Responsible breeding rules

Last updated: November 1, 2026

These are MapX Pet's own house rules for the breeding board. They help keep animals healthy and listings honest. They aren't a statement of the law: you're still responsible for following the laws where you live.

1. Who can post

• Only active members can post breeding listings.
• Post one listing per animal.
• You must own the animal you list.

2. Health first

• A licensed veterinarian must have examined each breeding animal within the past 12 months.
• Breeding animals must be up to date on their core vaccinations.
• We expect health screening that suits the breed, such as hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams, heart checks, or genetic tests relevant to the breed.
• Share the results in your listing. If a screening hasn't been done, say so honestly.
• Registration (for example with the CKC) is welcome but optional.

3. Age and rest between litters

• Our minimum ages: dogs at least 18 months, cats at least 12 months. Other species only once they're mature, per your vet's advice.
• Don't list animals your vet advises against breeding, for example because they're too old, unwell, or have had too many litters.
• Allow rest between litters, per your vet's advice.

4. No puppy mills or commercial breeding

• The board is for individual owners. Commercial or high-volume breeding operations, brokers, resellers and pet-store suppliers aren't allowed.
• Each member can have up to 2 active breeding listings. We may review accounts with more than 2 active breeding listings.
• Listings that show many breeding animals or frequent litters may be reviewed or removed.

5. Honest disclosure

• Describe the breed, age, health history, any known genetic issues and temperament accurately.
• Use real, current photos of the actual animal.
• No misleading claims.

6. Animal welfare and the law

• Follow your local laws and bylaws, including any municipal breeding or kennel licences, and Ontario's animal welfare law (the PAWS Act) if you're in Ontario.
• Never breed flat-faced (brachycephalic) or other at-risk animals against your vet's advice.
• We'll remove listings for animals that show signs of neglect.

7. Safe contact

• Talk through MapX Pet's private messages.
• Meet in a public place or at a vet's office.
• Never send deposits to people you don't know.
• Report any listing that seems suspicious.

8. What MapX Pet does and doesn't do

• MapX Pet doesn't verify, inspect or guarantee any animal, owner, health claim or outcome.
• Any agreement is between the owners involved.
• We may remove listings or suspend board access when these rules are broken.
• Repeated or serious breaches can end your membership, as set out in our Membership terms.

9. Reporting a listing

Every listing has a Report button. Tap it to tell us about a listing that breaks these rules or doesn't look right, and we'll take a look. Read how we check and review listings in our moderation policy.