A new European standard for the buying and selling of puppies was introduced in the Netherlands
Since the purchase of the website in May 2021, the team at Pet Media Group has been working on optimizing the Puppyplaats website. With advanced features in terms of user-friendliness and safety, the website is aligned with the leading animal marketplaces in Europe and the UK that fall within the portfolio of the technology startup and has introduced a new European standard for the buying and selling of puppies.
ID verification: know who you are dealing with
Buyers and sellers can verify themselves on the website with an ID verification method similar to that used by international banks. A photo of the driver's license, ID, or passport is uploaded, which is compared using AI technology with a photo taken on the spot. Puppyplaats is the first Dutch animal marketplace to implement this technology.
This type of verification helps to build trust more quickly between buyer and seller. Especially with an emotional purchase that often happens quickly, it provides extra reassurance in your choice.
Stricter on animal welfare than the minimum
Where promoting animal welfare is Puppyplaats' priority, the criteria in this area have been expanded, going even further than local legislation. Puppies may only leave their mother after seven weeks according to official rules, with Puppyplaats applying an additional week as a buffer for development and welfare. After eight weeks, mother’s milk can safely be replaced with solid food. Additionally, buyers on the website must always have the opportunity to visit the veterinarian with their new puppy before the actual sale takes place.
Less room for fraudulent sellers
Advertisements for the adoption of puppies can now also be placed – possibly boosted for more visibility – and new rules and restrictions have been introduced for sellers with regard to animal welfare. Breeders offering multiple puppy litters simultaneously on a large scale are no longer welcome, as this often compromises the health of the dogs. Furthermore, the sale of imported puppies (with Belgium as an exception) via the platform is no longer allowed, as well as puppies purchased with the intent to resell them. Registered, responsible breeders can demonstrate this on their profile, which builds trust with buyers.
What should you look for when buying a safe puppy?
- Ask for proof of chip & registration and check if the details are correct at transfer
- Schedule (if possible) a veterinary check before the purchase is finalized
- Watch for red flags: unclear origin, many litters at once, no mother dog present, "decide quickly" pressure, or strange payment requests.
- Keep contact and agreements as much as possible through the platform (chat/profile/verification)
This is how you find the right puppy faster
For buyers, Puppyplaats now offers new and improved ways to find a puppy through extensive search filters. They can now search for puppies offered in specific cities and turn on notifications for new ads that match their wishes. They also now have the option to save search queries and possibly use them as a 'wanted' advertisement and save favorite ads. Finally, all users can now easily and safely communicate with each other via the added chat function and can log in via their social media accounts.
"Animal welfare is our priority. We have a 'zero-tolerance' policy for scammers and exploiters. For this, we have implemented strict safety checks and even apply stricter rules than Dutch law prescribes. We are extremely proud to launch today the safest marketplace in the Netherlands for buyers, sellers, and above all: the puppies", said Nadine Koop, website manager of Puppyplaats.
Screening that really stops ads
The new safety measures have proven effective at other European animal marketplaces in Pet Media Group's portfolio. Since the technology of the startup has been deployed at the largest animal marketplace in the UK, Pets4Homes, it was noted that as much as 40% of ads are blocked because sellers do not pass the screening. Since the acquisition, the Puppyplaats team has doubled in size and various experts are employed to ensure that only legitimate ads appear on the platform and that dogs and their future owners are protected.
About Puppyplaats & Pet Media Group
Puppyplaats is a large free online animal marketplace in the Netherlands, with a broad and active user base. In May 2021, the website was acquired by Pet Media Group, a Stockholm-based startup. Pet Media Group develops leading marketplaces focused on animals on a European scale and employs advanced technology for; more safety and trust for buyers and sellers, greater ease of use, and higher animal welfare. The company operates in Scandinavia, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic and, with the acquisition of Puppyplaats, is also active in the Netherlands.
The logo of Puppyplaats
