Fixxer's Updated Help-List for Pet Ads on Craigslist

1. Rehoming Fees Must Be Transparent and Justified
   Avoid terms like "small adoption fee" or "rehoming fee applies." State the exact fee in dollars (e.g., "$50") in the ad and justify it with specific, recent veterinary expenses (e.g., spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping). Fees cannot cover market value, original pet purchase price, accessories, food, or care/labor. Craigslist prohibits pet sales, and vague or unjustified fees may lead to flagging for suspected sales.
2. Clearly State Fees in the Ad
   Always include the specific rehoming fee in both the title and body of the ad. Phrases like "rehoming fee applies" are insufficient and may result in flagging due to suspicion of a disguised sale.
3. Free Pets Require Clear Language and Screening Details
   If rehoming a pet for free, include the word "Free" in both the title and body. Specify the steps you’ll take to ensure the pet goes to a good home (e.g., home visits, reference checks, or adoption questionnaires). This demonstrates responsible rehoming and reduces flagging risks.
4. Age Requirements for Puppies and Kittens
   Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old at the time of rehoming. Stating "will be 8 weeks on [date]" is not permitted, as it may suggest intent to bypass Craigslist rules or state laws (e.g., California’s pet sale age restrictions). Verify local laws, as some regions may have stricter requirements.
5. Post Pet Adoption Ads in the Correct Section
   Pet adoption/rehoming ads belong in the "Community" section under "Pets." Posting in other sections (e.g., "For Sale" or "Services") is miscategorized and may lead to flagging or removal.
6. Pet Services Go in the Services Section
   Ads for pet-related services (e.g., pet sitting, grooming, training) must be posted in the "Services" section under "Pet Services." Posting these elsewhere may result in miscategorization and flagging.
7. No Animal Parts, Blood, Fluids, or Breeding Services
   Craigslist prohibits ads for animal parts, blood, fluids, or breeding/stud services for any household pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, amphibians, or fish. Such ads will be flagged and removed.
8. No Pet Sales Allowed
   Selling household pets (e.g., dogs, cats, primates, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish) is strictly prohibited on Craigslist. Only rehoming with reasonable, justified fees or free adoptions are allowed.
9. Rescues and Shelters Must Follow the Same Rules
   Rescue organizations and shelters must adhere to all Craigslist pet policies, including transparent fees and proper categorization. Over-posting or repetitive ads may lead to flagging for spamming. Limit posts to avoid overwhelming the platform and ensure fair use.
10. Disclaimer These helpful guidelines are my own. These are not endorsed or created by craigslist. Just like all help in flag forum 3, this is my interpretation of the rules, and my opinion on what works for pet ads. None of the help you receive in flag help forum 3 guarantees your community will accept your ad.