Policies & Governance

HomeWagger CIC is a community-interest, welfare-first organisation dedicated to safe, responsible and transparent dog rehoming across the UK. This page outlines our policies, governance framework, welfare standards, and how we keep our community safe.

If you’re looking for our key documents, you can jump straight to them below.

Core policies (quick links)

1. Our Mission & Public Benefit

HomeWagger CIC exists to support responsible rehoming, protect dog welfare, reduce pressure on overstretched shelters, and provide a safe, ethical alternative to unregulated online pet advertising. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), all surplus is reinvested into improving welfare tools, safety systems and public-benefit services.

2. Our Ethical Rehoming Principles

No selling: Dogs must never be sold, traded or advertised for profit.
No breeding: Breeding, stud services and litters are prohibited.
Transparency: Behavioural and medical disclosures are required.
Welfare first: Decisions prioritise the dog’s wellbeing.
Safety & suitability: Adopters must demonstrate responsibility.
Honesty: Misrepresentation is not permitted.

3. PAAG Alignment & Advertising Standards

HomeWagger CIC aligns with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) standards to promote safer online dog rehoming.

No illegal imports or puppy farming.
No misleading or deceptive advertising.
Clear source labelling (Shelter / Rescue / Rehomer).
Accurate age, breed and medical details.
Strong moderation and reporting pathways.

4. Trading Standards & Animal Welfare Compliance

HomeWagger is a rehoming-only platform and does not engage in the sale of animals.

Zero-selling and zero-profit policy.
Immediate moderation of commercial activity.
Bans on breeding, imports and profit-driven listings.
Reporting pathways for suspicious behaviour.

5. Moderation & Safeguarding Framework

Pre-publication listing review (where applicable).
Risk-based content filters.
Mandatory behaviour disclosure.
User reporting and escalation tools.
Account suspension or bans where required.

6. User Codes of Conduct

Adopter Code of Ethics – honesty, suitability, commitment.
Rehomer Code of Ethics – transparency, no financial gain.
Shelter & Rescue Code – welfare-led rehoming standards.

7. Governance & Accountability

HomeWagger CIC – ethics, welfare, moderation, public benefit.
HomeWagger Tech Ltd – platform development and operations.
Annual CIC reporting and transparency.
Statutory asset lock.

8. Data Protection & Privacy

We comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data is handled with care and never sold or shared for commercial gain.

See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and GDPR Consent Notice.

9. Partnerships & Affiliations

HomeWagger collaborates with welfare organisations, rescues, behavioural professionals and sector bodies, and is preparing for ADCH affiliate membership.

10. Complaints, Escalations & Appeals

Complaints acknowledged within 14 days.
Moderation review on request.
Appeals where appropriate.
Urgent welfare concerns prioritised.
Escalation to the CIC Regulator if required.

11. Transparency & Continuous Improvement

We commit to ongoing review, public reporting, and continuous improvement of welfare and safeguarding systems.

12. Contact & Governance

HomeWagger CIC
Email: hello@homewagger.org.uk
Company number: 16875189
CIC Regulator: www.gov.uk/cic-regulator

13. Acceptable Use Policy

All users must comply with our Acceptable Use Policy.

14. Safeguarding & Welfare Policy

Our Safeguarding & Welfare Policy explains how we respond to concerns and protect dogs and people.

You may withdraw consent at any time. Full details are available in our GDPR Consent Notice and Privacy Policy.