How to Sell Puppies on Craigslist: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Craigslist doesn’t allow direct animal sales. It’s ok to rehome them as long as you charge up to $150 and comply with a lengthy, detailed set of rules.
• These new rules require that all listings are free of sales language and instead emphasize finding new, suitable homes, using rehoming language instead of selling language.
• Being upfront about rehoming fees, health, and history builds trust and ensures that your listings stay within Craigslist’s terms of use.
• Sellers should be aware of both Craigslist’s policies and local or state laws, as violations can result in flagged ads or legal consequences.
• Animal welfare and responsible rehoming prioritization safeguards pets and upholds community standards.
• Safer alternatives for rehoming pets include working with local shelters, breed-specific rescues, or using pet adoption websites.

No selling, trading or giving away animals on Craigslist! The platform now prohibits all live animal sales. Craigslist’s animal policy includes all animals—cats, dogs, small pets and reptiles, birds and farm animals.

It covers any other animal ad placed that charges a fee. There is one exception for “re-homing” which permits a de minimis adoption fee. This practice is technically against the rules, and most sale-like listings are subject to flagging or removal.

Many States already hve strong restrictions on the sale of animals to protect animal welfare. This creates a higher liability to post animals for sale online. Here are the applicable sections of Craigslist’s terms of use.

What Is Craigslist’s Official Pet Policy?

Craigslist’s model of animal listings reflects its overall community values and a hands-off, self-policing business structure. The site’s official policy bans the sale of companion animals, aiming to curb irresponsible pet trading and promote humane treatment. Regardless, animal posts are widespread, and many sellers use “rehoming” language to sidestep bans for good.

The fuzzy line drawn between rehoming and selling causes chaos. This harms both consumers looking for pets and pet owners who need to re-home them.

The Strict “No Animal Sales” Rule

Craigslist isn’t shy about making it clear that selling animals is against their rules. This includes dogs, cats, rabbits, and most animals traditionally kept indoors as pets. The purpose of the ban is to stop breeders and animal traders from profiting from the sale of sentient beings.

In practice, however, ads appear every day, with sellers circumventing the policy by simply posting “rehoming” fees in place of prices. Many of these families incur thousands of dollars in fees under the impression they’re paying for care, but in truth they’re often just subsidizing backdoor sales.

There are exceptions—rehoming is permitted when there’s an intent to find a better home rather than profit from the transaction. Yet, the difference between a reasonable rehoming fee and an undisclosed sale is rarely clear cut.

Understanding “Rehoming” Fees Exception

A rehoming fee should ideally only reflect the cost of items like medical care or food. That is different than a sale price, which is motivated by profit. Most true rehoming fees will fall between $50-$200 with some outliers.

Any listings that charge an exorbitant “rehoming” fee would violate that policy and could be flagged and removed. Providing clear, concise explanations from the outset about what the fee covers demonstrates good faith and helps to prevent misinterpretations.

Why Craigslist Bans Most Pet Sales

Craigslist’s ban is based on animal welfare considerations. Irresponsible breeders and sellers have exploited the platform to offload animals with no thought toward their well-being. Animal activists and rescue groups routinely scan these listings, frequently saving abandoned pets given up by their former owners.

Those are just some of the high-profile examples, such as animals abandoned inside crates, that demonstrate the need for regulation. Restricting sales further combats scams while ensuring all attention is directed on finding suitable homes.

How Policy Enforcement Works (Or Doesn’t)

Craigslist does not vet any listings beforehand, and instead, relies on users to flag suspicious or inappropriate listings. Because the site doesn’t employ staff to scour listings looking for policy violations, enforcement is inconsistent at best.

A lot of the prohibited posts still get through, resulting in severe criticism from advocacy groups and demands for reform. While community vigilance can go a long way, there are still holes where the policy isn’t effective.

Can You Really Sell Animals on Craigslist?

Craigslist has been the go-to website for selling anything and everything in your local area, from couches to cars to the proverbial kitchen sink. Selling an animal can become a bit confusing. Despite Craigslist’s official policy on the matter, animals are still sold on Craigslist. It does permit “rehoming,” which can involve an “adoption” fee to recoup expenses.

Despite this rule, there are still a multitude of loopholes that folks attempt to circumvent it with. Understanding how sellers use these methods, the risks, and the bigger picture can help anyone thinking about posting or adopting through the site.

1. The Rehoming Fee Loophole Explained

Craigslist’s pet section, in large part, became as popular as it is today thanks to the rehoming fee loophole. Craigslist’s prohibition on selling animals outright prohibits sellers from listing animals for sale. Rather than selling the animal outright, they instead advertise the animal as needing a new home and charge a “rehoming fee.

