I want to share our contract and thought offering the reasons behind the conditions would be helpful for our prospective buyers. There’s always a method to my madness, but a path is sometimes needed to follow my jumble.
This is a copy of our current Conditions of Sale, dated previous copies are kept both with litter records and the revisions file on our website. Our contract is in the process of being updated, the revised copy will be posted as soon as it’s ready.
Seller guarantees that, to the best of her knowledge, at the time of deliver the dog is in good health.
- We do strive to produce a certain look but we do not guarantee size, color, appearances.
- Should dog be found to be in poor health of a serious nature that is diagnosed as permanently life altering by a veterinarian, Seller will provide Buyer with a replacement dog from the next available litter after dog is returned to seller at Buyer’s expense.
- Shipping fees will not be refunded.
- Minor health ailments including, but not limited to, fleas, worms, or diarrhea are not reason for dog to be returned to Seller.
- Notarized proof of examination and diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian must be provided to Seller and subject to review by Seller’s veterinarian, should Buyer wish to request returning dog for a replacement.
The following conditions apply to the sale of the aforementioned dog:
The Buyer has SEVEN (7) business days from the time of receipt of dog to have dog examined by a veterinarian. Any request to return the dog to the Seller for a replacement puppy must be made within this time period and may only be requested should the dog be found to have a health issue of such serious nature that the quality of life of the dog will be shortened or seriously altered. This warranty will be terminated immediately if dog is not examined within the allotted time, proof of exam date required.
A warranty against all serious life altering or ending genetic disease is provided for two years after the date of birth. Proof from two independent veterinary examinations that concur a finding of a genetic disease during this time that will shorten the life of the dog to less than 2 years is required. Seller will provide a replacement puppy to Buyer from a similar litter type from first litter with availability. Seller reserves the right to have the puppy returned and examined by her vet to verify claims. Any replacement for a deceased puppy will only be provided when cause of death is documented by a necropsy and those findings prove the cause of death to be a genetic condition. Conditions that, with medical treatment, allow the dog to live a normal life are not covered. Under no circumstances will any veterinary costs be paid or reimbursed by seller. Under no circumstances will a monetary refund be given, a replacement puppy of like kind will be the only reimbursement.
A warranty for moderate or severe HD (hip dysplasia) is provided for two years after the date of birth, with certain provisions. This warranty will be terminated should dog be allowed to become overweight or developing joints be overstressed at any point during the warranty period. No jogging, Frisbee catching, high jumping, etc. should take place until the puppy is fully grown at twelve months. Veterinary medical records will be required showing the weight of dog and veterinarians assessment of the weight. Should dog be found to have moderate or severe HD within two years, Buyer must provide Seller with proof in the form of documentation from OFA. No replacement will be provided should results from OFA indicate that an injury may have occurred that caused or contributed to the issue. A replacement puppy will be provided should the dysplasia necessitate euthanasia prior to 2 years.
Warranty for hip/elbows is void if puppy is spayed/neutered prior to skeletal maturity at approximately 12 months for males, 10 months for females.
Warranties shall apply only to original purchaser. Transfer of dog ownership shall void all such provisions of this agreement. Buyer agrees to never relinquish the dog to an animal shelter, rescue organization or puppy mill. Upon execution of this contract all veterinary care and its associated costs are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the buyer. Under no circumstances will any veterinary costs be paid or reimbursed by seller. Under no circumstances will a monetary refund be given, a replacement puppy of like kind will be the only reimbursement.
When a replacement puppy, from the next available litter of like kind, is offered but refused, no further relief is available. Breeder will not refund money in whole or part for any. No cash refunds will be made under any circumstances. If a replacement is offered and refused, then we have fulfilled our obligation.
MAINTENANCE
Buyer agrees to maintain this dog in good health, provide routine preventative health care including, but not limited to, inoculations and internal and external parasite treatments for fleas, tick & heartworms. Veterinary records must be provided to breeder if requesting replacement. Buyer agrees to spay/neuter puppy by the age of 18 months. If any of the above preventative care has not been provided, health warranty will be void. Buyer also agrees to provide, at minimum, basic obedience training for dog.
Should Buyer have any issues, Buyer agrees to address the matter in an entirely private manner with Seller. Specifically, Buyer agrees not to make any derogatory comments on any blog, website, social media site or group or any other internet postings.
If there is ever a dispute between Seller and Buyer all litigation will be handled in Augusta County, Virginia. Any litigation filed outside of Augusta County, Virginia will be considered a breach of contract and will nullify this warranty in its entirety.
FULL AND FINAL AGREEMENT the parties agree that this writing represents the entire Agreement between them and that no other representations have been made regarding the dog described above.
And now the explanation:
We try our best to make sure the puppies are free of any parasites or diarrhea. Even with bleaching and steam cleaning these things can happen. Our puppies are wormed every two weeks beginning at two weeks of age. As a preventative, they are given treatment for loose stools and parasites for five days prior to leaving and sent home with the final 4 doses. I’ve found that sending them home with the remaining doses helps get them through the stress of leaving their litter mates.
Our requirement for the first vet visit to be within 7 days coincides with the shot due at 9 weeks so that you aren’t paying for two visits and the puppy isn’t receiving the shot before it’s due.
Unfortunately we’ve had several less than honest families over the years that have attempted to falsify ailments, that’s why we reserve the right to request two opinions. Generally, I would simply ask my vet to look over any records from your vet to verify a problem.
The hip dysplasia portion of the contract is more specific for a reason. I can provide the information, however, I have no control over whether or not the suggestions are implemented. Hip dysplasia is a polygenic trait, however, environmental factors such as diet and types of activity are also involved.
Feeding a very high-calorie diet to growing dogs is not recommended, because the rapid weight gain places increased stress on the hips. While being overweight isn’t going to cause hip dysplasia, it can downgrade an OFA certifiable “Fair” hip to “mild hip dysplasia”. A diet with an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous is bad for bone development.
Another factor that can bring on the symptoms of hip dysplasia is inappropriate exercise during the period of rapid bone growth. Young dogs should be discouraged from jumping up and down from heights in situations where they land on their back legs (such as jumping up to catch a ball), and from standing up on their back legs (which dogs do when they stand up against a fence or window to get a better view). They should also avoid running on pavement.
I would never ask that your puppy be returned permanently. I do reserve the right to ask that the puppy be returned for an examination by my vet. A replacement puppy of similar type would be offered, with the stipulations as described.
Finally, there have been people in the past that have gone to great lengths to falsify claims and their dishonesty has resulted in the need for more stringent guidelines with regards to proof of a genetic condition. Please make sure you’re comfortable with our terms before you go forward with the purchase of a puppy.