Here at Neighbourly, we love our furry companions! Pets are a huge part of our neighbourhoods, and we want them to be as safe and cared for as possible. Check out our FAQ below to find out more about buying/rehoming pets on Neighbourly, as well as additional information on our animal welfare standards.
We recommend you read our Animal Welfare Policy before buying or rehoming a pet on the platform.
Please also note that our FAQ and Pet Policy were written for domestic animals primarily. If you have any questions about other pets (such as horses, alpacas, iguanas…) please get in touch with our lovely help team.
- Can I sell my pet on Neighbourly?
Neighbourly does not support the selling of animals unless you are a registered animal breeder or charitable animal rescue. If you are a registered animal breeder you will need to have a Neighbourly Premium Business listing to promote your service. If you are a not-for-profit animal rescue, please get in touch with us to create a organisation profile. You may rehome your pet for free if you are no longer able to take care of it (see our stance on this below).
- I’m a breeder - can I promote my services?
Registered breeders are welcome to use Neighbourly to share information about their services. Please sign up here or contact the Neighbourly team for more advertising options.
- I have a pet care business (e.g. groomer, boarding kennels) – can I promote my services?
Yes, but please note that businesses providing pet care services must meet or exceed the minimum standards set out in the Code of Welfare Temporary Housing of Companion Animals.
- Can I share imagery of harmed animals / animal cruelty in my community?
Images of harmed animals can be distressing for members. Please always consider if images are suitable for a younger audience or if they will cause upset before posting. Also note that violent or graphic images are a breach of the Neighbourly Guidelines.
If you have a welfare concern regarding an incident in your community, please report this to your local SPCA. This will enable a full and detailed report to be logged for an SPCA inspector to action. You'll need to provide as much specific detail as possible (who, what, where, when and why) including an address so an inspector can follow up.
If in doubt, please contact the Neighbourly team for advice.
- What if my neighbour is not looking after their pet well?
If you are concerned about the wellbeing of an animal in your community, please contact us in a first instance. For urgent cases, we invite you to contact SPCA New Zealand who have inspectors with power to investigate animal ill treatment or neglect and ambulance officers tailored to rescuing animals.
We strongly discourage members from publicly calling out neighbours in situations of animal abuse. Embarrassment can fuel more upset and escalate the issue. Please refer to Neighbourly’s Naming and Shaming policy for more information.
- What are the rules around dog walking / pet sitting?
You are welcome to find a pet sitter or dog walker on Neighbourly, however please be aware that this will be a private arrangement between you and your neighbour. Neighbourly does not mediate neighbour-to-neighbour disputes. Make sure you are 100% comfortable before you proceed.
We strongly encourage doing the following before making any arrangement:
- Making sure you know your neighbour
- Asking questions about your neighbour’s experience before any agreement
- Ensuring you have each other’s contact details and other important contacts (e.g. your veterinary practice)
- Introducing your neighbour and your pet before your arrangement
Please note that if you are offering professional services (i.e. are GST registered) you will need a Neighbourly Premium Business profile.
- Can I rehome my pet?
Yes, you may rehome a pet for free if you are no longer able to care for it. In order to rehome your pet, please be aware that you must:
- follow the guidelines presented in the Neighbourly’s Animal Welfare Policy
- not charge a fee for this rehoming (only registered breeders can sell pets)
If you originally purchased the animal from a breeder, consider getting in touch with them first.
Please be aware that it is a requirement of the Dog Control Act 1996 that, upon rehoming a dog, both the previous and new owners advise the councils concerned of the change of ownership.
- I’m purchasing/adopting a pet from Neighbourly. What should I be aware of?
We recommend getting as much information as possible on the pet you are looking to adopt before you make a commitment.
Here are some good questions to ask:
- Is the pet desexed and vaccinated? Has the pet received flea and worming treatments?
- What breed is the pet? Can the parents’ health records be viewed? Can the parents be met??
- If the pet was previously adopted, where from?
- What is the animal’s feeding regime?
- How old is the animal?
- Does the pet currently live indoors only, indoor/outdoor or outdoors only? Are they aware of any problem behaviours (e.g. incomplete toileting, reactivity)?
- Is the pet microchipped and registered on the Companion Animal Register (NZCAR)?
- If adopting a dog, are they registered with the Council (Dog Control Act 1996)?
- How old are they?
Please read the relevant Code of Welfare to understand the minimum standards and best practice for care. Future pet owners need to consider the facilities the pet will need, potential costs, the animal’s exercise requirements and the amount of time that the owner can devote to the animal during its lifetime.
Find more information on adopting new pets on the SPCA website.
Please be aware that Neighbourly takes no responsibility with regards to neighbourly disputes resulting from pet adoptions.
- I’m looking for a pet - can I ask for one on Neighbourly?
If you are wanting to purchase a pet, Neighbourly encourages you to buy from either a certified breeder via their Neighbourly business page, or a registered animal rescue via their Neighbourly organisation page. You can also adopt pets from the SPCA.
If you are willing to rehome or adopt a pet in need of a new home, you are welcome to post publicly on the platform.
Please refer to the Neighbourly Animal Welfare Policy before adopting or purchasing any animal.