I. The Breeder and Buyer agree as follows
1. Deposit
A non-refundable Reservation Fee and Deposit (entered above) will be paid to Breeder and shall be applied to the final Purchase Price. Buyer acknowledges that the Reservation Fee and Deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances and non-transferable. By signing this contract, along with a Reservation Fee and Deposit, you have reserved the above-named puppy of your choice until it is ready to leave its mother at 10 or 12 weeks old, by a breeder-determined date based upon weight. The Reservation Fee and Deposit will guarantee that the requested puppy will be reserved for you. Only in the event of injury, illness, or death will you receive a full refund. There is no guarantee on size, and if the puppy is tracking to weigh more or less than originally anticipated that will not warrant a refund of your Reservation Fee and Deposit. Balance MUST be paid in installments and in full prior to the date of 10 weeks, otherwise you forfeit all of your Reservation Fee, Deposit and Installments, and the puppy can be sold elsewhere. Your remaining balance is due upon delivery or pickup. Only cash or Zelle will be accepted for all payments.
2. Purchase Price
Breeder and Buyer agree that (a) the Reservation Fee, Deposit and Purchase Installment payments shall be applied to the final purchase price of the puppy and (b) the remaining balance will become due before the puppy ownership is transferred from Breeder to Buyer and before the puppy is picked up from Breeder's home. Each installment payment is non-refundable per this agreement. All payments must be paid in cash or Zelle.
3. Unauthorized Breeding
The puppy/dog is being sold solely as a companion and breeding of the puppy/dog is expressly prohibited. If at any time the puppy/dog has produced any offspring, (a) Buyer must return the puppy/dog to Breeder immediately and pay Breeder $2,500 per puppy of offspring, and (b) all of Breeder's warranties set forth in this Agreement will become null and void.
4a. Breeder's Obligations — Ownership
Breeder is the lawful owner of the puppy and has the right to transfer ownership of the puppy to Buyer. Ownership of the puppy will be transferred to Buyer upon Buyer's payment of the full Purchase Price.
4b. State of Health; Short-Term Health Warranty
The puppy was previously examined by a licensed veterinarian on the date entered above and was found to be in good health at that time, as recorded in the health records provided to Buyer. Buyer, at its own expense, must have the puppy/dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receiving the puppy (the “Examination Period”) for the Short-Term and Long-Term Health Warranty to be valid. If the puppy is not examined within the Examination Period the Short-Term and Long-Term Health Warranty is null and void. Please ensure that the puppy is kept in a kennel or closed carrier in the waiting room of a veterinary office, and that the exam room is properly disinfected before the appointment. If, within the Examination Period, a licensed veterinarian finds the puppy to be unhealthy or unfit for sale outside the health issues in this section, the puppy may be returned to Breeder for a full refund of the Purchase Price. The veterinarian must provide a written statement deeming the puppy “unfit for purchase”, which must be sent to Breeder within 48 hours of the veterinary examination. Breeder will be given the opportunity to take the puppy/dog to a licensed veterinarian of Breeder's choice for examination. The foregoing warranty expressly excludes any health issues caused by Buyer's ill-treatment, abuse or neglect, any health issues that result from the puppy's transportation from Breeder to Buyer, and all minor illnesses and health issues, including upper respiratory infections, allergic reactions, stress colitis/diarrhea, hypoglycemia, coccidiosis, giardia, parasites, worms, bacterial infection, parvovirus, coronavirus or any other disorders caused by environmental factors, UTIs, vaginitis or umbilical hernias, luxating patella, collapsed trachea, non-erect ears, undescended testicles or ovary issues, over or under bite. The puppy must be maintained at an appropriate body weight and condition. There is no warranty of the puppy's breeding abilities, genetic breed, show quality, fur, colour, size, or temperament.
