Dog Breeder Contract Template

Breed Trust and Responsibility: Create dog breeder contracts to outline terms, keep pets safe, and ensure clear agreements between breeders and buyers.

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Dog
Breeder Contract
Jim Clark Co
Dog Breeder Contract

Agreement

This Dog Breeder Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Date], by and between:
Participants
Buyer

John Doe

123 Main St

New York, Ny 10012

[email protected]

(212) 555-1212

Breeder

Brittany Austin

3445 Ravenwood Dr

College Park, GA 30349

[email protected]

(404) 763-3294
Terms
1. Description of the Dog Being Purchased:

Dog's Name: [Dog’s Name]
Breed: [Dog’s Breed]
AKC Registration Number: [AKC Registration Number]
Date of Birth: [Dog’s Date of Birth]
Color and Markings: [Dog’s Color and Markings]
Sex: [Dog’s Sex]

2. Pedigree of the Dog:

Sire (Father)
Name: [Sire’s Name]
AKC Registration Number: [Sire’s AKC Registration Number]
Dam (Mother)
Name: [Dam’s Name]
AKC Registration Number: [Dam’s AKC Registration Number]

3. Registration Paperwork:

The Breeder and Buyer agree that [Specify responsible party, e.g., "the Breeder"] will be responsible for completing and submitting the registration paperwork to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The registered name of the dog must follow the conventions set forth by the AKC, and both parties will agree on the registered name of the dog.

4. Dog’s Status: Show Potential vs. Pet Only:

The dog being purchased is classified as:

Show Potential
Pet Only
If the dog is sold as "Pet Only," it will be sold with a limited registration, meaning that the dog’s offspring will not be eligible for AKC registration. If sold as "Show Potential," the Breeder confirms that the dog has potential for conformation shows, but no guarantees are made regarding its future show success.

5. Breeder’s Expectations Regarding Future Involvement:

The Buyer agrees to maintain the following care standards for the dog:

Feeding and Care: The Buyer will provide appropriate food and care for the dog to maintain its health.
Veterinary Care: The Buyer agrees to provide the dog with routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick prevention. The dog must not be bred unless it is deemed healthy by a licensed veterinarian.
Spaying/Neutering:
If applicable, the Buyer agrees to spay/neuter the dog by [Specify Age or Date], and proof of spay/neuter must be provided to the Breeder.
If the dog is not to be spayed/neutered, the Breeder will have future expectations regarding responsible breeding.
Breeding: The Buyer agrees not to breed the dog unless written permission is granted by the Breeder.
Showing: If applicable, the Buyer agrees to notify the Breeder about any future dog shows and seek advice on handling.

6. Buyer’s Expectations Regarding Support from the Breeder:

The Breeder agrees to provide ongoing support and advice to the Buyer for the duration of the dog's life. This includes recommendations on health, nutrition, behavior, training, and general care. The Breeder may request updates on the dog’s well-being and progress, and the Buyer agrees to provide periodic updates as requested.

7. Health Guarantees:

The Breeder guarantees that the dog is in good health at the time of sale. The Breeder provides the following health guarantees:

Genetic Defects: The dog is guaranteed against genetic defects for [Specify Time Period, e.g., "two years"]. If a genetic condition is diagnosed, the Breeder will [Specify Remedy, e.g., "refund part of the purchase price, replace the dog, or take the dog back"].
Health Conditions: The Buyer agrees to provide routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a healthy living environment to help prevent health conditions. This guarantee is void if the Buyer fails to provide the necessary care.

8. Transfer of Ownership:

The ownership and possession of the dog will be transferred to the Buyer on [Specify Date] at [Specify Time]. The transfer will take place at [Specify Location].

9. Purchase Price and Payment Terms:

Purchase Price: The total purchase price for the dog is [Specify Amount].
Payment Schedule:
A non-refundable deposit of [Specify Amount] is required to reserve the dog.
The balance of [Specify Amount] is due upon transfer of ownership.
Payment Methods: Acceptable payment methods include [Specify Payment Methods, e.g., "bank transfer, credit card, PayPal"]. No personal checks will be accepted unless agreed upon by both parties.

10. Rehoming or Returning the Dog:

If the Buyer is unable to keep the dog at any point in the future, they must notify the Breeder before rehoming the dog. The Breeder reserves the right to take the dog back or assist with finding a suitable new home. The dog must not be surrendered to a shelter or sold without the Breeder’s involvement.

11. Amendments to the Contract:

This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any changes to this Agreement must be agreed upon in writing before they take effect.

12. Termination of the Contract:

By the Buyer: The Buyer may terminate this Agreement before the transfer of ownership by providing written notice. The deposit will not be refunded in the event of termination by the Buyer.
By the Breeder: The Breeder may terminate this Agreement at any time before the transfer of ownership if the Breeder believes the Buyer is not a suitable match for the dog. In such cases, the Breeder will refund the deposit to the Buyer.

13. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:

Negotiation: Both parties agree to first attempt to resolve any disputes related to this Agreement through informal negotiation.
Mediation/Arbitration: If a resolution cannot be reached, the parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation or binding arbitration under the rules of [Specify Mediation/Arbitration Association].
Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of [Specify State/Country].

14. Signatures:

By signing below, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Dog Breeder Contract.

