Why Breeders Ask for a Deposit on a Puppy
Following an accepted puppy application, most breeders require a deposit to hold a puppy or to hold your spot in line if there is a waitlist. Most often this deposit is nonrefundable. Finally, many breeders require further payments once your puppy is older. Some breeders accept final payment at the time of puppy pickup, others require payments a week or two in advance.
As the buyer, you may be nervous to pay any money without having your hands on the product. This is atypical compared to how we purchase most items in our lives! But let’s take a look at the breeder’s perspective to understand why this process is necessary.
First of all, a breeder’s number one priority bar none is the wellbeing of their puppies. This is why they typically have a thorough application/screening process and contracts which ensure the health and safety of their pups in the future. Breeders typically have a lifelong policy with their puppies stating that they will be responsible for the rehoming of any of their previous puppies as needed at any point in that dog’s life. So as you can see, good breeders take the future wellbeing of their puppies very seriously.
When it comes to the buying process, it benefits the puppies to have homes who have planned ahead and are fully ready to take them at 8 weeks of age. A worst case scenario for a breeder is to have a buyer plan on taking a puppy, but back out at the last minute. The breeder will likely have had to turn down a number of other families who may have also been interested in a puppy, only to have the first family change their minds.
Tenant Rights: Pet Deposits
You have a right to see an itemized report of all the repairs and cleaning charges your landlord has made when getting your apartment ready for the next tenant. If your landlord does not use a security deposit, they must return it to you.
Additionally, some states have laws that prevent landlords from using pet-related deposits for any repair/cleaning/etc. that is not directly caused by a pet. Regardless, take the time to learn your rights.
Should puppies be vet checked before buying?
Ask for proof of any vet checks, vaccinations (where applicable), microchipping, and/or pedigree papers. Be aware that the puppy should be at least eight weeks old at the point when it goes home with you. A responsible breeder would never send you home with a puppy younger than that.
