Delete a pet profile

PawFinder paws image

This operation permanently removes a pet record from the PawFinder database. Use this operation when someone adopts a pet and the record is no longer needed, or to clean up outdated or incorrect profiles from the platform.

Endpoint structure

DELETE /pets/{id}

Path parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`id`	integer	Yes	Pet’s unique identifier

Request headers

Header	Value	Required
`Content-Type`	`application/json`	No

Authentication

Required - include an API token in the Authorization header:

Authorization: Bearer API_TOKEN

Request body

This operation doesn’t require a request body.

cURL request

# Delete the pet profile with `id`= 6
# Recommended base_url = http://localhost:3000
curl -X DELETE {base_url}/pets/6 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer API_TOKEN"

Success response `200`

In production REST APIs, DELETE operations typically return either 204 No Content for empty responses or 200 OK with a confirmation message. The PawFinder API returns the deleted pet profile object for reference:

{
  "name": "Luna",
  "species": "cat",
  "breed": "Domestic Shorthair",
  "age_months": 18,
  "gender": "female",
  "size": "small",
  "temperament": "playful, affectionate",
  "medical": {
    "spayed_neutered": true,
    "vaccinations": ["fvrcp", "rabies"]
  },
  "description": "Luna is a playful tabby who loves interactive toys and sunny windows.",
  "shelter_id": 1,
  "status": "available",
  "intake_date": "2025-09-01",
  "id": 6
}

Error responses

Code	Scenario	Response
`401`	Missing API token	`{ "error": "Unauthorized", "message": "Authentication token is required for this operation.", ... }`
`403`	Invalid API token	`{ "error": "Forbidden", "message": "Invalid or expired authentication token.", ...}`
`404`	Invalid `id`	`{ "error": "Not Found", "message": "Pet with 'id' 6 not found.", ... }`

PawFinder Service API