If you are interested in a puppy from an upcoming litter, please review the sales agreement.  

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

The Breeder and Buyer(s) agree(s) that this sales agreement is a valid, binding contract.  The agreement shall be governed by the laws, courts and jurisdiction of the State of New Hampshire to the exclusion of any other forum, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.  Any additional agreements between the parties must be written, dated and signed by the Breeder and the Buyer(s).  The Breeder and the Buyer(s) agree(s) to the following terms:

 

1.     The Breeder considers this puppy to be in good health at the time of transfer.  A veterinarian has examined the puppy.  The Breeder agrees to provide the Buyer(s) with a copy of the NH Health Certificate.  The Buyer(s) assume(s) all liability for any injury to the puppy after transfer.

 

2.     The puppy may be returned within 7 days from the date of transfer for a full refund, provided that the puppy is in the same condition as at the time of purchase and the required AKC paperwork is completed. 

 

3.     The Buyer(s) agree(s) to have the puppy examined by a veterinarian within 3 working days of transfer.  If the puppy is diagnosed with a serious preexisting medical problem, the puppy may be returned for a full refund.  If the Buyer(s) wish(es) to retain possession of the sick puppy, the Breeder agrees to pay any and all reasonable veterinary expenses up to 80% the purchase price of the puppy within 30 days of documentation.  The Buyer(s) must provide the Breeder with a letter from the attending veterinarian specifying the nature of the problem, and copies of the medical record and expenses.  If requested, the Buyer(s) must provide the Breeder with an evaluation from a second veterinarian of the Breeder’s choice at the Breeder’s expense prior to any payment.

 

4.     The Breeder has taken all reasonable precautions to prevent the puppy from acquiring hereditary disorders.  If the puppy develops a serious inherited disorder that prevents the puppy/dog from living a fulfilling life, the Breeder will provide the Buyer(s) with a partial refund (50 to 90% of the purchase price) within 30 days of documentation or a new puppy of similar quality from the next litter, as deemed appropriate by the Breeder.  Examples of serious inherited disorders include OFA moderate to severe hip dysplasia, OFA grade II to III elbow dysplasia, inherited epilepsy, clinical significant juvenile cataracts or clinical significant retinal dysplasia  prior to 2.5 years of age, and moderate to severe TVD or PRA prior to 6 years of age.  The Buyer(s) must provide the Breeder with copies of the medical record and expenses, and a letter from the attending veterinarian.  If requested, the Buyer(s) must also provide an evaluation by a second veterinarian selected by the Breeder at the Buyer(s) expense.  The Buyer(s) may retain possession of the dog or return the dog to the Breeder. 

 

Preventing Inherited Disorders 

            Careful breeding practices can significantly reduce the occurrence of genetic disorders in Labradors, but the risk of inherited conditions cannot be eliminated from any breeding program.  Unfortunately, healthy, sound dogs can carry hidden recessive genes that cannot be accurately detected by the screening techniques currently available.

            Some orthopedic conditions are subject to both genetic and environmental influences.  The care of the puppy during the first  year can contribute to joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and panosteitis.  First, keeping the puppy slim throughout the normal growth period helps reduce the risk of developing orthopedic problems.  Your puppy is at a proper weight if you can easily feel your puppy’s ribs but you can’t see them.  Puppies should be fed a good quality dog food with 24 to 26% protein and 14 to 16% fat.  High protein, high fat dog/puppy foods should be avoided.  Overweight puppies are at a higher risk of developing panosteitis, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.  Second, some types of activities should be avoided during the rapid growth phase to reduce the risk of orthopedic problems.  Puppies need regular light exercise.  Activities like jogging, frequent stair climbing, and catching Frisbees add stress to developing joints.  These activities should be avoided during the first 12 to 15 months.  If the puppy develops a serious orthopedic disorder such as hip or elbow dysplasia, the amount of a refund may reflect the quality of the preventative care provided by the owner.

 

5.     The Buyer(s) agree(s) to immediately inform the Breeder of any inherited health condition so the Breeder can help the Buyer(s) manage the problem and maintain the quality of the breeding program.

