Buyer applications: what they are and how to apply
A seller can ask to approve buyers before they buy or bid on a listing. When a listing says Buyer Approval Required, send a short application first. Once the seller approves you, you can check out or bid.
Apply for a listing
- On the listing, select Apply to Buy (fixed price) or Apply to Bid (auction).
- Fill in the form. Some sellers ask only for Your message: tell them about yourself, your setup, and why you want this animal. Others add their own questions under a heading of their choice. Answer each one in your own words.
- Not signed in? Under Your Details, add your first name, last name, and email. Creatures sends you a 6-digit code and a secure link to confirm your email and create your account. Or choose Continue with Google, Continue with Facebook, or Continue with X (Twitter).
- Select Submit application.
Each seller sets up their own form, so the questions can differ from listing to listing.
Follow the status
After you apply, the listing shows Application Pending under the price, and its buying panel says "Your application is pending approval."
To see all your applications in one place, open Dashboard, then Buying, then Applications. On a phone, tap your profile picture first, then Dashboard. The tiles count what Needs action, what's Awaiting response, what's Approved, and what's Closed. To see one kind, choose Purchases, Boarding, Groups, or Programs. Until you apply for something, the page says No applications sent yet.
If something important changes after you apply, such as your timing, message the seller through Creatures.
What approval does
When the seller approves you, Buy Now or bidding opens for you on that listing. Approval covers that one listing only. It doesn't charge you, hold the animal, or finish checkout, so complete your purchase or bid while the animal is still available. Payment protection starts at checkout. See Buying at a fixed price.
If the seller doesn't approve you, the listing says "The seller didn't approve your application for this listing." You can't send a new application for that listing. You can still message the seller about other animals.
Other kinds of applications
- A program waitlist tells a breeder you're interested before a specific group exists. See Applying to a breeder's program.
- A group reservation is for a particular upcoming litter, hatch, or group, and it may later need a deposit. See Reserving a place in a litter or group.
Related information
- Buying at a fixed price
- Reserving a place in a litter or group
- Applying to a breeder's program: waitlists and offers
- Before you bid or buy: what Creatures may ask for
Updated on: 29/10/2026
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