This fee is meant to offset expenses such as food, vet trips, vaccinations, etc. In practice, it prevents responsible pet owners from providing relief to adopters. In reality, even though some sellers don’t profit, they are allowed to profit in practice. For example, an $800 “rehoming” fee for a puppy exceeds the price of one at local breeders or pet stores.

There’s a catch to this rehoming fee loophole. Without any third-party oversight involved, buyers are left to take the seller’s word on these representations. Many of those puppy mill pets or backyard bred animals are hidden behind a happy photo and a sad tale.

It’s not unusual to find breeders, mill operators or other bad actors masquerading under the rehoming tack. Too frequently, they are the ones who got them from irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or direct from Craigslist. They’re just taking those animals and repricing, relisting to make a profit. These loopholes create an environment where potential adopters cannot easily ascertain whether a listing is legitimate or otherwise.

Ethically, this practice as a way to avoid detection for selling animals is questionable. Rescue organizations and animal rights advocates have for years urged Craigslist to plug this loophole. They’re afraid their animals would be rehomed again to the wrong households, with no tracking or after-care.

Responsible owners and potential adopters are forced to sift through a jumble of legitimate rehomings and profit-motivated scams.

2. Navigating the Gray Area Carefully

Walking Dangerous Gray Area Fine LineIt’s very simple to fall into the dangerous gray area when interpreting Craigslist’s TOS. Although “rehoming” may seem innocuous, the platform allows a great deal of flexibility in what this means.

Navigating the Gray Area CarefullyProviding a straightforward, truthful explanation for rehoming a pet and charging a nominal rehoming fee will usually not set off red flags. Going beyond charging exorbitant rehoming fees, employing obscuring language, or cross-posting to different cities raises red flags with Craigslist moderators.

To avoid being flagged, err on the side of transparency. Be up front about why the pet needs rehomed and what the rehoming fee will go toward. Never accept offers for third-party delivery/shipping, these are almost always scams. Keep in mind that state and local laws can impose stricter requirements than those found in Craigslist’s terms.

3. Common Ways People List Pets

An example of a Craigslist pet listing that uses many common and harmful phrases. Listings such as “rehoming my puppy,” “adoption fee,” and “loving home needed” will be familiar. Other sellers try to be clever with their wording. They talk about “rehoming” and don’t mention money upfront in their main posting or even in their rehoming category, only communicating a fee privately.

This can create confusion and even further complicate identifying shady or scammy sellers. Dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles and birds are commonly found. Not all listings are bad actors, some of these are good faith efforts to rehome to a safe place.

The rest are not so cut and dry, providing unclear images and scant history. Regular, candid communication is tremendously helpful. Posts that provide veterinary documents, clearly state the reason for rehoming, and set a reasonable rehoming fee are more reliable.

There are numerous Facebook groups that scour Craigslist to locate and rescue at-risk animals. This effort underscores this community’s deep desire for transparency at every turn.

4. Risks You Face Bending Rules

Risks You Face Bending RulesThat’s a power the platform wields—removing these posts or banning these users. If state or local laws are broken—like selling certain breeds or failing to disclose health issues—fines or legal action can follow.

Scams on animals are rampant. One scam takes advantage of adopters by having a “rehomer” set up a fake website to collect “shipping costs.” They frequently tack on unauthorized charges at the 11th hour.

Other red flags include fees above $500, multiple identical ads in different cities, or using a third-party to deliver the animal. Such tactics frequently result in scams and lost funds or even worse—animals placed in dangerous environments.

Human animal ethics Ethical practices are important. Sellers have an obligation to be truthful, vet adopters, and not facilitate backdoor sales. While it may appear simple to skirt the rules, doing so endangers both pets and people.

5. State and Local Laws Matter Too

Craigslist’s rules are the tip of the iceberg. As noted above, many states and cities have their own laws restricting or banning pet sales. Others prohibit the sale of specific animals without a permit, limit transaction fees, or mandate vaccinations and health documentation.

Asking people to take these rules seriously may help keep sellers out of trouble, well beyond a deleted Craigslist post. Understanding the laws that may apply in your city or state can prevent legal issues from arising.

It makes sure that those pets are truly being set up for success in their new homes. So although Craigslist may allow you to charge a rehoming fee, your local regulations might not.

6. My View: Is It Responsible?

Getting rid of Craigslist for selling pets would be more than closing a loophole or a band aid solution. It’s not about animals—it’s about real lives. Most of the animals listed are there because someone neglected their homework or jumped the gun.

Finding a loving home for pets should be about care and compassion, not cash. It’s possible to look beyond dollars and posts, to what’s really in the best interest of the animal, and their future owner.

