Pet Sale Contract Checklist
Eight sections and ~40 checklist items for breeder sale contracts.
⚠️Animal dealers are legally required to provide written documents. Sales without a contract are unlawful.
1. Parties & basic info
- ☑Seller name, address, animal-handling license number (Type 1, Sales)
- ☑Animal-handling manager name
- ☑Buyer name, address, contact
- ☑Contract date
2. Specimen identification
- ☑Breed, color, sex
- ☑Date of birth (note if estimated)
- ☑Microchip number (must be implanted)
- ☑Pedigree (PED) number and registry
- ☑Identification photo
- ☑Parent names and pedigree numbers
3. Price & payment
- ☑Sale price (tax-incl. or excl.)
- ☑Payment method (bank transfer / cash on pickup, etc.)
- ☑Payment timing (at contract / handover / installment)
- ☑Deposit if any
- ☑Receipt issuance terms
4. Transfer terms
- ☑Date and place of transfer
- ☑Transfer method (in-person / ground transport / air)
- ☑Who pays transport
- ☑Witnesses at transfer
- ☑Documents handed over (pedigree, health certificate, vaccine record, microchip cert., care guide)
5. Health warranty
- ☑Coverage scope (congenital / infectious / death)
- ☑Duration (30 / 60 / 180 days post transfer)
- ☑Trigger conditions (vet certificate required, etc.)
- ☑Remedy (refund / replacement / treatment cost)
- ☑Exclusions (buyer mismanagement / accident / pre-existing)
- ☑Claim procedure (deadlines, required docs)
6. Animal Welfare Act items
- ☑Written 18-item explanation receipt
- ☑In-person inspection date / place
- ☑Confirmation of transfer at 56+ days (49 days / 7 weeks for designated native breeds acquired directly from the breeder)
- ☑Breeder info (if separate from seller)
7. Cancellation
- ☑Cooling-off (generally excluded for live animals)
- ☑Buyer-initiated cancellation: deposit / price treatment
- ☑Seller-initiated cancellation: refund terms
- ☑Death / health change before transfer
8. Other key clauses
- ☑No-breeding clause (puppy mill prevention)
- ☑No-resale clause
- ☑Spay/neuter recommendation / obligation
- ☑Dispute resolution (jurisdiction)
- ☑Personal data handling
Contract Red Flags
- ⚠️Oral agreement only; no written contract
- ⚠️Health warranty scope / period not specified
- ⚠️Only 'as-is / no claim / no return' wording
- ⚠️Seller's animal-handling license number not listed
- ⚠️No 18-item explanation receipt section
- ⚠️Breeder different from seller but breeder info blank
- ⚠️Pressured for immediate payment without review time
- ⚠️Buyer not given a copy of the contract
Tips When Signing
- •Read every clause before signing; ask about anything unclear
- •Two original copies, signed by both, one each
- •If using e-signing, save the PDF
- •Put all verbal promises into writing
- •If warranty terms are in an attached sheet, collect that too
- •Get a vet checkup within 1 week (basis for warranty claims)
- •Keep arrival photos and health certificate for disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to buy without a written contract?
Animal dealers are legally required to provide written documents (Animal Welfare Act Art. 21-4). Selling without a contract is unlawful and severely limits your legal remedies. Avoid such sellers.
What is a standard health warranty period?
Industry standard is 30–90 days; reputable breeders may offer 6 months to 1 year. Because congenital conditions can take time to manifest, we recommend ≥90 days.
What about 'no claim / no return' clauses?
Live animals are not used goods; consumer protection law and the Animal Welfare Act apply. A blanket 'no claim' line does not relieve sellers of all responsibility. However, you must obtain a vet certificate early when suspecting congenital issues.
Are e-signatures valid?
Yes, the Electronic Signature Act gives them the same effect as paper. Save the signed PDF. In-person inspection and explanation still cannot be replaced online.
Can I cancel after signing?
Cooling-off generally does not apply to live-animal sales. Buyer-initiated cancellation usually forfeits the deposit. If the seller cannot perform (e.g., the animal dies), full refund is standard. Check the contract.