How PetMap verifies businesses
Not every listing on the map is equal, and we don't pretend otherwise. The badge on a listing tells you exactly how much we know about that business.
Four tiers, four levels of trust
Every listing starts somewhere. The tier tells you how far along it is, from public records all the way to an in-person visit by our team.
Compiled
Gathered from publicly available information: government registers, social media, community directories. These listings are flagged for community confirmation. Detail varies, and the business may not know it is listed yet.
Claimed / Free
The business owner has claimed this listing and verified their identity through phone or email. They control their own hours, contact details and description.
Verified
A PetMap field agent has visited the physical premises. Business signage, operating licences and stated services have been inspected in person. The verification date is recorded.
Featured / Accredited
Continuous compliance. The business maintains verified customer reviews, keeps its information current, and meets PetMap's active readiness standards.
What we check
When a field agent visits a business, this is the list they work through. If something doesn't match, the listing is updated or the badge is withheld until it does.
- Physical premises exist and match the listed address
- Business signage is visible and matches the listing name
- Operating licence or professional registration is displayed (veterinary: VCN registration)
- Stated services match what the premises can deliver
- Contact details (phone, WhatsApp) are active and answered
- Opening hours are accurate
Checking for yourself
Our verification helps, but your own judgement matters more. Before you trust a provider with your pet, here are things you can check on your own.
- Check whether the listing carries a Verified or Featured badge
- Ask to see the veterinary licence certificate on the clinic wall (VCN registration)
- Confirm operating hours by calling before visiting
- Read reviews from other pet owners on the listing page
- Ask boarding facilities about emergency vet access, quarantine procedures, and tick/flea prevention
A good business will be glad you asked. If a provider is annoyed that you want to see credentials, that tells you something too.
Run a pet business in Nigeria?
Listing on PetMap is free. Claim your listing to control your information, or apply for verification so pet owners know you've been checked.