Blank Health Guarantee PDF Form

What does the Health Guarantee cover for my new puppy?

The Health Guarantee covers any life-threatening defects found within 72 hours of the puppy being delivered or picked up. It also covers severe life-altering genetic defects diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian by the age of 6 months. If such conditions are confirmed, the contract provides the option for the buyer to return the puppy for a replacement of equal or lesser value as soon as one becomes available. However, it does not cover vet costs or any illnesses and injuries that occur after leaving the breeder's care, such as stress-induced conditions or diseases contracted post-pickup.

What should I do if my puppy appears ill within the first 72 hours after pickup?

If your puppy appears to be in poor health within the first 72 hours after pickup, it is crucial to have them examined by your chosen veterinarian immediately. Failing to do so within the given timeframe voids the Health Guarantee. If a life-threatening defect is found, you must notify the breeder within two (2) business days of the diagnosis, providing written evidence from the vet. Before any treatment or surgery is done, the breeder must be contacted for a chance to seek a second opinion.

Can I get a refund for vet costs if my puppy has a health issue?

No, the Health Guarantee does not offer refunds for any veterinary costs. The buyer is solely responsible for all expenses related to the health and treatment of the puppy, including the costs of a necropsy if the puppy dies and the cause of death needs to be determined.

What if I decide to keep the puppy despite a health issue?

If you choose to keep the puppy even after a health issue is detected, and you do not arrange for the puppy to be returned to the breeder within two weeks of notifying the defect, the Health Guarantee will no longer obligate the breeder to provide a replacement puppy at any future date. This decision finalizes the sale, with no further claims applicable under the Health Guarantee.

What is not covered by the Health Guarantee?

The Health Guarantee does not cover any injuries or illnesses that might be caused by hypoglycemia, pneumonia, canine influenza, parasites (internal or external), ringworm, giardia, coccidiosis, hepatitis, and other diseases or viruses after leaving the breeder's care. It also excludes any conditions brought on by stress or environmental changes and does not guarantee against diseases contracted after the puppy leaves the breeder's premises. Furthermore, the guarantee does not cover the puppy's ability to breed or show, adult size, weight, coat, temperament, or trainability.

What are my responsibilities as a puppy buyer?

As a puppy buyer, your responsibilities include providing a suitable and safe environment for the puppy, ensuring the puppy's health through annual vet exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and needed procedures. You also agree to follow a proper diet, exercise, and care schedule as recommended by your vet. Changing the puppy’s diet within the first week after pickup is strongly discouraged to avoid stress. Additionally, you acknowledge that any changes or growth in the puppy, influenced by its care, diet, or lifestyle, are your responsibility. Should you no longer wish or be able to care for the puppy, the breeder requests the right of first refusal to help rehome the animal.

1. Not thoroughly reviewing personal details: It's crucial to ensure all personal details filled in on the form are accurate. This includes names, addresses, and especially contact information. Mistakes here can lead to serious communication issues down the line.

2. Skipping the examination window: The contract specifies a 72-hour window for the canine to be examined by a veterinarian. Overlooking this step not only voids the health guarantee but could also mean missing early detection of potential health issues.

3. Delaying veterinary notification: The agreement requires the buyer to notify the breeder within two business days if a severe genetic defect is found. Waiting beyond this timeframe to convey findings can result in the voiding of the health guarantee.

4. Omitting signature and date: Forgetting to sign and date the agreement can invalidate the entire contract. The buyer's and breeder's signatures, alongside the dates, are essential to confirm the contract's acceptance and its activation date.

5. Ignoring the feeding instructions: Changing the puppy's diet within the first week can stress the animal and potentially lead to health issues not covered by the guarantee. Compliance with the recommended feeding guideline is important.

6. Overlooking the importance of initial and ongoing care: The contract emphasizes the need for immediate veterinary examination and continuous care, including vaccinations and maintaining a healthy environment. Neglecting these responsibilities not only risks the puppy's well-being but also affects the guarantee's validity.

When adopting or purchasing a new puppy, completing the Health Guarantee form is a vital step in ensuring the health and well-being of the pet. However, this is just one component of a comprehensive set of documents that responsible breeders and new pet owners should consider. These documents not only protect the welfare of the puppy but also specify the responsibilities and expectations of both the buyer and the breeder. The following list comprises several key forms and documents that are often used alongside the Health Guarantee form.

