Animal Welfare Statement
Balkitten believes that all animals deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, and in a manner
that safeguards their physical and psychological wellbeing. This Animal Welfare Statement sets out
our values, commitments, and the practical standards we apply across every aspect of our operations
that involves, or may affect, animals.
This statement applies to our breeders, employees, contractors, and any third parties acting on our
behalf. It is reviewed annually and updated to reflect advances in animal welfare science, changes
in legislation, and feedback from our stakeholders.
§ 01 Introduction
Balkitten operates as a marketplace connecting responsible breeders with prospective pet owners
across the Balkan region and beyond. Our platform is built on the principle that every kitten and
puppy listed for sale has been raised with care, dignity, and full respect for their natural needs.
We recognise that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing both positive and negative
states, and we hold ourselves — and every breeder on our platform — to the highest welfare standards
throughout the animal's life, from birth through to their permanent home.
§ 02 Our Commitments
We ground our approach in the internationally recognised Five Domains of Animal Welfare.
Every breeder listed on Balkitten.me is expected to demonstrate ongoing compliance with each of the following:
-
Nutrition. Adequate fresh food, clean water, and a diet appropriate to the species,
breed, age, and health status of each animal at all times.
-
Environment. Suitable shelter, sufficient space, appropriate temperature,
and conditions that allow for natural behaviour and positive stimulation.
-
Health. Prompt veterinary care, disease prevention, vaccination, deworming,
and appropriate injury management before and after transfer to the Buyer.
-
Behaviour. Freedom to express normal, species-appropriate behaviours including
play, socialisation, exploration, and rest.
-
Mental State. Positive experiences actively promoted; pain, fear, frustration,
and distress kept to an absolute minimum throughout the animal's development and rehoming process.
§ 03 Standards & Compliance
We comply with all applicable local, national, and international legislation governing animal welfare.
All breeders on the Balkitten.me platform are required to adhere to the following as a minimum:
- The Animal Welfare Act of Montenegro and relevant national equivalents in the Buyer's country
- CITES regulations on the trade of protected or endangered species
- EU pet travel and documentation requirements where international transport is involved
- Industry codes of practice endorsed by recognised veterinary and animal welfare bodies
Where legislation sets a minimum standard, Balkitten encourages and expects breeders to exceed
that standard wherever practically feasible, particularly in relation to socialisation, enrichment,
and early veterinary screening.
§ 04 Responsible Sourcing
4.1. Breeder Requirements.
Every breeder wishing to list animals on Balkitten.me must demonstrate compliance with our Breeder
Welfare Code prior to onboarding. This includes providing evidence of up-to-date veterinary records,
appropriate breeding premises, and a genuine commitment to the socialisation and early development
of each litter.
4.2. Verification.
Balkitten reserves the right to conduct scheduled and unannounced reviews of breeder compliance.
Breeders who cannot demonstrate adherence to this statement may have their listings suspended or
removed at the Marketplace's discretion.
4.3. Priority Standards.
We prioritise breeders who adopt higher-welfare housing environments, including enriched living
spaces, free-roaming access, and family-home socialisation where species-appropriate.
Balkitten does not support or list animals from commercial puppy or kitten mills.
§ 05 Research & Testing
Balkitten does not conduct, commission, or fund any form of animal testing in connection with
our platform's operations. We do not knowingly facilitate the sale of animals intended for
research, laboratory use, or any purpose other than responsible companion pet ownership.
Where health screening or genetic testing is carried out on listed animals, it must be performed
by a licensed veterinary professional using validated, minimally invasive methods, and the results
must be made available to prospective Buyers prior to purchase.
§ 06 Reporting Concerns
6.1.
We encourage anyone — Buyer, Breeder, or member of the public — to report animal welfare concerns
without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly
by the Balkitten.me Administration.
6.2.
Welfare concerns may be submitted in writing to info@balkitten.me and should include
a description of the concern, the listing or breeder involved (if applicable), and any supporting
photographs or documentation.
6.3.
Reports are acknowledged within two (2) business days. A full internal review is
completed within ten (10) business days, and outcomes are communicated to the reporter
where legally permissible. Where a concern is substantiated, the relevant breeder's listing will be
suspended pending resolution.
6.4.
Concerns may also be reported directly to the relevant national animal welfare authority or
veterinary inspection body in Montenegro or the Buyer's country of residence.
§ 07 Policy Review
This statement is reviewed at least annually by the Balkitten Administration, with input from
our network of licensed veterinary professionals. Any material changes are communicated to
registered breeders and published on the platform before they take effect.
The next scheduled review date is September 2027.
Interim updates may be issued at any time in response to legislative changes or emerging
welfare standards.
§ 08 Contact Us
If you have questions about this statement or our animal welfare practices, please contact
the Balkitten Administration directly:
This Animal Welfare Statement was prepared for Balkitten.me and is subject to the laws of Montenegro.
It forms part of Balkitten's broader policy framework alongside the Public Offer Agreement,
Cancellation and Replacement Policy, and Purchasing Policy. For questions or clarifications,
please contact info@balkitten.me.
