At San Diego Goldens, we take the responsibility of breeding and placing puppies very seriously. Every puppy we raise is a part of our extended family, and we want to ensure that their transition into their forever homes is safe, smooth, and supported. To do this, we use a carefully crafted Contract that outlines our commitments as a breeder and your responsibilities as a puppy owner.
Below, we’ve broken down the main points of our contract so you know what to expect when inquiring about a San Diego Goldens puppy.
📄 What’s Included in Our Puppy Contract?
1. Purchase Terms
The total price of your puppy is agreed upon before pick-up, with a non-refundable deposit required to reserve your spot. The balance is due at the time of pickup or prior to delivery.
2. Health Guarantee
We guarantee that your puppy is healthy and has received proper veterinary care before going home. Buyers have 72 hours to have their puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian. If the puppy is found to have a serious health condition at that time, and the Buyer provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian, the puppy may be returned to the Breeder for a full refund or replacement. We also offer a 24-month genetic health guarantee against life-threatening hereditary conditions.
3. Spay/Neuter Agreement
Unless explicitly sold with breeding rights, puppies are placed as companions only and must be properly managed to ensure breeding does not occur (accidental or otherwise). This is critical for maintaining responsible breeding standards and protecting the integrity of our program. We do not require spaying or neutering due to new evidence of lifelong health benefits of keeping animals intact. If you choose to surgically sterilize, waiting until 24 months of age is best for the joint development and overall health of the dog. Spaying or neutering prior to 24 months of age voids the health guarantee.
4. Registration & Microchipping
Each puppy is microchipped and registered with AKC using the prefix of San Diego Goldens. We remain listed as a secondary contact on the microchip for your puppy’s safety. Puppies are placed with either limited or full registration, depending on the agreement made. Rarely do we offer full registration, and only do so after the dog is 24 months of age and all breed-specific health recommended tests are complete.
5. No Guarantees on Future Performance or Appearance
We breed to produce healthy, beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments, but genetics and environment play a role in development. We do not guarantee show success, breeding potential, size, or coat, as each dog is unique and develops differently.
6. Return & Rehoming Policy
If, for any reason, you are no longer able to care for your dog, you must return the dog to us. No puppy from our program is ever to be rehomed, taken to a shelter, rescue, or sold to another party. We will always take our dogs back, no matter their age or circumstances. Returning a dog to us does not guarantee a monetary refund.
7. Buyer Responsibilities
We ask that you provide:
- Proper veterinary care
- High-quality nutrition
- A safe, loving, indoor home
- Socialization and training
You also agree to notify us of any serious health or behavioral concerns throughout the dog’s life.
8. Limitation of Guarantees
Our health guarantee does not cover conditions caused by neglect, trauma, or environmental stress, nor does it include minor, treatable illnesses.
9. Legal Jurisdiction
This contract is legally binding and enforceable in the state of California. Any disputes will be handled under that jurisdiction.
✍️ Signing the Contract
Both parties—Breeder and Buyer—will sign the final contract before the puppy goes home. This document ensures clarity, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to giving the puppy the best life possible.
If you’re considering bringing home a puppy from San Diego Goldens, we encourage you to read through the contract carefully and reach out with any questions. Our goal is not just to place puppies, but to build lasting relationships with families who love them as much as we do.
Have questions or ready to reserve your puppy? Contact us!