• Purchase Agreement: Provides detailed information about the terms of sale, including the purchase price, payment schedule, and any conditions or warranties. This document is crucial for clarifying the financial and legal aspects of the puppy’s purchase.
• Veterinary Health Certificate: Confirms that the puppy has undergone a thorough health examination by a licensed veterinarian. It ensures that the puppy is free from contagious diseases at the time of sale and is fit to travel if necessary.
• Immunization Record: Contains a record of all vaccinations the puppy has received, including dates and types of vaccines. This document is essential for maintaining the puppy's health and is often required for obedience classes, dog parks, and boarding.
• Microchip Registration Form: Provides the details needed to register the puppy’s microchip in the new owner's name. Microchipping is a tool used for the identification of lost pets and can be crucial in reuniting pets with their owners.
• Spay/Neuter Agreement: Used by breeders who require puppies to be spayed or neutered by a certain age. This document outlines the obligations of the new owner to have the procedure done, supporting efforts to prevent unplanned breeding.
• Return Policy: Details the conditions under which the buyer can return the puppy to the breeder and the responsibilities of each party in such an event. This document is important for ensuring the well-being of the puppy should the new ownership arrangement fail.
• Training and Care Information: While not a formal legal document, providing new owners with guidelines for the care, feeding, and basic training of their new puppy is a practice followed by many responsible breeders. This information can help new owners get started on the right foot with their new pet.

Together with the Health Guarantee form, these documents form a framework that helps ensure a transparent, accountable, and positive process of bringing a new furry family member home. They protect the interests of all parties involved and, most importantly, contribute to the health, safety, and happiness of the puppy. It is advisable for both buyers and breeders to discuss and understand these documents fully to ensure a smooth and joyful transition for the puppy into its new home.

• Warranty Deed: Like the Health Guarantee form, a Warranty Deed is a document that provides assurances from the seller to the buyer. In real estate, a Warranty Deed guarantees that the property is free from any undisclosed liens or encumbrances, similar to how the Health Guarantee assures the buyer of the puppy's health and genetic condition at the time of sale. Both documents aim to protect the buyer and establish trust in the transaction.

• Bill of Sale: This document is akin to the Health Guarantee form in that it serves as a record of the transaction between two parties. A Bill of Sale outlines the details of the sale item, the sale amount, and the conditions of the sale, much like the puppy contract specifies the breed, cost, and health guarantee conditions of the canine being sold. Both documents are critical for documenting the exchange and protecting both parties’ interests.

• Lemon Law Protection: The Health Guarantee form shares similarities with Lemon Law protections often associated with automobile sales. Lemon Laws protect the buyer from defects that significantly impair the use, value, or safety of a new vehicle, similar to how the Health Guarantee form allows for a replacement puppy in the case of severe genetic health issues. Both offer remedies to consumers for products that fail to meet standards of quality and performance.

• Return Policy: Many retail businesses have a return policy in place, which is comparable to the Health Guarantee form's stipulation for returning a puppy with health deficiencies. Both policies specify a timeframe within which the item can be returned due to defects or unsatisfactory conditions, outlining the expectations for a return or exchange. These policies are designed to offer the purchaser a form of protection and recourse should the product not meet agreed-upon conditions.

• Manufacturer’s Warranty: Like the Health Guarantee form, a Manufacturer’s Warranty ensures the product's performance up to a certain standard. This warranty, often found with electronic goods and appliances, protects the consumer against manufacturing defects. Both types of warranties provide assurances directly from the seller and stipulate conditions under which reparations or replacements may be deemed necessary, emphasizing the seller's accountability for the product's condition at the point of sale.

Tips for Completing the Health Guarantee Form for a Decker Terrier Puppy

Filling out a Health Guarantee form is a critical step in the process of acquiring a new puppy, ensuring that both the buyer and breeder have a clear understanding of their responsibilities regarding the puppy's health. Below are some dos and don'ts to consider when completing this important document.

Do:

• Read the entire contract thoroughly before signing it to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the health guarantee.
• Ensure that all fields are filled out accurately, including the breed, sex, date of birth, and color of the puppy, as well as the registration numbers if applicable.
• Have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 business hours of delivery or pickup as required by the agreement. This verifies the puppy's health status upon receipt.
• Notify the breeder in writing within two business days if a licensed veterinarian finds a fatal or severe life-altering genetic defect within the puppy by the age of six months.
• Be prepared to provide proper care for the puppy, including annual examinations, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and any other necessary health procedures.
• Initial each page of the contract to indicate your agreement with the terms detailed on each page.

