A question for breeders who screen clients...?

Question

...and have puppy contracts.

I have been interviewing a man interested in my puppies. He has passed all of my requirements so far, though we still have to see if he bonds well with the puppy he wants. (If not, he said he'd happily wait for another litter.) He is a natural with my dogs and has been living with my breed (Boston Terriers) for most of his life. His references are staggering, & all of them checked out and had wonderful things to say about him.

Now, the question... Would any of you hesitate because he is in his 80s? What *extra* measures, if any, would you take to be sure that the puppy came back to you or an approved family member if this kind gentleman passes away or enters a care facility during the life of the puppy? (I do have the standard clause in my contract. Will that be enough, legally?)

I know that there is this risk with any client, no matter the age, but I was curious if any of you would handle it differently.

Wonderful answers so far! Thank you!

My instincts definitely tell me that this man would be a wonderful home for a puppy, I just want to be *extra* sure that that clause is followed. As said, sometimes the fine print is missed.

I *always* stay in contact with my clients, so I will know if something happens. He only lives about 30 miles away. That makes me feel a bit better, knowing that she (the puppy) will be close-by.

Thank you for all of the suggestions and reassurance!

Answer 1

I require a 'god-parent' for the dog, for anyone who appears to be over 50...
Just a short form that he has a friend or relative sign that states they will be responsible for the dog if Mr Nice's living situation should change, so that he is unable to care for it.....Sometimes these god- parents want to take the dog themselves, and sometimes they just promise to get it back to me...It doesn't matter to me which they choose to do...
I began doing this after a dog from my kennel ended up in rescue. The couple had moved to an assisted living arrangement, because of a stroke, (they still seemd pretty young) and left the dog behind with an idiot..
I guess we learn the hard way....sigh

Edit: the 'god-parent' is given my contact info on a nice form, not just a business card..You can pick up 'certificate' blanks at your stationery store...Make a big deal out of the fact that they are a god-parent to: Dogs full name, reg # number, birth date, etc. So it is something to be proud of.

another option is co-ownership...either with you, or a family member or younger friend. that way, you can be assured to be able to get the dog's papers back..

Answer 2

that is such love for a dog good job.

I would have a lawyer look over your contract. if I was to ever buy a dog with a contract such as yours may be then i would have a lawyer look over it before i was to sign it. I have never personaly see these contracts done but it is understandable. I understand where you are concerned with him buying the dog. I hope he gets a puppy though, because he sounds like a good man. find a good attorney and tell him in this paticular case to look over it or make a new one for if something should happen then the dog is definetly returned to you no questions asked. If for some reason you don't sell him the puppy and you have to explain why i would choose my words carefully because that is discrimination also.

Answer 3

If you put a clause in your contract that the buyer can / will return the dog to you in the event that he can't care for the dog, make sure to indicate that this doesn't mean that he's entitled to a refund. Otherwise you'd have to keep his payment in escrow and you might never get paid.

He sounds like a great puppy person though. Hopefully the pup will add longevity to this man's life and well being.

Answer 4

If all checks out with this man, I wouldn't deny him and the puppy from the love that they both have to give to one another.
I would simply make a legally binding contract that in the event that the man should pass, that either #1. The puppy is returned to you or #2. The puppy is willed to someone "whom you screen and agree with" who can and will take the puppy in should the man pass away.
Don't forget this man probably has family and family often bond with the pets of their family members.
It's something you should sit and discuss with the man, and you both come to an agreement on something you both feel comfortable with and can live with.

Answer 5

BUYER hereby agrees that if AT ANY TIME DURING THE DOG'S LIFETIME BUYER will not or cannot continue to own or take proper care of the dog, BUYER must contact BREEDER and make arrangements to give the puppy/dog back to BREEDER. BUYER further agrees that neither he/she nor his/her estate/executors will transfer the dog and/or the dog's title/registration to any person or organization other than to BREEDER, whether by sale, gift, loan or otherwise, unless previously agreed to by BREEDER in writing. BUYER agrees to notify BREEDER as soon as any such contingency arises and will not abandon the puppy/dog to a shelter or sell or give the puppy/dog away. If puppy/dog is found to have been sold or given away without BREEDER's foreknowledge and written agreement, SELLER may take legal action against BUYER and/or BUYER's estate/executors, and BUYER of the dog hereby agrees to be responsible for all legal expenses incurred by BREEDER in such action. Agreement to and compliance with this provision of this purchase contract is material to this contract.


This clause was in my contract that I had to sign for my dog. And I plan to use it when I breed my bichon. I say go for it. Age shouldn't matter. If the man is agile and gets around well, who are we to say no. Apparently he has you impressed. Keep in touch with the "young man" Assure him you don't want to be a pest, but that you do this with all of your puppies. Have an open line of communication after the purchase is complete. I stilll send pictures of my baby to her breeder. I love the people that I purchased Bailee from. You seem responsible and personable, go with your gut instinct. Sometimes, that is the best judge! don't discriminate because of his age. Older folks are a lot more responsible, and have loads of love to give. Plus, even if they move a little slower, the puppy will help keep him young, and give him something to look forward to on a daily basis.

Answer 6

I would just add a clause that says he must contact you if he is unable to care for the dog any longer. Make it clear that you just want to make sure the dog goes to a good home instead of clogging up the shelter systems. If he wants the dog to go to a family member in that case, let him know that you would certainly consider that as a first option as long as they seem well suited for the dog.

Answer 7

Dollyeyes - since that's EXACTLY what the question is asking, what's your problem???

To the breeder - can you chip the dog so that if it ends up in rescue or at a shelter for whatever reason, it can be traced back to you?

Words in a contract are nice, but sometimes people don't pay attention to the fine print, unfortunately.

Answer 8

whell older people tend to take better care of pets then some younger people.

you could start doing a contract that buyers sing saying that they wont give or sell your dogs on and if they dont want or are unable to look after them for any reason (like death) then the dog must be returned to you.

then any family mamber will have to contact you a contract cant be broken.

you are right to be concerned about what may happen to your dogs and it good to see a breeder who truly cares.

Answer 9

If I were you, I would tactfully suggest a contract where the dog is returned to you for care if/when the owner dies or becomes too ill to care for it. Other than that, I think an 80 year old would be a wonderful companion for a dog!

Answer 10

Sounds like you're doing a great job and he'd be a great owner. Just make sure that he informs his family that you are to get the dog back or approve who it goes to if anything happens. You might want to make up a cute refrigerator magnet and/or window decal that could be placed where rescue workers or family members would easily find it.