Pet only Contract

This contract is designed to protect all parties: the Breeder, the Buyer, and above all, the Puppy.

At Hilltop Cuddle Pups, we are deeply committed to raising happy, healthy puppies. We are honored to be part of your journey and are committed to supporting you for the lifetime of your Hilltop Cuddle Pup.

Please read carefully and initial each section to indicate your understanding and agreement.
Hilltop Cuddle Pups - Pet Contract

Agreement between Candiss Steinke "Breeder of Hilltop Cuddle Pups and Adopter "buyer"
Name "Buyer"

First NameLast Name
This agreement is made on the following date between Candiss Steinke of Hilltop Cuddle Pups and the "buyer" named above.

MonthDayYear
Date
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Please select the puppy you are purchasing.

Mini Goldendoodle puppy
***Please Inital each statement below to indicate agreement and understanding.

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss with Candiss Steinke "Breeder" at Hilltop Cuddle Pups before siginging and submitting this document.***
1. Purpose and Ongoing Support
Hilltop Cuddle Pups is dedicated to raising healthy, well-socialized family companions. We select breeding pairs based on health, temperament, and structure, and provide genetic testing and high-quality care to give each puppy a good start in life. While we do everything in our power to ensure long-term health, you the Buyer recognize that no breeder, no matter how diligent, can guarantee a perfectly healthy dog for life. Puppies are living beings, and nature carries inherent unpredictability. While we strive to stack the odds in your favor, not every health issue is preventable, predictable, or within human control. By choosing to bring a puppy into your life, you commit to care for and support that puppy’s health and wellbeing, through the ups and downs that may come.
Please initial to indicate agreement and understanding
Return & Rehoming Clause - If at any time the Buyer can no longer care for the dog, the dog must be returned to the Breeder or rehomed to a new owner only with the Breeder’s written permission. Buyer agrees not to place the dog in any shelter, pound, or rescue. There is no refund unless the return is due to a covered medical condition under warranty. Buyer agrees not to transfer the dog to any third party (including family or friends) without the Breeder's involvement.
Buyer understands that while we may not be able to take every dog back into our home due to space or health concerns, we will assist to the best of our ability in securing a suitable new home and will always do our best to keep Hilltop Cuddle Pup dogs out of shelters.
2. Deposit and Payments
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve a puppy. This deposit serves as a holding fee and secures the Buyer’s place in selecting or receiving the designated puppy. If the Buyer chooses not to proceed with the purchase for any reason, the deposit remains non-refundable. However, at the Breeder’s sole discretion, the deposit may be transferred to a future litter. If a transfer is granted: The deposit must be used within two (2) calendar years from the original agreement date. The deposit will be applied as a credit toward the total cost of a future puppy. Transfers are only valid while the Breeder is actively breeding puppies. Transferred deposits are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the Buyer later changes their mind.
Pricing: $2,500 for Merle-patterned puppies, $2,300 for all other Patterns. The buyers $500 deposit will be applied toward the total purchase price.
Ownership transfers to Buyer once full payment is received. Puppy must be picked up by 8 weeks of age unless an extended stay is agreed upon. Extended Stay Policy: $15/day fee will be applied for boarding past 8 weeks to cover continuing care, food and training and must be prepaid. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars.
If Buyer fails to make appropriate contact to plan or confirm pick-up arrangements within 7 calendar days after the puppy turns 8 weeks old, and no prior agreement for an extended stay has been made, the puppy will be relisted for purchase. In such cases, the Buyer forfeits the reserved puppy and any payments made, including the deposit, and no refund or transfer will be offered.
If the reserved puppy becomes unavailable due to health concerns, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances before the Buyer takes possession, the Buyer may choose to: Transfer the deposit to another available puppy, Apply the deposit to a future litter (within 2 years),Or receive a full refund.
3. Short Term Health Warranty and Vet Requirements
Puppy has received initial veterinary care and age-appropriate vaccinations. A health record will be provided at the time of pickup.
Buyer must have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of taking possession to activate this short term health guarantee. The short term health guarantee applies only within the first 7 days after Buyer takes possession of the puppy.
If the veterinarian deems the puppy unfit for sale due to a serious health condition present at the time of pickup, Buyer must notify Breeder immediately and may return the puppy within 7 business days for a full refund of the purchase price. "Unfit for sale" refers to a health condition that is life-threatening or would require prolonged and expensive medical treatment to manage. Buyer must provide written documentation from the examining veterinarian within 48 hours of the vet visit stating that the puppy is "unfit for sale" based on the criteria above.
The health guarantee applies only to conditions clearly present at the time of sale and excludes issues caused by: Buyer neglect, mishandling, or failure to follow proper care instructions, Stress-related conditions due to travel or environmental changes, cosmetic flaws, common, non-serious puppy conditions such as: Internal or external parasites (e.g., intestinal worms Giardia, Coccidia),Upper respiratory infections (URIs),Stress-induced diarrhea or colitis,Urinary tract infections (UTIs),Umbilical hernias or retained testicles.
This guarantee does not apply to any contagious illness contracted after the puppy leaves the Breeder’s care. The Buyer acknowledges that parvovirus, distemper, and other serious illnesses can be contracted from public places, and agrees to follow the Breeder’s written guidelines for safe socialization and vaccination schedules. A signed statement from a licensed veterinarian is required to determine whether any condition was present or incubating at the time of sale.
Buyer agrees to maintain regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. The Breeder is not responsible for veterinary costs incurred after the puppy leaves the Breeder's care unless the health guarantee terms specifically apply.
If Buyer fails to have the puppy examined within the required 72-hour window, the short term health guarantee becomes void.
4. Genetic Health Warranty (Valid for 2 years from puppy's date of birth)