Don't:

• Don't delay the required veterinary examination beyond the stipulated 72-hour timeframe. Failing to do so will void the health guarantee.
• Do not change the puppy's diet within the first week of pickup to avoid unnecessary stress, adhering to the breeder's advice.
• Avoid initiating any treatment or surgery on the puppy before consulting the breeder, especially in the case of diagnosing a genetic defect.
• Don't overlook the breeder's right to offer a replacement puppy in lieu of a refund. Understand that no cash refunds will be given, as indicated in the contract.
• Do not ignore the requirement to return the puppy to the breeder if a severe defect is discovered and you opt for a replacement, ensuring compliance with the specified notification and return timelines.
• Lastly, don't underestimate the breeder's advice and support. The contract highlights the breeder's commitment to being a lifelong resource for the puppy's welfare.

Completing the Health Guarantee form carefully and conscientiously is essential for protecting the interests of both the buyer and the breeder. By following these dos and don'ts, you can help ensure a smooth and successful experience as you welcome your new Decker Terrier puppy into your home.

When it comes to buying a puppy, the paperwork involved, including a Health Guarantee form, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Potential puppy owners often have misconceptions about what health guarantees cover and how they protect both the buyer and the puppy. Here, we clarify the top seven misconceptions about the Health Guarantee form to help future pet owners understand its value and limitations.

• One-size-fits-all: Many believe that all health guarantees are identical, no matter the breeder. However, these documents vary significantly depending on the specific terms set by each breeder. The coverage, duration, and conditions can differ greatly.
• Covers all health issues: A common misconception is that a health guarantee covers any health issue that arises with the puppy. In reality, these guarantees typically cover only specific genetic conditions or severe health problems identified within a certain timeframe after purchase.
• Immediate refunds: Some buyers think that if a health issue is discovered, a refund is immediate. Most health guarantees, instead, offer a replacement puppy or apply the original purchase price towards another puppy from the breeder, with no cash refunds provided.
• No vet costs covered: Buyers often assume that the guarantee will cover all vet costs if a genetic defect is discovered. However, buyers are usually responsible for all veterinary expenses, even those associated with diagnosing a covered condition.
• Immediate replacements: There's a belief that if a puppy must be returned due to health issues, a replacement or refund is instant. In practice, replacements are subject to availability, and it may take time for a suitable puppy to be available.
• Guarantee for any reason: People sometimes think they can return a puppy for any reason under the health guarantee. Actually, returns are typically only accepted for specific health issues outlined in the agreement.
• Guarantees training and behavior: A significant misunderstanding is that health guarantees also ensure a puppy’s trainability and behavior. These forms, however, are focused solely on health and do not cover the future temperament or training success of the puppy.

Understanding these key aspects of a Health Guarantee form is crucial for potential pet owners. It helps set realistic expectations and ensures buyers are fully informed about their responsibilities and the breeder’s obligations. Always read and understand the specifics of any health guarantee before agreeing to purchase a puppy.

Filling out and using the Health Guarantee form is an important process that ensures the health and well-being of a puppy you may be purchasing. Here are some key takeaways to remember:

1. Examination by a Veterinarian: The buyer must have the canine examined by a veterinarian of their choice within 72 business hours from the time of delivery or pickup. Failing to do so will void the contract and its guarantees.
2. Notification of Defects: If the puppy is found to have a life-threatening defect within those 72 hours, the buyer may return the puppy for a replacement, subject to terms outlined in the contract.
3. Genetic Defects: For severe life-altering genetic defects diagnosed by the age of 6 months, the breeder must be notified within two business days of diagnosis for the contract's terms to apply.
4. Buyer's Responsibilities: All veterinarian costs associated with the puppy, including in the event of discovering defects, are the responsibility of the buyer.
5. Return Policy: The puppy must be returned to the seller within a specific timeframe after the notification of a defect, with the seller having the final say on the diagnosis.
6. No Cash Refunds: The contract specifies that there will be no cash refunds. Instead, the purchase price may be applied toward another canine of equal or lesser value when available if the buyer qualifies for a replacement.
7. Health Maintenance: The buyer agrees to maintain the canine's health through regular exams, vaccinations, and other necessary procedures.
8. Limitation of Guarantees: The guarantee does not cover injuries, illness from stress-induced conditions, parasites, or diseases contracted after leaving the breeder’s premises.
9. Whole Agreement: This document represents the entire agreement between the breeder and buyer. Any disagreements must be resolved in the state of Missouri, with all legal fees borne by the buyer.

Understanding and adhering to these terms ensures a clear agreement between the buyer and seller regarding the health and well-being of the puppy. It's crucial to read and understand each part of the contract before signing to ensure you're prepared for the responsibilities it entails.