Introducing PAAG’s New Pet Advertising Standards
The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) have today launched their new
For over 10 years, Preloved has be proud to work with PAAG, and are one of only 8 websites in the UK committed to meeting their advertising standards. We'll continue to work closely with them in the future to help improve welfare policies on our site as well as introducing further measures to support the safe rehoming of animals. Our bank-grade ID Verification service remains free to all members, as well as our secure payment integrations.
Preloved - Proud To 'Meet The Highest Standards Possible'
In a press release for these new changes, it was noted that PAAG "has revealed the new voluntary Advertising Standards, which are an updated version of the Minimum Standards launched in 2012. They reflect the fast-paced development in this sector, and the aspirations of the popular advertising sites who engage with the group, to meet the highest standards possible for the sake of animal welfare and buyer security".
PAAG is pleased that six of the Advertising Standards have been adopted into law, which is an encouraging step forward in online buyer safety. In Great Britain licenced sellers must, by law:
- Include the number of the licence holder’s licence
- Specify the local authority that issued the licence
- Include a recognisable photograph of the animal being advertised (for cats and dogs only in Scotland)
- Display the age of the animal being advertised (except in the case of fish)
- State the country of residence of the animal from which it is being sold
- State the country of origin of the animal
Paula Boyden, Chair of PAAG and Veterinary Director for Dogs Trust, says:
“From underage animals, banned breeds, illegally imported or endangered species to animals offered in exchange for inanimate objects such as phones - the online marketplace for pets in 2012, prior to the launch of PAAG’s original Minimum Standards, was a very different one to what we see today.
"PAAG is not a regulatory body, so we are hugely grateful to our engaged websites for their hard work and commitment in this area, and we are delighted that they have all agreed to making an annual declaration committing to the Advertising Standards.”
Lord Benyon, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, says:
“I am delighted to support the updated advertising standards announced by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group today, which are backed by several of the country’s largest pet-selling platforms.
These standards will help enhance existing protections and make it easier for inappropriate or illegal advertisements to be removed as soon as possible - assisting future pet owners to make informed decisions in the process.”
Safe And Responsible Rehoming On Preloved
For more information on how to keep yourself, and the animals on Preloved, safe, please take a look at our articles below.
