Code of Ethics

HomeWagger exists to make dog rehoming kinder, safer and more transparent.

This Code of Ethics sets out the principles that everyone using HomeWagger agrees to follow, including adopters, rehomers, shelters, rescue organisations, volunteers and supporters.

This Code should be read alongside our Terms of Use, Privacy Notice, Safeguarding & Welfare Policy, Acceptable Use Policy and other HomeWagger policies.

1. Dogs Are Not Commodities

Dogs are living beings, not products to be bought, sold or traded.

On HomeWagger:

  • We treat dogs as family members who deserve respect, care and stability;
  • We do not support commercial breeding, puppy farming or profit-driven dog trading; and
  • We believe rehoming should focus on welfare and suitability rather than financial gain.

2. Welfare Comes First

Every decision made through HomeWagger should place the welfare of the dog at its centre.

Users agree to:

  • Be honest about a dog’s history, health and behaviour;
  • Only list dogs who genuinely need a new home;
  • Consider the long-term needs of the dog rather than short-term convenience; and
  • Seek professional support where appropriate, including veterinary, behavioural or welfare advice.

3. Honesty and Transparency

Trust depends upon truthful communication.

Users agree to:

  • Provide accurate and up-to-date information;
  • Share relevant information about a dog’s needs, challenges and known risks;
  • Avoid exaggerating, concealing or misrepresenting important facts; and
  • Communicate openly and respectfully throughout the rehoming process.

4. Respect and Non-Judgement

Rehoming is often emotionally difficult and may arise from circumstances beyond a person’s control. HomeWagger aims to provide a supportive, stigma-free environment.

Users agree to:

  • Treat others with kindness, empathy and respect;
  • Avoid shaming or blaming people who need to rehome a dog;
  • Refrain from abusive, threatening, discriminatory or harassing behaviour; and
  • Recognise that many people seeking help may be facing complex challenges.

5. Welfare-First and Individual Assessment

HomeWagger supports welfare-first, evidence-led and compassionate rehoming.

Users are encouraged to consider each dog and applicant as an individual and to avoid making assumptions based solely on arbitrary criteria.

Responsible rehoming often requires professional judgement, balanced risk assessment and consideration of individual circumstances.

The best outcome is not always the fastest outcome.

6. Safe and Responsible Contact

Users agree to take sensible and responsible steps when communicating, meeting or arranging a handover.

This includes:

  • Arranging introductions in safe and suitable environments;
  • Respecting personal boundaries;
  • Communicating expectations clearly;
  • Avoiding pressure or coercion; and
  • Reporting concerning behaviour where appropriate.

7. No Exploitation or Harm

The Platform must never be used to exploit people or animals.

Users must not:

  • Seek dogs for fighting, intimidation, status or unlawful activity;
  • Advertise stolen dogs;
  • Promote unlawful activities;
  • Encourage neglect, abuse or harmful treatment; or
  • Misrepresent their intentions or circumstances.

8. Working With Shelters and Welfare Organisations

HomeWagger seeks to complement, not replace, the work of responsible shelters, rescues and welfare organisations.

Users agree to:

  • Respect the decisions and processes of shelters and rescues;
  • Cooperate with reasonable welfare checks and assessments; and
  • Engage constructively with welfare professionals where concerns arise.

9. Safeguarding, Trust and Platform Integrity

Users share responsibility for maintaining a safe and trustworthy community.

Users are encouraged to:

  • Report welfare concerns;
  • Report fraud, scams or suspicious activity;
  • Respect safeguarding processes; and
  • Cooperate with reasonable moderation and verification procedures.

Trust indicators, profile approvals and verification systems should be used responsibly and must not be misrepresented.

10. Commitment to Learning and Improvement

Responsible dog ownership and rehoming involve ongoing learning.

Users are encouraged to:

  • Engage with educational resources;
  • Ask questions when unsure;
  • Seek advice where appropriate; and
  • Share feedback that helps improve the Platform and its safeguards.

11. Breaches of This Code

Serious or repeated breaches of this Code may result in:

  • Warnings;
  • Content removal;
  • Account restrictions;
  • Suspension;
  • Account termination; or
  • Referral to relevant authorities where appropriate and lawful.

Actions will be taken in accordance with our Terms of Use, Safeguarding & Welfare Policy, Acceptable Use Policy and other applicable policies.

Last Updated: 5 June 2026

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