Health Guarantee

Below is the full Health Guarantee as outlined in our purchase contract. This version is formatted for clarity and easy reading while preserving all original terms.

Puppy Health at Time of Pickup

The Seller shall have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian as near as feasible to the pickup date and determined to be free of disease or injury. The puppy will have its first vaccinations and any worming treatments recommended by the veterinarian.

Buyer Agrees

1. Veterinary Examination

• Buyer must have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of purchase if disputing the puppy’s guarantee as listed in this contract.

2. Proper Care

Buyer agrees to:

• Provide all annual veterinary exams

• Continue all required vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian

• Provide proper veterinary care, shelter, and secure housing

The dog:

• Must not be routinely restrained by chaining to a stationary object

• Must not be used for any inhumane, immoral, or illegal purposes

3. No Resale

• Puppy is not being purchased for resale

• Puppy will never be sold to a pet shop, puppy mill, or their agents

• Buyer receives limited AKC registration

• If Buyer can no longer keep the dog, Seller/Breeder must be notified first

4. No Breeding

• Buyer agrees not to breed the puppy or use the dog for breeding purposes.

5. Mediation & Responsibility

• Any mediation shall be held in Fergus Falls, Minnesota

• Breeder is not responsible for mediation costs

• Buyer is solely responsible for entering into this contract and warrants lawful ownership

Breeder Agrees

1. Initial Health Guarantee

• Puppy has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and found in good health

• Puppy has received first vaccinations and worming (as recommended)

• Medical records will be provided at purchase

If within 72 hours of receiving the puppy, a licensed veterinarian finds a congenital defect, Buyer must:

1. Notify the Breeder

2. Provide a written statement from the veterinarian

3. Return the puppy and papers within three days of the exam

Breeder will replace the puppy or refund the purchase price, provided the puppy is returned in the same mental and physical condition.

Parasites (worms, fleas, mites, cocci, giardia, etc.) are not covered.

A monetary refund applies only if the puppy is returned within one week of pickup.

2. Hereditary Defects

Breeder has taken reasonable precautions to prevent hereditary defects of the hips, eyes, and heart, but due to unknown factors, no guarantee is given against them.

If diagnosed by a board‑certified specialist, Breeder may:

• Take the puppy back

• Refund all or part of the purchase price (at Breeder’s discretion)

Breeder reserves the right to:

• Obtain a second veterinary opinion

• Require DNA testing to confirm lineage

3. Communicable Diseases

Breeder is not responsible if the puppy contracts a communicable disease after leaving Breeder’s possession.

4. One‑Year Hereditary Guarantee

For one (1) year from birth, the puppy is guaranteed not to develop hereditary:

• Heart defects (excluding benign puppy murmurs)

• Hip or elbow dysplasia

• Cataracts

This guarantee is non‑transferable.

If diagnosed:

• Buyer must have the condition confirmed by OFA

• Seller will provide a replacement puppy, not a refund

• Buyer must provide veterinary documentation and OFA results (at Buyer’s expense)

• Breeder may require an exam by a veterinarian of their choice

If no puppies are available, Buyer may select from the next litter.

Conditions Required for Coverage

a) Puppy must be owned by the original Buyer  

b) In case of sudden death, Breeder must receive:

• Written notice from Buyer’s veterinarian

• A necropsy report stating cause of death

Breeder does not guarantee:

• Color

• Size

• Championship potential

• Temperament

Limitations of This Guarantee

This guarantee is non‑transferable.

The puppy must be in good physical condition.

No refund will be given if:

• A female has been bred

• Required veterinary documentation is not provided

Buyer is responsible for:

• All transportation costs

• All veterinary expenses on returned or replaced puppies

The Following Will Void All Guarantees

1. Unhealthy weight at any time

   • Underfed: ribs highly visible

   • Ideal: ribs easily felt, visible waist, tucked belly

   • Overfed: no waist, rounded belly

2. Neglect or abuse

3. Trauma or injury (broken bones, etc.)

4. Breeding the dog

5. Feeding anything other than:

   • Premium adult food

   • “All life stages” food

   • Or Large Breed Puppy food (must say “Large Breed” on the bag)

6. Strenuous exercise, including:

   • Treadmill use

   • Jogging

   • Excessive jumping or standing on hind legs

   • Excessive ball chasing, especially on slippery floors

Right of Recovery / Placement

If Buyer cannot keep the dog or provide an appropriate home:

• Dog must be returned to the Breeder

• Dog may not be sold, gifted, loaned, or transferred without Breeder’s written consent

• Dog may not be abandoned or surrendered to a shelter

Limited AKC Registration

Limited registration means:

• The dog is registered

• No litters produced by the dog are eligible for AKC registration

• Puppy may not be used for breeding

Registration

Breeder certifies the dog is eligible for Limited AKC Registration as a purebred Golden Retriever and will provide the proper forms at pickup.