4c. Long-Term Health Warranty
Breeder provides a 12 month warranty from the puppy's date of birth against any debilitating congenital conditions. For purposes of this section, “debilitating congenital conditions” include a hereditary defect that seriously impacts the quality of life or warrants euthanasia. In the event the puppy/dog exhibits symptoms of a suspected debilitating congenital condition, Buyer must immediately inform Breeder in writing and supply any requested veterinary records to Breeder within seven days of diagnosis. Breeder will be given the opportunity to take the puppy/dog to a licensed veterinarian of Breeder's choice for examination, including if the dog dies. A necropsy is mandatory if the dog passes away of a suspected debilitating congenital condition, and the necropsy will be at the cost of the Buyer. If necropsy results are undetermined or the diagnosis inconclusive, the warranty is null and void. If the puppy/dog is euthanized or in any way disposed of without an opinion from the Breeder's veterinarian, the Buyer waives all rights to a replacement puppy and a refund. This Long-Term Health Warranty does not cover retained baby teeth, upper respiratory infections, allergic reactions or allergies, adverse reactions from immunizations, stress colitis/diarrhea, UTIs, vaginitis, luxating patella, collapsed trachea, liver shunt, non-erect ears, over or underbite, eye or hearing conditions, endocrine disorders, or cancer. Issues that are not usually life threatening and common to repair during spay/neuter, such as undescended testicles, ovary issues or hernias, will not warrant a refund. Breeder is not responsible for miscellaneous problems that are treatable such as hypoglycemia, coccidiosis, giardia, cryptosporidium, parasites, bacterial infection, parvovirus, coronavirus, ear mites or any other disorders caused by environmental factors. Physical problems which result from injury are not covered under this warranty. The Buyer is not entitled to a refund and all expenses and vet charges incurred by the Buyer after the puppy leaves the Breeder's home are their sole responsibility. This warranty applies to the original Buyer only and is not transferable to a second party.
4d. Health care expense
In avoidance of doubt, it is to be clearly understood that the Breeder does not, under any circumstances, accept responsibility for any veterinarian and/or health care expense.
4e. Immunization Disclosure
Breeder and Buyer are aware that small breed dogs can experience severe adverse reactions to the DAP vaccine that can result in death. The Breeder is not held responsible for the outcome or reactions to any immunizations to this puppy now or in the future. The Breeder is not an advocate of vaccines and highly encourages the Buyer to conduct an integrative protocol and titers, as well as discuss alternative options to building the immunity of the puppy prior to administering immunizations. If the Buyer decides to administer immunizations, it is encouraged that the Buyer follow an integrative veterinary care protocol and wait until the puppy is a minimum of 10 weeks old for any vaccine. It is also advised that if vaccines are administered, pre-medicating the puppy should be discussed with the Buyer's veterinarian as an option to reduce any possible reactions. In avoidance of doubt, if any immunizations are administered prior to 10 weeks of age, the Short-Term and Long-Term Health Warranty will be null and void for any future illnesses.
4f. Returns / Refunds
If it is determined by a licensed veterinarian that the puppy/dog (i) was “unfit for purchase” or (ii) has a genetic disorder that is identified within the warranty periods described above, the Buyer may (x) return the puppy/dog and receive reimbursement of the original Purchase Price or (y) keep the puppy/dog and receive reimbursement for any veterinary expenses related to the illness, provided that such reimbursements will not exceed the Purchase Price amount. Should the puppy/dog be returned or exchanged according to the terms of this section, Buyer shall be responsible for any and all transportation expenses, veterinarian charges, crate fees, air freight charges, and transport fees.
4g. No Other Warranties
No other warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, are made by Breeder, and the puppy/dog is sold and delivered in an “as is” condition and breed, except as expressly and specifically set forth herein.
II. Buyer's Obligations — Proper Care
Buyer will provide good and proper care of the puppy. Such care includes providing adequate housing and protection from the elements, a safe (preferably fenced) exercise area, and proper and sufficient nutrition. Buyer will provide proper veterinary care throughout the puppy/dog's lifetime, which includes dental cleaning and other preventative measures.
II.b Care to Prevent Orthopedic Conditions
Buyer will provide proper nutrition to support ideal growth and maintain optimum body condition, and will not overfeed the puppy/dog nor allow it to become overweight. Buyer will provide proper daily exercise to maintain the puppy/dog in good condition, but no forced exercise (such as jogging) until the puppy/dog is full grown or the activity is approved by a licensed veterinarian. Buyer will avoid stress injuries, such as not allowing the puppy/dog to jump from or over heights taller than itself at the shoulder until the puppy/dog is full grown or the activity is approved by a licensed veterinarian.