 

6.     The Buyer(s) agree(s) to provide normal care throughout the dog's life including companionship, customary veterinary care, basic obedience training, proper diet and regular exercise.  The Buyer(s) agree(s) that the puppy will reside with the Buyer(s).  Adequate shade, shelter, and water will be provided daily.  Since dogs allowed to run free without supervision are at great risks of injury and illness, the Buyer(s) agree(s) to keep the dog in a fenced area, on lead, or under voice control and within sight of a responsible caretaker. 

 

Customary Veterinary Care   Routine vaccinations, heartworm prevention, spaying/ neutering, and the diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries and illnesses such as of paw injuries, ear infections, ACL repair, and various minor surgeries are customary.  The cost of various treatments can range from $100 to $2000.  Humane treatment to reduce pain and suffering is customary and should always be provided.   The extensive treatments of serious orthopedic conditions, severe injuries, and life-threatening cancers are not considered “customary”.  Some of these treatments are very expensive.  The difficult decisions related to the prognosis and cost of treating these serious conditions are at the discretion of the new owners.

 

7.     The Buyer(s) agree(s) that the dog will not be bred.  The Buyer(s) agree(s) to neuter males between 9 and 15 months of age and spay females between 8 and 12 months of age. The Buyer(s) agree(s)to provide the Breeder with a copy of the spay/neuter certificate within 30 days of surgery.

 

Spay/neuter Agreement   These surgeries are an important aspect of responsible dog ownership.  First, unplanned and unwanted litters are prevented.  Second, the risk of several medical and behavior problems is greatly reduced by this surgery.  Pediatric spaying and neutering (before 6 months of age) should be avoided. Spaying and neutering prior to maturity (about 12 months of age) may predispose dogs to various health risks including bone cancer, obesity, hypothyroidism, and orthopedic disorders, and urinary incontinence in females.

 

8.     The Buyer(s) understands that the puppy will be registered with AKC limited registration. The Buyer(s) understand(s) that the dog’s registered name will begin with the kennel name  “Sunset’s”.  The Buyer(s) agree(s) to register the puppy with AKC, and provide the Breeder with a copy of the registration with 30 days.

 

AKC limited registration    This registration option helps reputable breeders maintain the quality and the integrity of the breed. Limited registration allows the new owner to participate in many AKC sanctioned dog events.  The dogs cannot be shown in conformation classes and the offspring of the dog cannot be registered.  (Occasionally, I place show quality puppies on full registration with a co-ownership agreement.)

 

9.     The Buyer(s) agree(s) not to transfer ownership of the puppy/dog without the written consent of the Breeder.  The parties understand that the Breeder retains an interest in all dogs bearing my kennel name Sunset.  The Breeder will either take the puppy/dog back or assist in finding a suitable home.  The Buyer(s) may return the puppy/dog to the Breeder at any time for any reason.  The Buyer(s) agree(s) to transfer the AKC registration to the Breeder at the time of surrender.  If the Breeder sells the returned puppy/dog to a new owner, a refund, minus expenses, will be available to the first owner within 30 days from the date of transfer to a new home. 

 

Return policy   My responsibility to the Sunset Labradors and their owners continues throughout the dog’s lifetime.  I do not want a Sunset Labrador puppy/dog in an animal shelter or in a situation where proper care cannot be provided.  If an owner is unable to keep their Labrador, the dog can be returned to me.  After any training or medical issues are resolved, the returned dog may be placed in a home approved by Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.  I will keep a healthy dog that is not suitable for placement.  If the puppy/dog is sold to a new owner, the original owner will receive a refund, minus expenses.

 

10.  If the puppy/dog was obtained under false pretenses, is mistreated or neglected:  1) the Breeder is released from any obligations under this agreement, 2) the Breeder may take possession of the dog immediately without compensation to the Buyer(s), and 3) the Buyer(s) agree(s) to transfer the AKC registration to the Breeder within 30 days.  If puppies result from either an intentional or unplanned breeding, the Buyer(s) agree(s) to transfer any and all puppies at 8 weeks of age to the Breeder, and pay for any and all reasonable expenses incurred by the Breeder to care for the litter within 30 days of notification.