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puppy health guarantee is a written agreement between a breeder and a buyer to ensure the puppy’s health and well-being. It protects both parties and reflects the breeder’s commitment to ethical practices. Here’s what a good health guarantee should include:
- Genetic Testing: Covers conditions like hip/elbow dysplasia, eye disorders (PRA, cataracts), and other hereditary issues with certifications from OFA or CERF.
- Health Records: Includes vaccination history, deworming treatments, initial vet check-ups, and health certificates.
- Coverage Period: Typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the breeder, for specific health issues.
- Buyer Requirements: Buyers must schedule a vet visit within 72 hours, maintain proper care, and follow spay/neuter agreements to keep the guarantee valid.
- Breeder Responsibilities: Provide detailed health documentation, disclose known health risks, and offer remedies like replacements or refunds if issues arise.
Quick Comparison of Breeder Guarantees
Pro Tip: Always review the guarantee’s fine print and ask for testing certifications before purchasing a puppy. A strong health guarantee ensures peace of mind and a healthier puppy
Breeders like Polar White Labs conduct these tests for puppies priced between $1,500 and $2,000. They also offer a 2-year guarantee covering genetic conditions.
Health Records and Shots
A breeder’s responsibility doesn’t stop at genetic testing. According to experts:
“The buyer should take their puppy to their veterinarian and make certain everything looks good, that the appropriate vaccinations have been given for the puppy’s age and have the opportunity to return the puppy in that time for a full refund should anything be amiss or not up to their expectations”
Here’s what should be documented:
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworming treatments
- Initial veterinary check-ups
- Health certificates
- Genetic testing results for the puppy’s parents
Genetic Health Coverage
Genetic health coverage is a critical part of any guarantee. The following conditions and documentation should be included:
| Condition |
Required Documentation |
| Genetic Disorders (EIC/CNM) |
DNA test results |
Genetic status is typically categorized as:
- Clear: No copies of mutant genes
- Carrier: One copy of the mutant gene
- Affected: Two copies of mutant genes
As one expert warns:
“If you call or email a breeder and they say, ‘Oh my veterinarian looked in my dog’s eyes and they are fine.’ RUN AWAY! This genetic defect can only be discovered by a certified canine ophthalmologist”
To ensure early detection of hereditary issues, annual CERF exams are recommended until the dog reaches eight years old.
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Breeder and Buyer Requirements
To ensure a valid health guarantee and the puppy’s well-being, both breeders and buyers must meet specific responsibilities.
Breeder Duties
Breeders play a crucial role in upholding the health guarantee. At Polar White Labs, breeders go the extra mile by conducting detailed health screenings and providing all necessary paperwork.
Here’s what breeders are responsible for:
- Health Testing and Documentation:
- Genetic test reports
- Vaccination records
- Health certificates issued by a veterinarian
- Transparency and Communication:
- Share any known health issues in the puppy’s lineage
- Clearly explain contract terms and warranty details
- Offer support for ongoing care questions
Buyer Duties
Buyers also have specific care and documentation requirements to keep the health guarantee valid.
| Timeframe |
Required Action |
Documentation Needed |
| Within 72 hours |
Initial veterinary examination |
Letter from veterinarian |
| Annually |
Wellness exams and vaccinations |
Updated vaccination records |
| As recommended |
Spay/neuter procedure |
Certification from veterinarian |
| Ongoing |
Provide proper care and nutrition |
Proof of appropriate maintenance |
Schedule a vet visit within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home, and make sure to complete regular wellness exams and vaccinations. Provide a safe environment, quality food, and daily exercise. You’ll also need to follow all guarantee terms, including registration and ownership rules. Failure to meet these responsibilities can void the guarantee.
Checking Health Guarantee Quality
After reviewing the main points, it’s time for a final quality check to ensure the health guarantee is thorough and reliable. Use these tips and questions to confirm the guarantee meets high standards.
Warning Signs
Be cautious if you notice any of these issues:
- Refunds offered only for returns due to health problems
- Vague testing requirements or unclear coverage terms
- Promises of “perfect health”
- Missing health records for the puppy’s parents
- Overly burdensome requirements for buyers
Questions for Breeders
If you spot any red flags, follow up with these specific questions to clarify the breeder’s practices:
| Category |
Questions to Ask |
Documents to Request |
|
|
|
| Health Screening |
Have cardiac, thyroid, or patella tests been conducted? |
Veterinary records |
| Parent History |
Are there any known health issues in the bloodline? |
Pedigree records |
| Coverage Terms |
What is the duration and scope of the guarantee? |
Contract details |
Getting it in Writing
When finalizing the agreement, make sure everything is documented:
Coverage Period
- Clearly outline the start and end dates of the coverage.
Health Conditions
- Specify which conditions are covered and confirm the tests that have been performed.
Resolution Process
- Detail the steps for addressing health issues, including required veterinary documentation, reporting deadlines, and available remedies (replacement, refund, or expense reimbursement).
“A key aspect of a responsible health guarantee is that the breeder can speak intelligently about the health and genetic risks for the puppy related to their breed and their particular family of dogs.” – Martine Huslig, Trixie’s Paw Prints
Conclusion
Main Points Review
A health guarantee reflects a breeder’s dedication to responsible practices and the well-being of their puppies. Essential aspects include
genetic testing,
current health certifications, and
clear terms for remedies. As Martine Huslig from
Paw Print Genetics puts it:
“The goal as a buyer is a healthy puppy, not getting money back when or if the puppy is not healthy”.
Quality guarantees typically cover critical areas, such as:
| Component |
Minimum Coverage Period |
Required Documentation |
| Heart/Eye Conditions |
13 months |
Cardiac certifications |
| Hip/Elbow Issues |
25 months |
OFA screening results |
| Initial Health Check |
48–72 hours |
Veterinary examination |
These factors help assess a breeder’s commitment to high standards.
Quality Breeding Practices
Respected breeders, like Polar White Labs, go beyond the basics by offering guarantees backed by comprehensive testing. Their 2-year health guarantee includes coverage for genetic conditions and ongoing support for new owners. This underscores the importance of the breeder-buyer relationship:
“The relationship with the breeder is far more important than a piece of paper”.
A reliable breeder should demonstrate:
- Expertise in breed-specific health risks
- Transparency about genetic testing
- Willingness to share detailed health records
- Clear explanations of guarantee terms
- Support throughout the dog’s life
As Martine Huslig notes:
“A key aspect of a responsible health guarantee is that the breeder can speak intelligently about the health and genetic risks for the puppy related to their breed and their particular family of dogs.”.
While health guarantees offer protection, they don’t always reflect ethical breeding. Experts caution that “the presence of a health guarantee certainly does not ensure that the puppy was well bred or that the breeder is ethical. It partially depends on the ‘fine print’ of the health guarantee”.
Choosing a breeder who values transparency, thorough testing, and ethical practices ensures not just a healthy puppy but also peace of mind for the buyer.