II.c Trupanion Health Pet Insurance
Buyer agrees to register and enroll their puppy with the free 30-day trial period provided by the Breeder at time of pick up. The Buyer must enroll within 24 hours of picking up the puppy. If the Buyer fails to register and enroll the puppy in the Trupanion Health Pet Insurance free 30-day trial period, the Buyer takes full financial responsibility for all illnesses, issues, health challenges, injuries or diagnoses that occur. If the puppy is not registered and enrolled within the 24 hour period from pick up, the Short-Term and Long-Term Health Warranty is null and void.
II.d Sale Prohibition
Buyer is not acting as an agent in the purchase of the puppy/dog. Buyer agrees neither the puppy/dog, nor any offspring of the puppy/dog, shall be used for purposes of vivisection or research. Buyer also agrees neither the puppy/dog, nor any progeny of the puppy/dog, shall be sold by or through any commercial broker or wholesale establishment, any chain store, catalog sales house, broker or pet store.
II.e Restrictions on Transfer
If, at any time, Buyer is unable to keep or care for the puppy/dog (including upon Buyer's death or incapacity), at Breeder's sole election, the puppy shall be (a) returned to Breeder together with duly executed documentation transferring Buyer's ownership interest in the puppy/dog to Breeder, or (b) if Buyer is married or has a partner, sole ownership belongs to the person whose name and signature is documented within the contract only. If any disputes between parties arise, the puppy shall be returned to Breeder together with duly executed documentation transferring Buyer's ownership interest in the puppy/dog.
II.f Rehoming and No Transfer Outside the United States
If, following receipt, Breeder decides to rehome the puppy/dog, Breeder may elect to refund Buyer a portion of the original Purchase Price after deducting applicable maintenance, training, veterinary and other costs. Such refund amount shall be determined by Breeder in its sole discretion. Buyer acknowledges that the refund amount may be significantly less than the puppy/dog's original Purchase Price depending upon the age, training, and condition of the puppy/dog. Buyer further agrees that the puppy/dog will not be sold to anyone residing outside of the United States without Breeder's prior written approval.
II.g Breach by Buyer
Buyer's breach of any of the foregoing obligations shall result in Breeder's warranties set forth in this Agreement being null and void.
III. Ongoing Communications
Both parties agree to promptly notify the other of any change of address, email or phone number. Buyer agrees to (a) maintain contact with Breeder regarding the puppy/dog at least once each calendar year, and to reply as promptly as possible to inquiries about the puppy/dog from Breeder; and (b) inform Breeder of any major change in the health of the puppy/dog throughout the puppy/dog's life, including but not limited to cancer, epilepsy, heart, eye or hearing conditions, allergies, bleeding disorders or autoimmune disease, and behaviour problems particularly fear, anxiety or aggression. Buyer will, upon the natural or accidental death of the puppy/dog, promptly notify Breeder of the particulars of the animal's death.
IV. Remedy for Mistreatment
If the Breeder feels the puppy/dog is not getting proper care and treatment, Breeder has the right to have the puppy/dog examined by a licensed veterinarian. If such veterinarian finds the puppy/dog to be a victim of ill-treatment, abuse or neglect, (a) Breeder has the right to take full possession of the puppy/dog and (b) all Breeder warranties herein shall become null and void. For the avoidance of doubt, if Breeder takes possession of the puppy/dog in accordance with this section, Buyer shall not be entitled to any refunds of any payments made to Breeder.
V. Agreement to Mediate
If a dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or the alleged breach thereof, and if the dispute is not settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. The process shall be confidential based on terms acceptable to the mediator and/or mediation service provider. In any action, proceeding, or arbitration between Breeder and Buyer arising out of this contract, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees, costs, and penalties from the non-prevailing party.
VI. Confidentiality of Disputes
Breeder and Buyer agree that, in the event of a dispute between them, neither will publish or communicate the existence or content of such dispute in any media or forum, including social media, provided that this provision shall not prevent either party from bringing legal action or engaging in confidential mediation.
VII. Governing Law
This Agreement, and all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. This contract shall be deemed a legally binding contract and is under the jurisdiction of Barnstable County in the State of Massachusetts.
VIII. Miscellaneous
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, discussions and understandings, written or oral, between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Neither party may assign, transfer, or subcontract any obligations or rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party. No changes, modifications or waivers to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be illegal or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and such counterparts together shall constitute the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Breeder and Buyer have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.
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