ePuP Trust & Safety
Trust through verification.
ePuP uses verification and marketplace trust signals to help users make better-informed decisions. Verification can increase confidence in specific information, but it is never a substitute for your own checks before buying, selling, rehoming or arranging a service.
Last reviewed: 7 August 2026Email verification
Email verification confirms that a user can access the email address associated with their ePuP account.
It helps protect accounts and supports marketplace communications, but it does not verify a person’s full identity or the accuracy of an advert.
Phone verification
Phone verification confirms control of the telephone number linked to an ePuP account at the time the verification is completed.
If a verified phone number is changed or removed, the replacement number must be verified again before it can be treated as verified or contribute to trust signals.
Identity verification
Where identity verification is available, ePuP may use a specialist verification provider to check identity information and supporting evidence.
Identity verification can provide an additional trust signal, but it does not guarantee a user’s honesty, legal compliance, financial standing or the safety of a transaction.
Breeder and seller verification
ePuP may request information from breeders, sellers or rehomers to support marketplace trust, moderation and verification.
Where a licence is legally required, buyers should still check relevant licence details independently with the issuing local authority.
Read more: Breeder Verification on ePuP.
Dog Services business verification
Dog Services businesses may provide business, contact or other verification information to support trust in their ePuP presence.
A verification indicator does not mean that ePuP guarantees the quality, suitability, insurance, licensing or legal compliance of a service provider.
Trust signals and verification badges
ePuP may combine appropriate account, verification, marketplace and safety information into visible trust signals or badges.
Different signals confirm different things. A verified email, verified telephone number or identity check should never be interpreted as a guarantee of a dog’s health, temperament, ownership, pedigree or the safety of a payment.
Verification can change
Verification reflects information available at a particular point in time. Some verification states may expire, be withdrawn, require renewal or be removed when important account information changes.
ePuP may also request additional verification where reasonably necessary for marketplace safety, fraud prevention, moderation or legal compliance.
What buyers should still check
- Meet the dog in person and, for puppies, see the environment where the puppy has been raised.
- Where appropriate, see the puppy with its biological mother.
- Check vaccination, microchip, veterinary and relevant health-testing information.
- Independently verify breeder or seller licensing where licensing is required.
- Do not rely solely on badges, account age, reviews or verification indicators.
- Never send money because someone claims ePuP guarantees or insures a private transaction unless ePuP expressly provides that exact service.