Animal and consumer protection go hand in hand in the fight against the illegal puppy trade. Anyone who buys a dog is not obliged to conclude a purchase contract. But if problems arise after the purchase, for example because the animal suddenly becomes seriously ill or important papers such as the pet ID card turn out to be forged, the seller is often no longer available.
We strongly advise that when buying a dog, a Purchase contract to be on the safe side and to avoid misunderstandings.
Many people are looking for a four-legged friend on online portals. But the danger of falling for illegal puppy dealers is great. Even classified ad platforms such as ebay classified ads or Quoka cannot automatically identify criminals and filter out their ads in advance. So far, there has been no obligation for sellers on online platforms to identify themselves, and the advertised animals themselves do not have to be registered. Their origin is therefore not traceable after purchase. So everyone can quickly and easily create one or more profiles and sell dogs anonymously. The fact that the sale of puppies that are too young from abroad is forbidden does not deter criminals from advertising them anyway. The business is too lucrative! After the sale, the criminals usually disappear without a trace.
Many buyers often find out too late that they have become a victim of the puppy mafia. For example, if papers have been forged, the puppy you just bought is traumatized or, in the worst case, terminally ill. And suddenly the seller can no longer be reached, telephone number and e-mail address lead nowhere. Criminal prosecution is hardly possible. The consequences are high and often years-long veterinary costs or even the loss of the animal.
That’s why everyone who buys a dog should sign a purchase contract. We have drawn up a sample contract that you can use to record all the important details about the animal and the personal details of everyone involved.
Dog purchase agreement template
This Dog Purchase Agreement (the «Agreement») is made and entered into on this [date] by and between:
Seller: [Seller’s Name] Address: [Seller’s Address] Contact Number: [Seller’s Phone Number] Email: [Seller’s Email]
and
Buyer: [Buyer’s Name] Address: [Buyer’s Address] Contact Number: [Buyer’s Phone Number] Email: [Buyer’s Email]
Hereinafter collectively referred to as «Parties.»
- DESCRIPTION OF DOG: The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to purchase the following dog:
Breed: [Dog’s Breed] Name: [Dog’s Name] Date of Birth: [Dog’s Date of Birth] Color: [Dog’s Color] Gender: [Dog’s Gender] Microchip ID: [Dog’s Microchip ID] (if applicable) Any other identifying features: [e.g., distinctive markings]
- PURCHASE PRICE: The total purchase price for the above-described dog is [Purchase Price in USD] (USD), payable as follows:
- Initial Deposit: [Deposit Amount in USD] (USD) to be paid upon signing this Agreement.
- Remaining Balance: [Balance Amount in USD] (USD) to be paid in full upon the delivery or pickup of the dog.
- HEALTH GUARANTEE: The Seller certifies that, to the best of their knowledge, the dog is in good health at the time of sale and has received appropriate vaccinations and deworming. The Buyer is strongly advised to have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within [number of days, e.g., 3 days] of purchase. If the veterinarian determines that the dog is not in good health or has any serious health issues, the Buyer may return the dog to the Seller for a full refund of the purchase price.
- TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP: Upon receipt of the full payment, the Seller agrees to transfer full ownership and registration of the dog to the Buyer. The Seller will provide any necessary paperwork and documentation required for the transfer.
- DELIVERY/PICKUP OF DOG: The dog will be delivered/picked up by the Buyer on or before [date] unless otherwise agreed upon by both Parties. The Buyer is responsible for any additional transportation costs if the dog is to be delivered to a location other than the Seller’s address.
- WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS: a) The Seller represents that they are the legal owner of the dog and have the right to sell it. b) The Buyer acknowledges that they have had the opportunity to inspect the dog and have asked any questions they may have about the dog’s health, behavior, or history. c) The Seller makes no other warranties, express or implied, except as explicitly stated in this Agreement.
- BREACH AND REMEDIES: If either Party fails to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement, the non-breaching Party shall have the right to seek legal remedies, including but not limited to specific performance or monetary damages.
- GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [State/Country], without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
- ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties concerning the purchase of the dog and supersedes all prior agreements, oral or written.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Dog Purchase Agreement as of the date first above written.
Seller’s Signature: ________________________ Buyer’s Signature: ________________________ Seller’s Name (Printed): ____________________ Buyer’s Name (Printed): ____________________ Date: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________________________