Can a Breeder Take Back a Dog?

After making the decision to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, you may have a lot of questions. Most of these will be answered in your purchase contract with the breeder. This contract will lay out the terms of purchase, as well as any rights the breeder will have to the dog after the sale is final. The wording of this contract will determine whether the breeder will take your dog back if you for some reason can no longer care for it, as well as if they can take it back if you violate the terms of the contract.

Can A Breeder Take Back a Dog?

The reasons a breeder may take back a dog vary. It could be because you’ve violated your contract with them and are not providing a good home for the dog. Or it could be because you’ve decided to return the dog as it is not a good fit for your family or you lifestyle. Whatever the reason, the terms for return or repossession will be laid out in the purchasing contract that you and the breeder signed when you bought your puppy from them.

Is It Legal for a Breeder to Repossess My Dog?

Contracts are legally binding documents that hold both parties accountable to their terms.

If you are wondering about the terms and conditions of your contract and the specific ways they could be interpreted, please consult a legal professional.

That being said, if the contract you have with your breeder states that they can, and both parties signed this contract, then it would be within their legal rights for a breeder to repossess your dog if you are in violation of the contract terms.

Do Dog Breeder Contracts Hold Up in Court?

As long as both parties have read and agreed to the contract terms, there is no reason that the contract should not hold up in court.

Breeder Took Back My Puppy Without My Consent! [What Can I Do]?

If, somehow, the breeder that you bought your puppy from was able to get your puppy away from you without your consent or knowledge, that would be a major violation of most standard breeder contracts.

You should contact a legal professional and review your breeder contract with them to ensure that this is indeed, a violation. They will advise you on next steps.

Breeder Wants Dog Back [What Can I Do]?

When a breeder sells you your puppy they relinquish all legal rights to the animal to you, unless otherwise stated in your contract.

Discuss with your breeder why they are wanting the dog back.

If things come to a misunderstanding, then it might be time for legal help. Review your contract and look at the language surrounding the rights to the animal.

Rehoming My Puppy Does the Breeder Have a Say?

Most breeders will want to keep track of their puppies throughout their life to make sure they are healthy and in good homes.

Reputable breeders will usually include language in the contract stating they must be notified if the puppy is being rehomed.

Even if it’s to one of your dear friends or family members who will continue to take good care of the puppy, a reputable breeder will want to know.

Depending on the contract language, they may also have a say in where the puppy ends up.

Trying To Obtain a Refund from Breeder

Reputable breeders just want to the best lives for their puppies, whether they are show puppies or just loved pets.

Because of this, most breeders will include a return policy if, for some reason, the puppy is not a good fit for your family.

Any refund policy and terms will be laid out to you when you purchase your puppy.

Can I Sue a Breeder?

When you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, they will have in-depth purchase contracts that cover a variety of topics – anything from health concerns to returning the puppy to immunization schedules.

If you feel that your breeder has violated their end of the contract somehow, contact a legal professional for further advice.

Should I (As A Breeder) Accept the Return of a Sold Puppy?

If you are a breeder who cares about their puppies and the lives that they get to live, then absolutely you should accept the return of a puppy.

Life happens – sometimes financial troubles arise, sometimes people have to relocate, illnesses, deaths, and a variety of other problems could cause someone to have to return their puppy.

As a reputable breeder, allowing the return of a sold puppy ensures that none of your puppies will end up in shelters or bad homes.

Does A Breeder Have to Take a Puppy Back?

A breeder does not have to take a puppy back unless it has been specifically written into the contract language.

That being said, if you purchased your puppy from a reputable breeder they would rather you return the puppy to them than find it a subpar home or place it in a shelter.

Good breeders will be understanding of life changes, and they will want to make sure their puppy is cared for.

If a Dog Breeder Sells Me a Puppy with Genetic Fault, Can I Return It?

This is very much dependent on the terms of the contract you signed with the breeder upon purchasing the puppy.

Some breeders will have language in their contracts pertaining to genetic conditions and providing a guarantee in regards to returning the puppy.

These are the very reputable breeders, however. If you purchased your puppy from a a backyard breeder and did not sign a contract upon purchase, then legally all rights tot he animal are yours and they are your sole responsibility and the breeder is under no obligation to take it back.

