Frequently asked questions
Everything owners usually ask before listing a pet or reaching out to a match, grouped by what you're trying to figure out.
Getting started
The basics of how listing and matching works.
Is PetMatch a marketplace?
No. PetMatch is a directory, not a marketplace. We don't handle buying, selling, or payments of any kind. We simply help owners find each other. Anything you arrange with another owner is between the two of you.
Is PetMatch free to use?
Yes, PetMatch is free for pet owners, always, and free for approved Partners too. There are no listing fees, no referral fees, and no commissions.
Why doesn't PetMatch take a cut?
Because charging fees would put our incentives in the wrong place. A directory that earns money from every listing or every match starts wanting more transactions, not better ones. We'd rather stay a simple, trusted way to find a match than something you have to pay to trust. See the full reasoning on the Trust & Safety page.
Who can list a pet on PetMatch?
Any dog or cat owner looking to connect with other owners nearby, including registered and experienced breeders.
Does PetMatch work for cats, or just dogs?
Both. PetMatch is built for dog and cat owners equally. List either species and search nearby, any sex or the opposite sex, depending on what you're looking for.
What information does a listing need?
Species, breed, sex, age, and a way to reach you, usually a WhatsApp number. No approval wait: most listings go live in under a minute.
How do I contact another owner if I find a match?
Every listing includes a way to reach the owner directly, usually WhatsApp. PetMatch doesn't have its own messaging. You connect and arrange everything between yourselves.
Can I edit or remove my listing later?
Yes. Sign in with the email you listed under and you can edit or take down your listing anytime from the home page.
Trust & safety
What PetMatch checks, what it doesn't, and how to protect yourself.
Does PetMatch verify pets, owners, or businesses?
Listings are self-reported by the person who creates them. PetMatch Partner applications from pet businesses are reviewed by a real person before approval, but PetMatch does not independently verify health records, vaccinations, or business registration. Always meet safely and check health and vaccination records yourself before any pairing. See the Trust & Safety page for the full picture.
How do I check health and vaccination records before a pairing?
Ask the other owner to show proof of recent vaccination and general health before you meet, and don't proceed if they can't provide it. The WSAVA vaccination guidelines are a useful reference for what's normal for dogs and cats. PetMatch doesn't independently verify these records itself.
Comparing your options
How PetMatch stacks up against the alternatives.
How is PetMatch different from a Facebook group or classifieds site?
Facebook groups and classifieds mix pet listings in with everything else, with no way to filter by species, breed, or distance, and no consistent way to reach the owner. PetMatch is built only for dog and cat owners, with direct contact on every listing. See the full comparison page for how PetMatch stacks up against marketplaces and word of mouth too.
What should I know before choosing PetMatch over other options?
PetMatch is free, self-reported, and direct: no agents, no commissions, and no messaging system of its own, you talk to the other owner on WhatsApp. Because listings are self-reported, always meet safely and check health and vaccination records yourself before any pairing.
For pet businesses
How pet stores, kennels, breeders, and vet clinics use PetMatch.
How does PetMatch help pet stores, kennels, and vet clinics?
PetMatch Partners get their eligible pets shown with a Partner badge, so nearby owners discover their business while browsing for a match. It's a free way to get in front of pet owners who are already looking for what you offer.
Have a question that's not here? Email hello@petmatch.fit.