Animal Welfare Policy

The Aviary Hub requires humane, responsible and lawful treatment of every animal advertised on the Platform. This policy sets out our expectations – it is guidance, not a substitute for your own legal obligations as a seller.

Sellers must:

  • keep animals in suitable conditions, with appropriate food, water, shelter, space, hygiene and care;
  • give accurate age, sex, health, condition, temperament and behaviour information;
  • use safe and species-appropriate transport;
  • disclose any material welfare needs, and refuse an unsuitable transfer where a serious welfare concern exists;
  • comply with identification and registration requirements, including DAFM registration where it applies – see our DAFM Information page;
  • not use misleading photographs, or conceal illness, injury or poor condition;
  • not promote harmful breeding practices;
  • not advertise animals for fighting, baiting, cruelty, illegal breeding, or other harmful purposes;
  • never list a species that is banned, restricted, or requires documentation the seller does not hold – see our Banned Items / Prohibited Listings page.

Minimum age and weaning

The Aviary Hub will not publish a listing for an animal below the minimum age for its species. Where a specific minimum is set, a listing cannot publish until the animal’s date of birth confirms it has reached that age:

  • Cats: 8 weeks
  • Rabbits: 6 weeks
  • Ferrets: 8 weeks
  • Small pets and rodents (general): 4 weeks

For species without a specific numeric minimum set above (including birds, reptiles, and fish), the seller must instead confirm on the advert form that the animal is not below the minimum weaning or rehoming age for its species before the listing can publish. Separating any animal from its mother or group at an inappropriate age is never permitted, regardless of category.

Buyers should:

  • research the species’ needs and assess the lifetime cost and commitment before agreeing to buy;
  • inspect the animal and its environment, or request detailed evidence, before committing;
  • ask for health records and identification/registration details;
  • avoid impulse acquisition;
  • arrange appropriate housing before transfer;
  • seek professional veterinary advice where needed.

Transport and Collection

  • In-person collection is permitted where lawful and appropriate.
  • A suitable specialist live-animal courier may be used where lawful and appropriate.
  • Live animals must never be sent through ordinary postal services.
  • The seller is responsible for choosing a lawful, suitable and welfare-compliant transport arrangement – not The Aviary Hub.
  • The Aviary Hub does not vet, certify, guarantee or take responsibility for any courier, and does not itself transport, take custody of, or insure any animal.

Pregnant animals, and swaps/trades/exchanges of animals, are not permitted on The Aviary Hub – see our Banned Items / Prohibited Listings page for the full list of prohibited listings.

Serious welfare concerns may result in immediate listing removal, account restriction, and referral to relevant authorities. If you believe a listing breaches this policy, please report it or use our Report a Concern page.