage you to check your relevant state legislations before posting an advertisement. We may also at our discretion pass on any of the sellers contact details onto relevant authority for investigation on suspicion or reporting of poor animal welfare practices or conditions.
For More information
Information for each state:
New South Wales : Selling or giving away a cat or dog (nsw.gov.au)
NSW Pet Registry – Buyer Search
Queensland: Keeping native animals | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
Look up a Supply Number · Dog Breeders Register (daf.qld.gov.au)
Applying, or renewing a Supply Number · Dog Breeders Register (daf.qld.gov.au)
Keeping native animals | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
ACT: https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/act/breeding-licence/40969
Tasmania: Cat Breeding Permits | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au)