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended except by written agreement signed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Signatures
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John Doe

Click to sign

Brittany Austin

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Why a Dog Breeder Contract is So Important

Think of a dog breeder contract as the ultimate peace-of-mind pact. It’s not just a pile of paperwork—it’s the blueprint for making sure the pup’s future is as bright as their puppy-dog eyes. This legally binding agreement locks in key details that protect both the breeder and the buyer while making sure the puppy gets the best care possible in a safe, loving home.

Key Parts of the Contract You Should Know About

Genetic Health Testing & Guarantees: It’s all about the genes! The contract spells out which genetic tests were run on the puppy’s parents and what kind of health guarantees come with the little furball. If something goes wrong, there are options like refunds or even a new puppy.
Vaccinations & Deworming: The buyer needs the scoop on the puppy’s vaccine and deworming history to make sure they're starting off on the right paw. This way, the buyer and their vet can keep those appointments on track.
Return or Replacement Policies: If the puppy faces any health issues, this clause explains when and how the buyer can return or replace them. It’s a little peace of mind tucked into the contract just in case things don’t go as planned.

Breeder & Buyer: Who’s Responsible for What?

Breeding Rights: The buyer may want to breed their new buddy someday—or not. The contract will let them know if breeding’s on the table and what’s expected if it is.
Registration: Pedigree papers, anyone? The contract will also outline the registration details so the pup is official and ready to take on the world.
Spay/Neuter Rules: Some breeders ask that the buyer spay or neuter the puppy within a certain timeframe. Make sure to check these details to avoid any penalties.
Care Commitments: Buyers promise to take great care of their new furry family member and, in some cases, return them to the breeder if they can’t. It’s all about making sure the pup’s well-being is a top priority.

In the end, this contract isn’t just about signatures—it’s about making sure everyone’s on the same page when it comes to the health and happiness of the puppy.

Key Terms of a Dog Breeder Contract: What You Need to Know

Alright, so you’ve got your eye on that adorable puppy—great! But before you get swept away in puppy love, it’s time to check out the important stuff: the contract. A dog breeder contract is like a roadmap to protect the buyer and the breeder, making sure everything is clear, fair, and set up for success. Here are the terms that matter (and why they’re kind of a big deal):

Puppy Identification: This is the puppy’s ID card. It covers all the key details like breed, color, markings, sex, and birthdate. You’ll also see any microchip or tattoo info, along with registration details. Basically, it’s how you verify the pup’s official background, whether for shows, breeding, or just having bragging rights that this dog’s got serious pedigree.
Purchase Price & Payment Terms: Money talk! This part spells out the price of the puppy, deposit details, payment plans, and even how to pay (credit card, cash, puppy kisses—okay, maybe not the last one). It’s all about keeping things transparent so there are no surprises down the road. Oh, and if there are extra fees—like for shipping or special care—they’ll be mentioned here too.
Health Guarantees and Veterinary Care: Here’s the good stuff: health guarantees. This clause promises that the puppy is in tip-top shape and free from any genetic disorders. Plus, it lays out how long the buyer has to bring up any health concerns (usually within a certain timeframe after purchase) and what to do if something does pop up. The breeder is essentially saying to the buyer, “I’ve got your back!” when it comes to the puppy’s health.
Spay/Neuter Agreement: Breeders often have rules about when the buyer needs to spay or neuter their new pal—usually by a certain age. This agreement makes sure everyone’s on board with promoting responsible pet ownership. The buyer will need to provide proof that the procedure was done, like a note from their vet. Ignore this, and there could be penalties like the breeder taking back the pup or hitting the buyer with a fine. So yeah, best to follow through.
Return or Replacement Policies: Sometimes things don’t go as planned. This term covers what happens if the puppy has serious health issues or behavioral problems. It spells out whether the buyer can return or replace the pup and what the breeder is obligated to do—whether that’s offering a refund, a new puppy, or paying for vet expenses. It’s the buyer's safety net just in case their new fur baby’s health or behavior takes a turn.
Dispute Resolution and Governing Law: Let’s hope no one has to deal with any drama, but if there is, this section has everyone covered. It explains how disagreements between the buyer and the breeder will be handled—usually suggesting mediation or arbitration so nobody has to deal with messy, expensive lawsuits. It also names the legal rules that’ll apply if things escalate to that level. Clear-cut, so everyone knows where they stand.

So, there you have it! These terms are the foundation of a strong, protective dog breeder contract. By covering all the bases, it makes sure that everyone is protected and the puppies are set up for a lifetime of belly rubs and tail wags.

Benefits of Using Butterscotch for Your Dog Breeding Contract

Need somewhere to start for your Dog Breeding Contract? Simplify the process with Butterscotch's customizable templates! Here's why you'll love us:

Templates On Demand: Add the info you need, change whatever sections don't work, and make the template fit your needs. You can even personalize your contract by adding your personal branding.
Send with a Click: Forget printing, scanning, and mailing. Securely send contracts electronically!
Electronic Signatures: Get them signed with electronic signatures by all parties from anywhere.
Easy Tracking: Monitor the status of every contract at a glance. No more wondering when someone's viewed or signed your document.
Centralized Storage: All your documents are securely stored in one digital location, accessible anytime, anywhere.

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