What Should I Do If a Dog Breeder Insists on Visiting a Puppy They Sold You?

This might be written into your purchase contract. If it is something you are not comfortable with, make sure you address it before signing anything.

Some breeders will want to visit the puppy they sold you at certain intervals in the puppy’s life.

This is so that they can follow up on its care, making sure it is in a good home and being treated well, as well as to follow up on how the puppy grows and develops. This is how they can refine their breeding program to make sure they know more about the next litter of puppies from the same dam and sire.

Most reputable breeders will write these visits into their contract, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you.

Is It Cruel to Return a Puppy?

There are many reasons someone might choose to return their puppy.

If you are returning the puppy after it has formed a deep bond with your family, then it will be very painful for the puppy and can lead to behavioral issues later on.

However, if you realize after a week or two that the puppy is not the right fit for your family, or your circumstances have changed, then returning the puppy to the breeder might be the best thing you can do for it.

Can I Return a Dog I Bought?

If you bought your dog from the shelter or a pound, then you can always return the dog to the shelter if it is not working out.

If you got a dog from a foster family, you can also always return to the dog to the foster family if they have the room for them.

If you purchased a dog from someone in your neighborhood, or off of a site like Craigslist, then you won’t be able to return the dog.

What Is a Pup Back Deal?

When purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, they will inevitably have you sign a contract.

A pup back deal is a form of a puppy contract that allows you to return the puppy within a specified amount of time if the dog isn’t a good fit for your lifestyle or your family.

Usually, the terms of the deal will be fairly straightforward and clear.

When Should You Return a Puppy to the Breeder?

There are several instances when you might need to return your puppy to a breeder:

If the puppy starts to show behavioral issues that signal it is uncomfortable with your family or in your house.
If you are no longer able to care for the puppy – this could be because of financial issues, having to relocate, or illness.
If the puppy is not a good fit for your lifestyle – for example, if the puppy has lots of energy and needs to run around but you live in a small apartment with no yard.

Are Breeders Obligated to Accept Returned Puppies?

Unless a return policy has been explicitly laid out in the purchase contract, breeders are under no legal obligation to accept a puppy return.

After selling a puppy, all of the legal rights and responsibilities for the puppy move to the new owner.

What Do Breeders Do with Returned Puppies, Are They Put Down 🙁 ?

Reputable breeders love their puppies, each and every one of them, and they take pride in them.

Returning your puppy to a good breeder is no cause for worry.

The puppy will either live with the breeder on their property, or the breeder will find another home for it.

Legal Rights When Buying a Dog?

The purchase of an animal in most places constitutes a contractual agreement between parties.

Those who are licensed to sell dogs will be the ones providing a more in depth, formal contract to their buyers.

But even if you purchase a dog and don’t sign a binding contract, most places have laws in place that govern such transactions.

Look into the laws in place where you live for more detailed information on what legal rights you have when buying a dog.

What Happens If You Breed a Dog Without Breeding Rights?

Many people all over the world are breeding dogs without breeding rights.

Breeding rights are simply what will allow you to register youdog with the kennel club of your choice.

If you do not wish to ever register your dog with a club, then it is not important to have the breeding rights.

What Do Breeders Do with Returned Dogs

If you return your dog to your breeder then they may do a couple of things.

They might try to rehome it, depending on the age of the dog when you return it.

Or they might just keep it. If they don’t find a suitable home for the dog, they might keep it as a pet, or decide to breed it if it has qualities they like.

Can A Breeder Force You to Spay Your Dog?

Reputable breeders will invariably place spay and neuter requirements into their contracts.

Some breeders may want you to wait until the dog is a certain age before you get them fixed, but every good breeder will require that the dog be spayed or neutered.

These requirements will be all laid out in the purchase contract, and if you do not abide by that contract then the breeder may take legal action against you.

References

Sign Right Here: Everything You Need to Know About Breeder Contracts

Are Dog Breeder Contracts Enforceable?

https://www.petmd.com/blogs/purelypuppy/lradosta/2013/march/when-should-a-puppy-be-returned-to-the-breeder-29959

https://www.animallaw.info/intro/pet-purchaser-protectionpuppy-lemon-laws

Can a Breeder Take Back a Dog?