Can A Breeder Take A Dog Back? Know Your Rights!

The last thing that anyone would want to go through is having to return their dog to their former home. But can a breeder take a dog back? Taking a dog back isn’t something that either the breeder or the owner wants. While buying a dog from any reputable breeder, a legally binding contract should govern the transaction. The new god owner should always comply with the breeders’ contract terms.

Can A Breeder Take A Dog Back?

A breeder can take a dog back if the buyer breaches a contract. Although this happens under scarce circumstances, it still happens. The new dog owner should ensure that the dog is safe and well taken care of in their new home to avoid this difficult situation.

Sadly, some circumstances force breeders to take back their dogs and the owners to return them. Sometimes, the new family is not ready for a commitment with a dog, and their health deteriorates. In such a scenario, the puppy is inappropriate for such a household, and the breeder can take them back.

The dog owner may experience financial or health problems which can make them unable to take care of their pet. When such situations interfere with plans, the owner can return the puppy to the breeder.

When Should Breeders Take a Dog Back?

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, breeders may take their dogs back. The reason for taking back the dog all depends on some factors.

Below are situations that make breeders take a dog back.

Health Problems

A dog owner might get a dog from breeders and then, later on, discover that they have unknown health issues. These health issues may be due to improper care by the breeders, unforeseen circumstances, or lack of screening. Alternatively, the new dog owner might not be offering the proper dog care.

If the illness was present during the breeders’ care of the dog, they should take the dog back. Some breeders fail to mention that their dogs are not stable health-wise, and the new owners come to realize it when it’s too late.

In cases of minor illnesses, returning the dog to the breeders should not be an option, as with time, the dog will get well. However, instances where dogs present untreated diseases which have been there due to poor breeding, are more complex.

Before purchasing a dog, the breeder should tell the owner of any health issues. There are some vulnerable breeds; hence the owner should always be enlightened about their dog. Otherwise, if the fault is on the breeder’s side, they should take the dog back.

Unsuitable Household

At times, dogs do not thrive in their new household. Dogs may be unable to cope due to sudden lifestyle changes. In this case, the dog owner can return the dog to the breeder but will not get a refund because it’s not the breeder’s fault.

Allergies are the other major cause of having to return a dog to the breeder. Dog owners should interact with the dogs before knowing what is good for them. In another case, the dog might not get along with the people living in the household. Instead of training the dog to cope, some owners prefer returning them to the breeder.

Financial Constrains

Getting a dog comes with some responsibilities. As a dog owner, you need all your dog’s basic needs, which include these five freedoms:

• Hunger and thirst
•  Discomfort
• Pain, injury, and disease
• Fear and distress
• The ability to display natural behavior.

A dog owner may get a financial downfall, making it hard to continue taking care of their dog. Some situations may cause the owner not to have the dog’s interests at heart. If the problem is long-term, the breeder can take the dog back.

Aggressive Dogs

Aggression in dogs is usually a sign of fear, inability to cope, or pain. As a new dog owner, you should be ready to deal with aggression as you can minimize this trait with training and close monitoring.

Within a short period, your dog should be able to cope with its new household. If the dog can’t change their temperament, both parties should come together and decide to return the dog to the breeder.

When Do Breeders Decline Taking a Dog Back?

Although some circumstances can influence a dog owner’s choice of keeping a dog, breeders can decline to take the dog back.

Some owners return dogs for reimbursements, while others return neglected, unfit dogs. Below are situations under which breeders refuse returned dogs.

Injured Dogs

A dog owner may return a dog when they’ve sustained injuries due to neglect. In this case, the breeder can decline to take back the injured dog. Dogs need monitoring all day long, and necessary precautions are put in place beforehand to prevent unnecessary injuries.

Although accidental injuries can happen, they classify this as negligence. The breeder might consider taking the injured dog back but not refund the owner. Depending on the severity of the injury, the owner can end up catering to the dog’s health and medical bills as the accident didn’t have any involvement with the breeder.

Temporary Care

When dog owners can only take care of the dog for a certain amount of time, they can decide to return them to the breeder. This can happen due to situations like when the owner falls sick or when they need to travel and cannot provide appropriate care to the dog.

Rehoming the dog is not a valid reason as the breeder may decline to take the dog back. However, the breeder might consider taking the dog back for a while until the owner is fit to take care of the dog. Breeders offer temporary services whereby the owner should pay.

Untrainable Dogs

Every dog owner should always be patient while training their newly acquired dogs. Some owners return dogs to breeders claiming that they are untrainable. Training a dog is vital as it makes them manageable.

The breeder can decline to take back the dog in such a situation. A reputable breeder should advise the dog owner on having patience while training the dog. First-time dog owners become overwhelmed. If it’s impossible for them to train the dog, they can hire a dog trainer.

Do Breeders Need a Contract?

Reputable breeders will not just sell their dogs without legal documentation. Breeders need a set of rules in a contract that owners sign if they comply with the agreement. 

Breeders protect themselves from non-committal owners who might return their dogs demanding refunds by having a contract.

Through pet protection laws, the contract states that unless there is a case of neglect or abuse, the breeder can take a dog back. The agreement further states that the owner can return the dog whenever they are in an unfit situation using contract clauses.

For most breeders, contracts act as a platform to share their advice and expectations about the dog they entrust you with. Signing the contracts reminds the owner of the responsibilities that they are about to undertake. The fundamental elements that are in contracts are:

A distinction between pet dogs and show dogs

•  The neuter and spay clauses
• The return-to-breeder clause
• Health guarantees
• Dog naming Conventions

Breeders and owners should have the dog’s interests at heart, and that is why a contract is essential. Each dog should feel comfortable wherever they go. 

Therefore, a fair contract allows both the owner and the breeder to feel safe about the dog’s welfare no matter the unforeseen circumstances.