If you buy a dog from a breeder, you can do one simple thing to avoid problems: get your agreement in writing. Even if you think you and the person you're dealing with agree on everything, it is always useful to spell out the understanding on each side. You might not know until you sit down to write an agreement that the other person expects something quite different from what you do.
What belongs in a contract depends on why you're buying the dog. For example, if you want a purebred dog that can be registered with the American Kennel Club, that information belongs in the agreement.
Checklist for a Sales Agreement When Buying a Dog
People who are in the business of buying and selling dogs may have their own contracts covering all the subjects they've found important over the years. If you're not in the dog business, the checklist below lists areas to think about when drawing up an agreement.
- Health. The seller should set out any health problems the dog has or might have and should guarantee that the dog is otherwise healthy. Has the dog been examined by a veterinarian? Can you return the dog or get reimbursed for your vet bills if the vet finds a serious problem within a couple of weeks?
- Vaccinations. List the vaccinations the dog has had and when they were given. It's also helpful to say what further vaccinations the dog will need and when. List the veterinarian or clinic that gave the vaccination in case you need documentation—which might be the case when it's time to buy a dog license.
- History. Where did the dog come from? You don't want a dog from a puppy mill, where inhumane conditions are the rule.
- Training. If the dog is supposed to be trained for a particular purpose (hunting, obedience), document the extent of the training.
- Pedigree. If the dog's lineage is important, spell it out and attach a copy of the parents' pedigrees.
- Quality. If the dog is purebred but of only "pet quality"—that is, not up to competition in dog shows—specify that in the contract.
- Price. Does it include vaccinations or the cost of spaying or neutering?
- Warranties. What kind of guarantees is the seller making about the dog?
Sample Bill of Sale When Buying a Dog
Here's a sample bill of sale that can be modified to fit your needs. It's adapted from the bills of sale in Law Forms for Personal Use, by the Editors of Nolo.
Bill of Sale
- ______________________________________________, Seller, sells to
______________________________________________, Buyer, the dog described in paragraph 2.
- The dog being sold is:
Name _____________________________________________________
Breed _____________________________________________________
Sex _______________________________________________________
Birth date ____________________________________________
- The full purchase price is $ __________________________________.
- Buyer has paid Seller:
[ ] the full purchase price.
[ ] $_______________, balance due on ____________________________.
- Seller is the legal owner of the dog described in paragraph 2.
- Seller believes that the dog is healthy and in good condition except for the following:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
- The dog has had the following vaccinations:
Vaccination Date Veterinarian
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
- The dog will need these vaccinations next:
Vaccination Date
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
- Seller obtained the dog from: ______________________________________________
_________________ on _________________
- The dog has had the following special training:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
- The dog [ ] is purebred [ ] is not purebred.
The dog [ ] is registerable [ ] is registered
with the American Kennel Club.
- [ ] Buyer agrees to take possession of dog immediately.
[ ] Seller will ship dog to Buyer.
Date of shipment: __________________________________________
Method: __________________________________________
To be paid for by: __________________________________________
[ ] Dog will be insured for $ __________________________________________
- Other terms. _______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_____________________________ Seller __________________ Date
_____________________________ Buyer __________________ Date
More Information About Getting a Dog
Also, before you get a dog, it's a good idea to learn the legal requirements for where you live, including licensing, spay-neuter, and vaccination laws.