Selling Puppies: Specific Challenges

Selling puppies online presents a unique array of challenges that extends beyond what people might experience with other animals. Buyers and animal welfare organizations cast a keen eye on puppy listings. First, puppies are very young, and the amount of care and attention they require is significant.

Too often, people list puppies on a whim, giving little consideration to the health and happiness of both their puppies and potential buyers. E-commerce has made selling puppies easier than ever. That same convenience creates a huge obstacle to ensuring the health and appropriate raising of puppies.

Filthy conditions and a lack of concern for the animals are common. Unreimbursed rehousing fees sellers benefit from the vague language regarding rehousing fees. They could be the opposite, charging a very high price for a very low value product.

Why Puppies Get Extra Scrutiny

Puppies are more likely to receive additional scrutiny because they’re considered to be especially fragile and vulnerable. Many prospective buyers are concerned about puppy mills, in which large numbers of dogs are raised under miserable, crowded conditions.

These facilities are all about profit and do not care about the welfare of the animals. New pet owners tend to make impulse purchases when they obtain puppies. Consequently, these puppies are unlikely to go to loving homes.

It’s easy to find and retell stories of consumers who spent a large sum on a sick or poorly socialized puppy.

Avoiding Backyard Breeder Accusations

To gain consumer trust, sellers should go above and beyond to provide transparency around their breeding practices and the care of their puppies. Providing health records, explaining how the puppies are raised, and being upfront about their background all help.

With all the worries about unscrupulous breeders, transparency is where it’s at.

Highlighting Responsible Practices

Pups should be well-handled, and listings should provide documentation for the pet’s vet visits. Responsible sellers can provide details on how they socialize their puppies to adapt well in homes.

This fosters goodwill and goes a long way to demonstrate their serious commitment to the welfare of animals.

Create Listings That Don’t Get Flagged

Avoiding flags on Craigslist pet listings across the U.S. Often involves playing a game with increasingly opaque rules. Posts about animals are some of the most common reasons posts get flagged and removed, often over very small infractions.

Here are seven tips to create lasting listings that help pets find the right homes.

Choose Words Wisely: Avoid Sales Talk

Words that smack of sales lingo such as “for sale” or “purebred, $400 OBO” are quick ways to be flagged. Craigslist’s community is quick to flag anything that has the appearance of a commercial transaction.

The most effective posts say things like “rehoming” and “adoption.” A rehoming fee equivalent to what humane societies charge of rehoming pets, typically $50–$75 for small animals, makes the listing appear more legitimate.

Approaching your listings with gentler phrasing and a more empathetic conversational style will foster deeper connections. This method focuses on the pet’s well-being rather than revenue.

Focus Your Ad on Finding Good Homes

That’s the purpose of a good listing, to help attract the right home for that animal. Sharing information about the pet’s temperament, exercise requirements, and medical needs invites transparency.

Including questions in your description—such as “Are you familiar with giant breeds?”—makes it easier to filter out people who aren’t prepared to adopt. This strategy helps your listing resonate with folks interested in adopting for the long haul.

Use Clear, Honest Photos

Photos should show the animal in real life: playing, resting, or interacting with people. Blurred pictures or ones that misrepresent your offering make readers wary and are a surefire way to get flagged.

Clear, straightforward photography creates trust and attracts more qualified inquiries.

Post Thoughtfully, Not Aggressively

Post thoughtfully, not aggressively. Flooding the site with ads or bumping your listing too frequently will anger users and lead to flagging.

Be courteous, be patient, and remember that these first interactions are about building a positive rapport with potential adopters.

Emphasize Health and Vet Care

Providing information on visiting the vet, vaccines, or other medical care helps establish trust. Provide to show vet records to support your claims.

If your pet has health issues, being clear about them is important for both honesty and preventing confusion.

Ethical Selling: A Personal Perspective

Ethical selling with animals is a topic that hits close to home for many Angelenos. How we care for our companion animals impacts not only their lives, but the lives of everyone in the community. Many of us have seen friends or family members use online classifieds like Craigslist to rehome animals. This might appear fast and easy, but it has concrete hazards and tasks.

Prioritize Animal Welfare Always

Prioritize animal welfare from the start. Selling is about putting the best animal forward, even if it means giving up a big commission check. It’s pretty obvious when a listing is just price gouging instead of caring about the animals going to a loving home.

An ethical seller makes sure that the adopter is ready for a long-term commitment. They inquire about space to live, time to devote, and plans for care. This ensures that animals land where they will be most safe and happy.

The Dangers of Impulse Pet Purchases

It seems impulse buys are the name of the game with online advertising. A person could view an adorable image, make an inquiry, and adopt a pet with minimal consideration. This sets everyone up for heartbreak if the new owner is not ready.

