Printable Health Guarantee Form

Understanding the Health Guarantee form is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the canine market. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are four common misconceptions:

• The Health Guarantee covers all health issues. Many believe that the guarantee provides protection against any health problems that may arise. In reality, the guarantee specifically excludes certain conditions such as stress-induced illnesses, parasites, and diseases contracted after leaving the seller’s care.
• Buyers can receive a cash refund if the puppy has a defect. This is a common misunderstanding. The contract clearly states that no cash refunds will be issued. Instead, buyers may qualify for a replacement puppy if specific conditions are met.
• Veterinary costs are covered by the breeder. Some buyers assume that any medical expenses incurred will be reimbursed. However, the contract states that the buyer is responsible for all veterinary costs associated with the puppy, including those for diagnosis and treatment.
• The guarantee lasts indefinitely. Another misconception is that the health guarantee is valid for the lifetime of the dog. In fact, the guarantee only covers specific conditions for a limited time frame, such as life-threatening defects diagnosed within six months.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help both buyers and sellers navigate the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Health Guarantee form effectively.

When filling out and using the Health Guarantee form for your new puppy, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Timely Veterinary Examination: You must have your puppy examined by a veterinarian within 72 business hours of delivery or pickup. If you fail to do this, the health guarantees may be voided.
• Notification of Defects: If your puppy is diagnosed with a life-threatening defect within six months, you need to notify the breeder in writing within two business days. This ensures that you can arrange for a potential replacement puppy.
• No Treatment Before Consultation: Before any treatment or surgery is performed on the puppy, you must contact the breeder for a second opinion. This is crucial for maintaining the health guarantee.
• Responsibility for Costs: As the buyer, you are responsible for all veterinary costs associated with the puppy. The breeder does not provide refunds for these expenses, so budgeting for ongoing care is essential.

When filling out the Health Guarantee form, it is important to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure clarity and compliance. Below are five things you should and should not do:

• Do provide accurate information about the canine, including breed, sex, date of birth, and color.
• Do ensure that the contract is signed by both the buyer and the breeder to validate the agreement.
• Do include the total cost of the canine and any shipping or delivery costs to avoid misunderstandings.
• Do have the canine examined by a veterinarian within 72 business hours of delivery or pickup.
• Do notify the breeder in writing within two business days if a life-threatening defect is discovered.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank, as incomplete information may void the contract.
• Don't proceed with any treatments or surgeries without consulting the breeder first.
• Don't ignore the requirement to return the puppy within two weeks if a defect is found.
• Don't change the puppy’s diet for at least one week after pickup to minimize stress.
• Don't assume any guarantees beyond what is explicitly stated in the contract.

1. Incomplete Information: Many people forget to fill out all required fields, such as the breed, sex, or date of birth of the puppy. Leaving these sections blank can lead to confusion later.

2. Incorrect Registration Details: Failing to provide accurate registration numbers or type of registration can hinder the process of verifying the puppy's pedigree.

3. Missing Deposit Information: Not indicating the deposit amount or the date paid can create misunderstandings about the financial commitment made.

4. Neglecting the Health Exam Clause: Some buyers overlook the requirement to have the puppy examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours. Ignoring this can void the health guarantee.

5. Failure to Notify of Defects: If a life-threatening defect is discovered, buyers must notify the breeder within two business days. Missing this deadline can affect replacement options.

6. Not Following Return Procedures: Buyers sometimes forget that if they decide to return the puppy, they must do so within two weeks of notifying the breeder about any defects.

7. Ignoring Veterinary Recommendations: Some buyers proceed with treatments without consulting the breeder first, which can complicate the health guarantee.

8. Overlooking Vaccination Records: Not ensuring that vaccination history is provided at the time of delivery can lead to health issues later on.

9. Misunderstanding the Guarantee Terms: Buyers often misinterpret the conditions under which the health guarantee applies, especially regarding what constitutes a life-threatening defect.