Our live animals policy reflects our commitment to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered, and threatened species.
What is the policy?
Sellers can only list the following live animals:
- Live bait (minnows, shiners, earthworms, and mealworms)
- Composting worms
- Live insects, crickets used as bait or feeder food for pets
- Shellfish, such as crabs and lobsters, that are live when sold but intended for human consumption
- Aquarium or pond fish (up to 5cm long), snails, tadpoles or similar creatures. Aquarium or pond fish longer than 5cm may be listed with the "Collection in person" option
- Hatching eggs for some animals are permitted provided the seller offers domestic-only next-day delivery within the UK and Ireland
Pets and other live animals not included in the list above are not allowed.
Sellers need to ensure that they have the necessary government permits and also guarantee safe, overnight delivery.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
This policy helps ensure that important government regulations are followed.