Press Release

Online retail community platform Preloved has taken steps to ban the sale of exotic animals on its platform. In line with Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) standards, the new policy will encompass Birds Of Prey, Anacondas, Spider and Enigma NCTA Morphs, and Burmese, Reticulated, and African Rock Pythons. 

Preloved has been working closely with PAAG and the British Veterinary Association to identify those animals unsuitable for general sale which, unlike domestic pets, have specialist care requirements. This partnership is allowing the classified ads retailer to continue their commitment to animal welfare.  

British Veterinary Association President, Justine Shotton, said: “It is impossible to meet the unique and varied welfare needs of certain species. They require specialist care to live a happy and healthy life.  

“We are pleased Preloved has taken a step in the right direction to ensure that certain species cannot be advertised and rehomed on the site. Making these animals less accessible makes it more difficult to purchase them on a whim [and without the required experience to care for them].”  

This is a further step in Preloved’s ongoing commitment to the ethical sale of pets, as they continue to pledge to make welfare a priority for all animals. For those animals still allowed on the site, they have introduced strict criteria which includes a complete ban on any free pet adverts, the introduction of mandatory images of 'Mum' in all pup and kitten listings, control of any illegal breeds, and tracing of all member accounts and activity.