Weekly Website Wednesday -- Week #19
Puppy Health Guarantee's
In past NetKennel “Weekly Website Wednesday” posts, I’ve talked about the importance of having a puppy contract and keeping accurate records. This week, I want to focus on puppy health guarantees, explain what they are, why they’re useful, and what pitfalls a breeders should watch out for.
A puppy health guarantee is a written agreement between a breeder and a buyer that outlines the puppy’s current health status and the breeder’s responsibilities. Basically, it demonstrates that you’ve made every effort to raise healthy puppies, by vetting your breeding stock for genetic issues and standing behind the quality of your dogs. The guarantee offers peace of mind to buyers while clearly defining what happens if a health issue arises after purchase.
Most guarantees include a short-term clause allowing the buyer to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within a specified window. If a serious illness or congenital defect is discovered during that period, the breeder typically offers a refund, a replacement puppy, or the option to return the dog. This builds transparency and trust, setting the foundation for a positive relationship between the breeder and buyer.
Beyond the initial health check, many breeders include longer-term protection for genetic / congenital conditions that affect the puppy’s quality of life. This coverage may include disorders such as hip dysplasia, heart defects, or certain eye diseases. However, these clauses usually require veterinary documentation proving the condition is hereditary rather than the result of injury, environment, or poor care. Breeders often limit coverage to puppies that haven’t been bred, altered too early, or subjected to neglectful conditions.
To keep the guarantee valid, buyers also have responsibilities, such as taking the puppy to a vet within a required timeframe, keeping up with vaccinations and deworming, providing proper nutrition, and following the breeder’s care recommendations. Failure to meet these obligations can void the guarantee. Most agreements also specify what isn’t covered, like minor illnesses, parasites, allergies, and conditions common to the breed but not life-threatening. When clearly written and understood by both parties, a good health guarantee protects everyone involved.
Offering a health guarantee isn’t legally required, but it’s often a smart and professional practice. A well thought out guarantee shows that you stand behind your breeding program and care about transparency. It builds confidence, especially with first-time puppy buyers who may be wary of scams or hidden health problems. Many reputable breeders view health guarantees as both a buyer safeguard and a reflection of their breeding ethics.
That said, guarantees can also become liabilities if written poorly. Overly broad or vague promise, like guaranteeing a “healthy puppy” without defining terms, can create confusion and lead to disputes over issues outside your control. Financial and legal risks also come into play, refunds, replacements, and medical reimbursements can quickly add up, and unclear timelines may leave you vulnerable to claims years later.
To protect yourself, clearly define what’s covered and what’s excluded. Use precise language, such as “life-threatening congenital or hereditary defects verified by a licensed veterinarian”, and set firm deadlines for claims. Require veterinary documentation and make sure your contract aligns with any local laws, which might override private agreements.
The best approach is usually a limited, well-defined health guarantee that covers infectious diseases discovered shortly after purchase and serious hereditary conditions confirmed by a veterinarian. Exclude problems caused by injury, neglect, or environmental factors. Combined with honest recordkeeping, proper health testing, and open communication, a clear and balanced health guarantee gives buyers confidence while protecting your reputation as a responsible breeder.
I’ve put together a sample Health Guarantee that you can download, you’ll find the link to it here : https://netkennel.com/photos/pdf/1762993901/1762993901.pdf
