Welfare Policy

Effective May 4, 2026

PatMate exists so responsible owners can find good matches — not so anyone can sell pets faster. This policy is a hard requirement for every account. Listing a pet is a statement that you meet it.

1. Minimum standards for any pet you list

You are the legal owner / keeper, or have written authority from the owner.
The animal is current on the vaccinations recommended in your country.
The animal has been examined by a licensed veterinarian within the last 12 months and is fit for breeding.
The animal has reached the minimum breeding age and weight recommended for its species and breed (and, where breed clubs publish stricter rules, those).
You will not breed an animal more frequently than is healthy — for dogs, no more than one litter per 18 months and not more than 4 lifetime litters; for cats, comparable limits per breed-club guidance.
You disclose known hereditary conditions and any genetic testing results, even when they make a pairing less attractive.

2. What we forbid

Listing animals you do not own or have authority over.
Breeding underage, sick, or pregnant animals.
Operating a puppy mill / kitten mill / commercial farm under a hobby cover.
Breed-banned species in your jurisdiction.
Selling animals to third parties (resellers, brokers, pet stores) — PatMate is for direct owner-to-owner contact.
Misrepresenting the animal’s age, lineage, or health.
Coercing other users into a pairing through pressure or harassment.

3. Verification

We offer optional ID and breeder verification. We may require it before unlocking certain features (high-volume listings, verified badges, paid tiers). Documents we hold for verification are stored encrypted and deleted after review unless we are legally required to retain them.

4. Reporting concerns

If you see a listing or behaviour that violates this policy, use the Report button on any pet, message, or profile. Reports are reviewed by our moderation team. For situations that are an immediate danger to an animal, contact your local animal welfare authority directly — we cooperate with lawful requests.

5. Consequences

Depending on severity we may: warn you, hide a listing, restrict messaging, suspend the account, ban the account, or report to authorities. Bans are permanent for severe violations.

6. Feedback

Welfare standards evolve. If you think we should raise the bar, write to [email protected].