Marketplace Prohibited Items Policy

Effective Date: [INSERT DATE]

Last Updated: [INSERT DATE]

DRAFT TEMPLATE — NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Review with an attorney before publishing, particularly regarding regional regulations on animal sales, which vary significantly by state and country.

1. Purpose

This policy governs what may be listed, sold, or advertised through K9's Marketplace and Business Listings, by both individual sellers and Business Accounts.

2. No Live Animal Sales, Trade, or Rehoming

K9 does not permit the sale, trade, adoption- or rehoming-fee solicitation, breeding, stud service, or transfer of any live animal — or the sale of semen, embryos, or other breeding materials — through the Marketplace, a post, a message, or a Business Listing, under any circumstances. This is a bright-line rule with no exceptions, including for animals described as rescues and including informal “rehoming fees,” “stud fees,” or “breeding fees” used to disguise a sale. Members looking to rehome or adopt a pet should be directed to a licensed shelter or rescue organization. K9 is not an animal broker or dealer, does not inspect animals, shelters, or breeders, and does not facilitate animal transactions. Listings or discussions that appear to arrange an animal sale, breeding, or transfer, even indirectly (e.g., “DM me about available puppies”), will be removed, may result in immediate account termination, and may be referred to animal-welfare regulators.

3. Other Prohibited Items and Services

•Counterfeit or unauthorized replica products of any brand.

•Recalled products, including recalled pet food, treats, or toys.

•Prescription medications, controlled substances, or veterinary drugs requiring a licensed prescriber, sold outside of a licensed pharmacy or veterinary relationship.

•Unapproved or adulterated animal supplements, vitamins, or health products, and any CBD-, THC-, or other cannabis-derived pet products that are not lawful and properly registered.

•Flea, tick, or other parasite chemical treatments that lack required EPA or FDA registration.

•Raw or unpasteurized pet food lacking applicable regulatory certification.

•Weapons, ammunition, or items primarily marketed to harm animals or people.

•Hazardous materials, or products lacking required safety certifications for pet consumption or use.

•Any item or service otherwise illegal to sell in the seller's or buyer's jurisdiction.

4. Accurate Listings Required

Sellers and Business Accounts must accurately describe the product or service offered, including price, condition, and any safety-relevant information (e.g., choking hazards, allergen content in treats). Misrepresenting a listing is a violation of these Terms and may result in listing removal or account suspension.

5. Local Maker and Brand Disclosure

Sellers should accurately identify whether they are an individual/local maker or a registered business, consistent with how their listing is labeled in the app (e.g., “Local maker” vs. a named business).

6. Reporting a Listing

Any Marketplace listing or Business offer can be reported directly from the listing. Reports alleging a prohibited item, especially live animal sales, are treated as high priority and reviewed promptly.

7. Enforcement

Violations may result in listing removal, a warning, suspension, or — for live animal sales or other severe violations — immediate and permanent removal from K9, regardless of prior standing or Verified status.