Our Puppy Contract

Wayward Trails Kennels: Puppy Purchase Overview & Policies

We want every puppy to transition smoothly into their new home and ensure both parties are fully protected. Below is an overview of our adoption process, guarantees, and buyer commitments as outlined in our standard contract.

1. Deposits & Payments

• Deposit: A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a puppy.

• Forfeiture: The deposit and all rights to the dog are forfeited if the buyer fails to complete the purchase for any reason or fails to pay the remaining balance within 2 days of the agreed delivery date.

• Seller Cancellation: If a puppy becomes unavailable due to illness, death, or circumstances on our end, your deposit is fully refundable or can be transferred to a future litter or another puppy if available (at your option).

• Balance Payments: Final balances can be paid via cash, cashier’s check, money order, Venmo, or Good Dog. I no longer accept personal checks.

2. Health Guarantee & Vet Checks

• Purebred Guarantee: We guarantee that your puppy is a purebred AKC Australian Shepherd from the documented sire and dam.

• Initial Health Check: Buyers have 2 days from the delivery date to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian at the buyer's expense. If the puppy fails the exam, they may be returned with a written veterinarian statement for a full refund.

• Exclusions: The health guarantee does not cover allergies, undescended testicles, loose knees or hips, hernias, dermatitis, demodetic mange, heat stroke, or issues caused by neglect, abuse, or improper socialization.

3. Buyer Commitments & Care Requirements

• Spay/Neuter: Buyers agree to have the dog spayed or neutered by 12 months of age. AKC registration papers are held by the seller until proof of spay/neuter is provided.

• Living Arrangements: Puppies are sold as companion pets to live indoors/with the family. Buyers agree to provide adequate secure fencing, proper nutrition, routine veterinary care (vaccines, deworming, heartworm prevention), and will not chain, tether, or permanently house the dog in an outdoor kennel.

• Prohibited Transfers: Buyers agree never to sell or surrender the dog to a pet shop, retail store, dealer, animal testing/research facility, or shelter.

4. Lifetime Return Policy

• Safe Haven Clause: To ensure none of our dogs ever end up in a shelter or face euthanasia, Wayward Trails Kennels will take back the dog at any point during its lifetime.

• Right of First Refusal: If you can no longer keep the dog, we retain the first right to have the dog returned to us.