Sample LGD Puppy Purchase Contract
A structured template breeders can adapt for responsible placements
A written puppy contract helps document expectations, protect the dog’s welfare, and clarify what happens if a placement fails. Major breeder-education guidance consistently emphasizes that contracts commonly address health guarantees, spay/neuter or breeding restrictions, return-to-breeder provisions, and buyer responsibilities.
Important notice (for your website): This sample is provided for educational purposes and should be reviewed by an attorney licensed in your state before use. Contract enforceability varies by jurisdiction.
1) Parties and Dog Identification
This Puppy Purchase Contract (“Agreement”) is entered on //______ by and between:
Seller/Breeder: __________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
Phone/Email: _______________________________________________
Buyer: _________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
Phone/Email: _______________________________________________
Dog being sold:
- Breed/Type: Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD)
- Sex: ☐ Male ☐ Female
- Date of birth: //______
- Color/Markings: __________________________________________
- Dam: ___________________________ (Registry/ID: ____________)
- Sire: ___________________________ (Registry/ID: ____________)
- Microchip #: _____________________________________________
- Working placement purpose stated by Buyer (check one):
☐ Livestock guardian (primary) ☐ Companion/pet ☐ Other: _______
2) Purchase Price, Deposit, and Transfer of Ownership
- Total purchase price: $__________
- Deposit amount: $__________ due on //______
- Balance due: $__________ due on (pickup/delivery date) //______
- Transfer of ownership occurs when full payment is received, and the puppy is delivered to the buyer.
Deposit/selection language (optional):
Buyer understands Seller may use a structured matching process (temperament/fit). Seller has the final placement decision. If Buyer declines the selected puppy before transfer, refund terms are: __________________________________________.
Transportation: Buyer is responsible for transportation costs unless otherwise specified: __________________________________________.
AKC’s breeder-contract guidance notes that contracts typically document fees, conditions of sale, and expectations, including return instructions if the placement fails.
3) Health Record and “At Transfer” Condition
Seller represents that, to the best of Seller’s knowledge at the time of transfer:
- Puppy has received age-appropriate deworming and vaccinations as documented on the attached health record.
- Puppy appears healthy and free of obvious contagious illness at delivery.
Attachments (recommended):
- Vaccination/deworming record
- Feeding instructions and transition plan
- Microchip registration instructions
- Any registry paperwork (if applicable)
4) Buyer’s Veterinary Exam Window (Initial Health Period)
Buyer agrees to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within _____ hours (commonly 48–72 hours) of transfer (excluding Sundays/major holidays if desired). If the exam identifies a serious communicable illness or congenital condition present at transfer, Buyer must notify Seller within ____ hours of the exam and provide written veterinary documentation.
Remedy (choose one and be consistent):
A. ☐ Return for refund of purchase price (less non-refundable deposit): $_____
B. ☐ Replacement puppy from a future litter (when available)
C. ☐ Partial refund or reimbursement cap: $_____
D. ☐ Other: _______________________________________________
AKC consumer-facing guidance describes breeder contracts as commonly including health guarantees and requiring clear instructions about what to do if the dog does not work out.
5) Genetic/Orthopedic Screening Clause (Working-Dog Appropriate)
Because LGDs are working dogs expected to perform physically demanding tasks, Buyer agrees to complete the following (if Seller requires it):
- Hip evaluation: ☐ OFA at/after 24 months ☐ PennHIP at/after ____ months
- Deadline for submission of results to Seller: //______
- Buyer agrees to share results with Seller to support responsible breeding decisions.
Incentive option (optional): Seller provides a $_____ rebate upon receipt of official results.
Hip dysplasia guarantee option (optional):
If dog receives a diagnosis of moderate/severe hip dysplasia by (OFA/PennHIP) before //__, Seller’s remedy is limited to: ☐ refund ☐ replacement ☐ partial refund cap $_______.
AKC breeder-contract guidance commonly addresses health guarantees and specifies the required documentation and the applicable remedy.
6) Breeding Rights, Spay/Neuter, and Ethical Use
Select one model and apply it consistently throughout the contract:
Option A: Limited (Non-breeding) Placement
Buyer agrees the dog is sold as a non-breeding animal. Buyer shall not breed the dog and shall take reasonable measures to prevent accidental breeding.
- Spay/neuter required: ☐ Yes ☐ No
- If yes, timing: after ____ months of age / by //______
- Proof required: veterinary certificate provided to Seller within ____ days.
AKC notes that spay/neuter provisions and breeding restrictions are commonly used in breeder contracts, with timing varying by breeder and veterinary guidance.
Option B: Breeding Placement With Conditions (Approval Model)
Buyer agrees no breeding occurs unless and until all conditions are met (initial each):
- ____ Dog is at least ____ months old
- ____ Orthopedic screening completed with acceptable results
- ____ Any required genetic tests completed
- ____ Seller provides written breeding approval
- ____ Approved mate must meet standards stated in Seller’s Breeder Code of Ethics (attach or link)
Unauthorized breeding remedy (choose one):
☐ liquidated damages $_____ ☐ return of dog ☐ return of dog and offspring ☐ other: _______
7) Care, Housing, and Working Management Requirements
Buyer agrees to maintain the dog humanely and in compliance with applicable law, including:
- Continuous access to clean water and appropriate nutrition
- Shelter from heat/cold and weather appropriate to the region
- Routine veterinary care, parasite control, and rabies compliance
- Safe containment to reduce roaming risk
- Supervision and training appropriate to age and developmental stage
LGD-specific language (recommended):
Buyer understands LGDs require active management, especially during puppyhood and adolescence. Buyer agrees to implement reasonable management steps (bonding plan, containment, supervision) and to contact Seller early if challenges arise.
UKC’s breeder ethics framework emphasizes accountability, recordkeeping, and responsible placement practices that protect dogs and owners.
8) Right of First Refusal and Return-to-Breeder
Buyer agrees that if Buyer cannot keep the dog at any time, Buyer will:
- Notify Seller immediately, and
- Return the dog to the Seller or rehome only with the Seller’s written approval and a new signed contract.
Buyer agrees the dog will not be surrendered to a shelter, auction, or third party without Seller’s written consent.
AKC guidance commonly notes that responsible breeders frequently require the dog be returned to them if the placement fails.
9) Default, Enforcement, and Legal Fees (Use With Caution)
If Buyer breaches material terms of this Agreement, remedies may include (choose and tailor):
- ☐ Return of dog to Seller without compensation
- ☐ Liquidated damages $_____ (only if lawful/enforceable in your jurisdiction)
- ☐ Buyer is responsible for reasonable attorney fees and costs where permitted by law
Because enforceability varies widely, consult a state-licensed attorney before using repossession or liquidated damages language.
10) Dispute Resolution, Governing Law, and Venue
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of ____________. Venue for disputes shall be __________ County, ____________ (if permitted). Parties agree to provide written notice of disputes to the addresses above.
11) Liability Release and Indemnification
Buyer assumes responsibility for the dog upon transfer and agrees that Seller is not liable for damage or injury caused by the dog after transfer. Buyer agrees to indemnify Seller against third-party claims arising from Buyer’s ownership/handling of the dog after transfer.
12) Entire Agreement and Signatures
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any changes must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Seller/Breeder Signature: _______________________ Date: //______
Buyer Signature: ______________________________ Date: //______
(Optional) Co-owner/Spouse Signature: __________________ Date: //______