It’s the seller’s responsibility to inform buyers of what it takes—such as veterinary visits, training, and day-to-day maintenance. Feature questions in your listings like, “Have you ever owned a pet before?” to help prompt meaningful consideration before an impulsive decision.

My Concerns About Online Pet Ads

Online pet ads introduce safety and ethical concerns. There’s a greater risk of scams, as well as running into fake or misleading claims about an animal’s health or behavior. When sellers are not entirely honest about the history or specific needs of the animal, it often results in disastrous consequences.

Verifying information and being truthful in advertisements can prevent these issues from occurring.

Think Beyond the Transaction

Think Beyond the Transaction. Selling a pet isn’t simply a sale. It’s not about making a sale, it’s about finding the best fit.

The best sellers create a bond with their buyers, providing counsel or following up after the sale. This can go a long way toward ensuring that pet thrives for years to come.

Safer Alternatives for Finding Homes

Choosing the most appropriate home for a pet requires diligence and some experience. Instead of using Craigslist, here are three better, safer alternatives that really work. These alternatives are more effective at protecting both animals and prospective adopters. They prevent scams and hasty decisions.

Partner with Local Animal Shelters

Partnering with local animal shelters can be huge. To adopt, shelters frequently have to screen their potential adopters and require documentation that verifies identity. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and helps weed out bad matches.

Most shelters operate these adoption events as well, which attract pet-loving folks to your venue. These in-person events allow adopters to meet the animals in person. Additionally, shelters may make follow-up calls to the new homes to ensure the match is a good fit.

Connect with Breed-Specific Rescues

Connect with Breed-Specific Rescues. Breed-specific rescues save and rehome one breed or species of animal, such as a specific dog or cat breed. They are experts on what that breed requires and can better match the pets to the owners who are equipped to meet those needs.

Providing information about the animal’s behavior, energy level, and quirky traits goes a long way toward helping rescues match animals with the right people. Additionally, most of these rescues need home checks and post-adoption home visits.

Use Dedicated Pet Adoption Sites

Sites created to help people adopt pets, such as Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet, connect you with millions of potential adopters. These sites allow you to create rich profiles—complete with photos, health information, and the pet’s backstory.

Most penalize and/or charge outlandishly high fees and have automated systems in place to search for scams.

Network Within Your Community

Chatting with other pet owners at dog parks, vet clinics, or pet supply stores frequently results in excellent referrals. Community organizations and hometown networks, on- or offline, can go a long way in getting the word out.

Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and neighbors go a long way, because folks trust those with local connections.

Conclusion

Contrary to what the ad may claim, Craigslist does not allow people to sell animals. The guidelines remain pretty strict when it comes to selling pets, and the danger of getting flagged posts or being scammed looms large. The pet lovers and organizations in Los Angeles we’ve spoken to unanimously agree that safe, honest methods are the most effective for finding homes. Your local shelter and rescue groups provide tangible assistance, as well as peace of mind. Staying with those reputable sources is the best way to keep animals and humans safe from dangerous animals. If you’re in a position where you need to rehome a pet, reach out to local rehoming organizations in your area or consult with a veterinarian. For people looking to make a difference, help us get the word out or share these tips with your friends. Interested in learning more about our work to stop the illegal wildlife trade? Call your local shelters or go to their websites to get the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally sell animals on Craigslist in Los Angeles?

Legally, can I sell animals on Craigslist in Los Angeles. Impossible, Craigslist’s terms of use prohibit the sale of all animals. Only re-homing animals for a small fee is permitted.

What types of animal listings are allowed on Craigslist?

You may list animals you are rehoming, as long as there is a reasonable fee. Selling animals on Craigslist Commercial breeding for profit is not allowed.

What happens if I list animals for sale on Craigslist?

Otherwise, your post will likely be flagged and taken down. The more you do this, the more likely Craigslist is to permanently ban your account.

Are there exceptions for selling puppies or kittens on Craigslist?

Are there exceptions for selling puppies or kittens on Craigslist. No selling — only rehoming, with finding loving homes as the goal—not profiting from pet sales.

What is a safe alternative to Craigslist for finding pets a home in Los Angeles?

Instead try adopting or rehoming through local animal shelters, rescue groups, or through pet adoption websites like Adopt-a-Pet and Petfinder.

Why does Craigslist ban animal sales?

Craigslist wants to stop puppy mills, animal cruelty and irresponsible breeding. The policy has gone a long way to advance animal welfare.

Can I ask for a rehoming fee on Craigslist?

No, you are permitted to charge a nominal rehoming fee to weed out those who would not properly care for the animal. It doesn’t mean you can charge a large fee or do so for profit.