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Health Warranty Guide

Standard breeder health warranty: scope, duration, covered conditions, and claim procedure.

⚠️Warranty terms vary by breeder. Always confirm scope, duration, claim procedure, and exclusions in the contract.

Industry Standard Periods

PeriodGradeNote
30-dayBaselineMinimum. Covers acute infections but insufficient for congenital diseases.
60–90 dayIndustry standardCommon for reputable breeders. Covers early-onset congenital.
6 monthsUpper tierCovers slower-onset issues like congenital cardiac/joint disease.
1 yearTop tierVery few top breeders. Combined with genetic testing.
LifetimeRareBreeders who take full responsibility, usually with conditions (no resale, no breeding).

Coverage Items

Congenital
Usually covered

Patellar luxation, cryptorchidism, heart murmur, cleft palate, liver shunt. Vet certificate required.

Hereditary
Breeder-dependent

PRA, HCM, PKD, DM. Coverage stronger if genetic testing done.

Acute infections
Usually covered

Parvo, distemper, corona, parainfluenza.

Parasites
Limited

Coccidia, giardia, roundworm. Depends on fecal test at handover.

Death warranty
Separate clause

Replacement or refund if death within 7–30 days. Strict conditions.

Injury / accident
Excluded

Injuries under buyer care are not covered.

Pre-existing (concealed)
Seller liability

Concealed conditions are the seller's responsibility under consumer law.

Claim Procedure (5 Steps)

1

Notify breeder within 24h

Report via messaging/phone/email. Log date, symptoms, photos.

2

Vet exam + certificate

Have the vet write 'possible congenital' and onset date. Keep receipts.

3

Submit claim docs

Send contract copy, certificate, receipts, photos, message log.

4

Negotiate remedy

Refund / treatment cost / replacement, per contract.

5

Escalate if unresolved

Contact BreederDirect office / consumer center / legal aid (Houterasu).

Tips to Maximize Warranty

  • Vet checkup within 3–7 days (evidence for claims)
  • Photograph/video the moment you notice symptoms (with timestamps)
  • Keep all breeder communication in writing (LINE/messaging/email)
  • Pet insurance covers what warranty doesn't (enroll on arrival day)
  • Read 'exclusions' carefully in your contract
  • Late reporting can void otherwise valid claims

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a health warranty required by law?

No. But under the Consumer Contract Act, hidden defects (concealed congenital conditions) are the seller's responsibility. Specific warranties are contractual.

Symptoms appeared inside the warranty but were first identified after. Covered?

Often judged by when symptoms were identified — a vet certificate dated inside the warranty supports a claim.

What does 'replacement individual' mean?

The breeder provides another puppy/kitten of equal quality. Suitable when you want another from the same breeder. Confirm timing.

What % refund is typical?

Death/untreatable: 100% standard. Treatable: partial refund (10–30%) or treatment cost share (50%) is common.

What if the breeder denies coverage and I disagree?

Contact BreederDirect office, the consumer center (188), legal aid (Houterasu), or hire a lawyer experienced in animal disputes. Gather certificates, contract, and messages first.

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