Contract of sale: important when buying a dog
Many future pet owners often do not think about a purchase contract when they want to acquire a dog. But if difficulties arise after the purchase, a contract of sale can avoid a lot of trouble. Here you can find out what should be included.
The joy of having a new pet is great and in the excitement you can forget a lot of things. However, you should not simply let a purchase contract fall under the table – no matter how great the anticipation is and no matter how sympathetic you find the breeder.
Purchase contract for a living creature: Strangely factual, but important
When you acquire a dog and get it from a breeder, a contract of sale is essential. The factual wording in this document may be downright offensive to any dog lover, but before the law the purchase of a four-legged friend is equated with that of a tangible object. Therefore, the contract also speaks of “defects” and “intended use”, although one would never speak so coldly and soberly about the new family member.
Breeders have prepared purchase contracts ready, which you only have to fill in. You can also find a whole range of sample contracts on the Internet – especially on the websites of the relevant breed clubs.
Components of the purchase contract: checklist
Some data should always be included in the contract of sale for the dog:
● Name & address of the kennel
● Name & address of the buyer
● Purchase price
● Official litter name of the dog
● Registration number in the stud book
● Breed
● Sex
● Color & other characteristics
● Chip number
● Neutered: yes/no
● Name of parents
Defects & right of withdrawal
Defects, for example deviations from the breed standard or diseases, should always be marked in the contract: If your new best friend is unwell before purchase, a veterinary purchase examination documents the condition of your four-legged friend. In addition, the breeder agrees to present the animal unadulterated – that is, without the influence of medication. In return, you accept that the dog may develop new defects during its life.
Another important point is the seller’s right of withdrawal. In it, the species-appropriate husbandry of the dog is guaranteed. This clause comes into force if you make false statements. Only three years after the transfer, the right expires, until then you have to return your darling in case of violation. Control visits in the period of two weeks after you have acquired your dog are also allowed.
If you want to give the dog away, the breeder always has the right of first refusal. The breeder must usually agree in advance to a sale to another person.
Security & other documents
For a serious breeder, the contract of sale is a matter of course. In addition to the purchase contract, you will also receive the completed vaccination passport, the animal passport and a document that certifies the acceptance of the litter by the breed warden. Should a breeder prefer to handle the transfer without documents, you should refrain from buying.
Even if your animal does not come from the breeder, a contract of sale is still a good idea. Should disputes arise, you will have a solid basis for further steps if a legal dispute arises. After all, when you buy a dog, many hundreds of euros often go over the table. What is there a little work to sign a contract of sale?
