This page is for Northern Ireland sellers only.
Republic of Ireland sellers must follow the separate
DAFM Information (Republic of Ireland) page.
DAFM registration does not apply in Northern Ireland — do not mix the two systems.

Northern Ireland sellers

Northern Ireland has its own animal welfare and disease-control framework. The Aviary Hub does not grant licences or registrations, and publishing an advert does not mean you are compliant.

1. Core NI rules that apply today

  • Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 — anyone responsible for an animal must meet general welfare duties.
    Read the Act.
  • DAERA Bird Register — if you keep birds outdoors in NI (poultry, waterfowl, aviary birds, etc.), you must register with DAERA. This applies regardless of flock size. Indoor pet birds kept in the owner’s home are exempt. This is a disease-control / biosecurity registration — it is not the same as ROI’s DAFM pet-seller scheme.
    DAERA bird registration guidance ·
    Registration forms.
  • Pet shop licence — required if you keep premises primarily for selling pets as a pet shop. Check with your local council /
    pet shop licence — Northern Ireland.
  • Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 — live wild-caught birds must not be sold in NI. Birds listed on this Platform must be captive-bred. You remain responsible for lawful origin.
  • CITES / wildlife trade documentation — some parrots, birds of prey and other species need the correct certificates before sale or transfer. The Platform may hold such listings for manual review. You remain responsible for holding valid documents.
  • Dogs and horses — not permitted categories on The Aviary Hub, so NI dog-breeding / puppy advertising schemes do not apply to listings here.

2. Coming soon in NI (watch if you sell cats)

  • DAERA has announced next steps toward new rules for selling/supplying puppies and kittens (under six months), including local-council registration and a ban on third-party sales (“Lucy’s Law” style).
  • Legislation is anticipated around autumn 2026. Dogs stay off this Platform — cats do not, so NI kitten sellers should watch for council registration and advertising conditions when the law goes live.
  • DAERA announcement (February 2026).

3. What NI pet adverts should include (must-have list)

Use this Northern Ireland checklist when you post. These align with Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) standards, which DAERA has endorsed for online pet ads:

  • Age of the animal (except fish) — do not advertise an animal before it is weaned / independent of its parents.
  • Country of origin of the animal.
  • Country / region of residence — Northern Ireland, plus your county where possible.
  • Seller type — private seller, licensed/commercial seller, or rescue/rehoming (say which).
  • Species (and breed if relevant). For mammals (cats, rabbits, small pets): include sex where known.
  • Recent, real photograph of the animal being advertised (not stock photos of another animal).
  • Any licence / registration that applies to you — e.g. pet shop licence number, or confirmation of DAERA bird registration for outdoor birds.
  • CITES / Article 10 certificate number where the species requires it.
  • Do not offer live animals by ordinary post.
  • Do not offer pregnant animals, swaps/trades of animals, or wild-caught birds.

PAAG Advertising Standards

4. Platform rules for NI listings (The Aviary Hub)

  • We may ask NI bird sellers whether birds are kept outdoors or indoors, and whether DAERA registration is in place for outdoor keepers.
  • We may refuse or remove listings that raise welfare, wildlife, documentation, or scam concerns.
  • Minimum-age checks on the Platform are a welfare safeguard. NI law does not copy ROI’s species-by-species week table — you must still only rehome animals at an appropriate age for the species.
  • Do not sell or supply an animal to anyone you believe is under 16.
  • Publishing an advert does not mean DAERA, your council, or The Aviary Hub has certified you as compliant.

5. Reporting a concern (NI)

  • Use Report an Advert or Report a Concern on this Platform.
  • For Northern Ireland regulatory issues, also contact your local council / Trading Standards where appropriate — NI matters do not route through ROI’s DAFM.
  • Wildlife crime concerns may also involve the PSNI where relevant.

6. Collecting across the ROI / NI border

Moving a live bird between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is often straightforward for an ordinary private buyer/seller, but CITES-listed species and larger/commercial movements can need extra paperwork. Confirm current requirements with DAERA or DAFM before travelling. The Aviary Hub does not arrange or verify transport.

Official NI links

Republic of Ireland sellers: do not use this page for DAFM duties —
go to DAFM Information (Republic of Ireland).