We actively monitor listings and permanently ban vendors who attempt to post adverts that do not comply with legal standards or our platform policies.
If ads are posted in breach of this policy, DoneDeal reserves the right to remove them without notice and without refunding any fees paid.
Please ensure you fully understand and comply with these requirements before placing an animal advert.
Legal Requirements – 2019 Regulations
Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 681 of 2019), all advertisements for pet animals must include:
One type or breed of animal per ad
The registration number of the seller/supplier
The age of the animal
The country of origin
If applicable, the Charities Act registration number (for charitable organisations)
Mandatory Ad Requirements
All animal ads must include:
A clear photograph of the companion or equine animal
Accurate and truthful information
General Advertising Rules
Not Permitted
Gift-themed ads (e.g. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter)
Dogs (dogs cannot be advertised on DoneDeal)
Recycling ads (each litter or animal requires a new ad)
Animals advertised before weaning
Pets advertised under 8 weeks old (6 months for foals)
Pregnant animals (excluding equines)
Stud, “in season”, rental or loan ads in the pet section (horses for loan/stud may be permitted)
Pet swaps for goods or services
Advertising animal delivery via postal services
Live feeding adverts (e.g. live mice for snakes)
Tagging & Registration (Sheep and Goats)
All sheep and goats must:
Be officially tagged under NSIS/NGIS
Be moved in accordance with Department of Agriculture rules
Be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
There are no exceptions for pet lambs or goats.
Further guidance is available at:
www.agriculture.gov.ie (Animal Health and Welfare / Animal Identification and Movement)
Category-Specific Policies
Equine
All equine animals must be sold with a passport.
Equines must be microchipped in order to obtain a passport.
Horses or ponies may not be advertised as broken/ridden under 3 years of age.
Foals must be at least 6 months old before advertising.
No foster mare ads permitted.
Horse Factory ads are not accepted.
For equine welfare guidance:
Read our guide for buyers
Read our equine health guide
Cats & Kittens
No kittens under 8 weeks old may be advertised.
Early sale is not recommended by veterinary professionals.
Exotic & Other Animals
“Exotic” animals are species not normally domesticated in Ireland.
DoneDeal may review and remove certain species at its discretion.
Advertisers must:
Include detailed care information for exotic species.
Comply with EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
Provide valid Article 10 certification where required (CITES Annex A species).
Not permitted:
Non-human primates (e.g. marmosets, lemurs)
Species listed under EU Wildlife Trade Regulations Annex A without proper certification
DoneDeal reserves the right to refuse animal ads on a case-by-case basis.
Animal Welfare Commitment
Throughout our policy, “companion animal” refers to a pet.
We maintain a separate list of which companion animals may be advertised on DoneDeal.
We encourage responsible ownership and compliance with all animal welfare legislation.
- I want to know more about DoneDeal and animal welfare.
- Read government legislation.
- What is IPAAG?
- Find our buyers guides here.
Enforcement
If ads are posted in breach of this policy, DoneDeal may:
Remove the listing without notice
Withhold or forfeit fees paid
Restrict or permanently ban the advertiser
Report serious breaches to relevant authorities
Status of This Policy
This policy forms part of your Agreement with DoneDeal and our Legal Policies, available at:
By using DoneDeal, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these terms.
If you do not agree with this policy, you should not use the platform.