Terms & Conditions for Listing Animals for Adoption

1. Purpose of the Platform

Adoptme.ae is a neutral digital venue designed to support responsible, ethical rehoming of animals. The platform connects current owners or rescuers with potential adopters. It does not operate as an animal shelter, rescue organisation, or regulatory authority, and does not assume custody or control of any animal listed.

2. Accuracy of Information

Users must provide complete, truthful, and up‑to‑date information about the animal they are listing, including age, health status, behaviour, temperament, and any known medical or behavioural concerns. Submitting misleading, incomplete, or false information may result in removal of the listing and potential restriction of platform access.

3. Responsibility for the Animal

The individual posting the animal remains fully responsible for the animal’s welfare, care, legal compliance, and safety until the animal is formally rehomed. Adoptme.ae does not take ownership, custody, or responsibility for any animal at any stage of the process.

4. Compliance With Local Laws

Users are solely responsible for ensuring that all rehoming activities comply with applicable UAE laws and regulations, including but not limited to microchipping, vaccination, registration, transport, and ownership transfer requirements. The platform does not verify legal compliance and is not liable for any breach by users.

5. No Sale of Animals

Adoptme.ae is strictly for ethical, non‑commercial rehoming. Listings offering animals for sale, trade, breeding, or financial gain are prohibited and may be removed without notice.

6. Behaviour and Safety

Users must communicate respectfully, responsibly, and safely with potential adopters. Harassment, abusive behaviour, discrimination, or any conduct that compromises user safety or animal welfare may result in account suspension or removal.

7. Prohibited Listings

Animals may not be listed if they are:

  • being used for breeding or commercial purposes

  • illegally obtained, imported, or transported

  • wildlife or species prohibited under UAE law

  • part of any activity that violates animal‑welfare standards or legal requirements

8. Adoption Agreements

Any adoption agreement, handover procedure, or follow‑up arrangement is solely between the current owner and the adopter. Adoptme.ae does not mediate disputes, enforce agreements, or participate in the transfer of ownership.

9. Liability

Adoptme.ae is not responsible for:

  • the outcome of any adoption

  • the behaviour, temperament, or health of any animal

  • the accuracy of information provided by users

  • any communication, meeting, or handover between users

All interactions and arrangements are conducted at the users’ own discretion and risk.

10. Removal of Listings

The platform reserves the right to decline, unpublish, or remove any listing that violates these terms, appears unsafe, raises welfare concerns, or is inconsistent with the purpose of the platform. Decisions may be made without prior notice.

 

Data Protection & Privacy

11. Collection of Personal Data

When users submit a listing or contact the platform, Adoptme.ae may collect personal information such as:

  • name, email address, and phone number

  • details about the animal

  • images and documents voluntarily provided

  • communication records related to the listing

This information is collected solely for the purpose of facilitating responsible rehoming and ensuring platform integrity.

12. Use of Personal Data

Personal data is used to:

  • publish and manage adoption listings

  • communicate with users regarding their listing

  • support welfare checks or safety concerns

  • comply with legal or regulatory obligations

Data is never sold or used for unrelated commercial purposes.

13. Data Storage and Security

Adoptme.ae implements reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration. Data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

14. Sharing of Information

Personal data may be shared only when necessary to:

  • facilitate communication between parties involved in an adoption

  • address welfare or safety concerns

  • comply with legal obligations or requests from authorities

Any third‑party service providers involved in platform operations are required to maintain confidentiality and follow appropriate data‑protection standards.

15. User Rights

Users may request access to their personal data, request corrections, or request deletion where legally permissible. Requests can be made through the contact details provided on the website.

16. Cookies and Analytics

The platform may use cookies or analytics tools to improve functionality and user experience. These tools do not collect personally identifiable information unless explicitly provided by the user.

17. Amendments

Adoptme.ae may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any revised terms.

 

Privacy Policy

18. Scope of the Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Adoptme.ae collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data submitted by users. It applies to all interactions with the platform, including listing animals, submitting enquiries, creating adoption profiles, or communicating with other users.

19. Categories of Data Collected

The platform may collect the following categories of personal data:

  • identification details such as name and contact information

  • information voluntarily provided about animals

  • communication records related to listings or enquiries

  • technical data such as IP address, device type, and browser information

  • any documents or images uploaded by the user

Only data necessary for platform functionality, safety, and compliance is collected.

20. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed in accordance with the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), Federal Decree‑Law No. 45 of 2021. Processing is based on:

  • the user’s consent

  • the necessity to provide platform services

  • legitimate interests relating to safety, fraud prevention, and animal welfare

  • compliance with legal or regulatory obligations

21. Purpose of Processing

Personal data is used to:

  • publish and manage adoption listings

  • facilitate communication between users

  • verify compliance with platform rules

  • support welfare or safety checks

  • respond to enquiries or concerns

  • comply with UAE legal requirements

Data is never used for unrelated commercial purposes.

22. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, unless a longer retention period is required by UAE law, animal‑welfare obligations, or legitimate operational needs.

23. Data Security

Adoptme.ae implements reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. While the platform takes appropriate precautions, no system can guarantee absolute security.

24. Data Sharing

Personal data may be shared only when necessary to:

  • facilitate communication between parties involved in an adoption

  • address welfare or safety concerns

  • comply with UAE legal or regulatory requirements

  • cooperate with authorities in cases involving fraud, illegal activity, or animal welfare violations

Third‑party service providers supporting platform operations must adhere to confidentiality and data‑protection standards.

25. International Transfers

Where data is processed or stored outside the UAE, such transfers are conducted in accordance with PDPL requirements and only where adequate safeguards are in place.

26. User Rights Under UAE PDPL

Users have the right to:

  • request access to their personal data

  • request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • request deletion of data where legally permissible

  • withdraw consent for processing (where applicable)

  • request information about how their data is processed

Certain requests may be restricted where necessary to comply with legal obligations or protect animal welfare.

 

Cookie Policy

27. Use of Cookies

Adoptme.ae may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, enhance user experience, and analyse site performance. Cookies may collect non‑identifiable technical data such as browser type, device information, and usage patterns.

28. Types of Cookies Used

The platform may use:

  • Essential cookies — required for core site functionality

  • Performance cookies — used to analyse site usage and improve services

  • Functionality cookies — used to remember user preferences

  • Analytics cookies — used to understand how users interact with the platform

No cookies are used to collect sensitive personal information without explicit consent.

29. Cookie Management

Users may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality or user experience.

30. Third‑Party Cookies

Some third‑party tools integrated into the platform (such as analytics or embedded services) may use their own cookies. These providers are responsible for their own privacy practices and must comply with applicable data‑protection laws.

31. Updates to the Cookie Policy

The Cookie Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or platform functionality. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.