We make every effort to minimize the risk of genetic disease by conducting comprehensive genetic testing on all parent dogs and making thoughtful, informed breeding pairings. While we cannot eliminate every possibility, we strive to reduce the chances of hereditary illness through responsible breeding practices.
Covers testable debilitating genetic conditions confirmed by a licensed veterinarian and supported by definitive genetic testing from a reputable company at the buyer's expense. The condition must be directly linked to a known and testable hereditary defect using testing methods that were available and widely accepted at the time of the puppy's purchase. The Breeder will not be held responsible for conditions associated with genes that could not be tested for at the time of sale, or for inconclusive or emerging research not yet recognized by mainstream veterinary standards. The Breeder cannot be held responsible for conditions for which reliable genetic testing did not exist at the time of sale.
Buyer must notify Breeder within 48 hours of diagnosis and submit records and test results to Breeder in digital or hard copy format within 14 days. Breeder may request a second opinion by a vet of their choice within 2 weeks of notification from buyer of the issue.
Remedy: Buyer may retain the puppy and receive reimbursement of vet expenses up to the purchase price of the puppy. If the puppy dies from a covered genetic condition within 2 years, a necropsy is required. A replacement puppy (credit toward a future puppy from a Hilltop Cuddle Pups litter) will be offered if diagnosis confirms genetic cause.
Exclusions: This warranty does not cover any condition not directly caused by a health threatening testable and verifiable genetic defect. The following are specifically excluded: Viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, including but not limited to Giardia, Coccidia, kennel cough, or canine parvovirus, Improper bites (malocclusion, overbite, underbite, base narrow canines). Cosmetic or non-life-threatening conditions such as undescended testicles, umbilical hernias, or skin tags. Behavioral issues, training difficulties, or temperament concerns. Conditions caused by injury, accidents, or neglect. Conditions caused or worsened by inappropriate diet, exercise, or poor environmental conditions. Overuse or improper physical activity leading to joint, tendon, or ligament issues. Orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or patellar luxation. Autoimmune diseases or other systemic conditions without a direct genetic cause. Any condition that arises after the 2-year warranty period
No refunds, replacements, or reimbursements will be issued for any condition falling outside the scope of this genetic health warranty. Buyer agrees to be responsible to provide ongoing care, appropriate veterinary support, and a safe, healthy environment to support the long-term well-being of the puppy.
Buyer agrees not to euthanize the dog unless medically necessary and confirmed by a licensed veterinarian. Buyer agrees to notify Breeder within 48 hours should a euthanasia be required.
5. Pet Insurance Recommendation
Each puppy comes with a 30-day trial of Trupanion pet insurance. Buyer must activate this policy within 24 hours of pick-up in order to take part in the offer. This is highly encouraged to help offset the cost of unexpected accidents or illness during the transition period. Activation is the sole responsibility of the Buyer.
6. Care and Responsibility
Buyer agrees to: Keep the dog as an indoor companion and maintain a healthy weight. Provide regular veterinary care, parasite prevention, and appropriate grooming. Ensure the puppy receives appropriate exercise, nutrition, and training. Spay or neuter the dog by 2 years of age (unless another agreement is made). Proof must be provided of spay or neuter upon request. Never leave the dog outside unsupervised for extended periods or allow it to roam freely without a secure, fenced area.
The puppy/dog is being sold solely as a companion. Breeding of the puppy/dog is expressly prohibited. The buyer agrees to prevent any opportunity for the dog to breed without written permission. The Buyer agrees to accept full responsiblity for keeping the dog away from intact (unfixed) dogs of the opposite sex to avoid any accidental or unauthorized breeding. If the dog is bred without written breeding rights, Buyer must pay Breeder a $3,000 breeding rights fee and the health warranty will be void.
7. Expectations and Disclaimers

The Breeder will make every effort to provide accurate information about each puppy’s expected adult size, coat type, personality, and other traits based on the parents’ genetics, temperament, and past litters. However, nature is inherently unpredictable, especially in mixed-breed dogs. While we do our best to offer honest, experience-based guidance, no outcome can be guaranteed.
Breeder cannot guarantee adult weight, size, coat, color, shedding, or temperament. Estimated size is provided based on parentage and genetics but is not a guarantee. You the buyer, accept that your puppy may end up bigger or smaller than the estimate provided. The buyer acknowledges that the puppy is a mixed breed, and traits may vary more than in purebred dogs. Puppy is sold as-is except as outlined in this contract.
8. Buyer Communication and Reporting

Staying in touch helps us understand how our puppies are doing, track health trends in our lines, and offer better guidance and support to future families. Your updates also allow us to celebrate your puppy’s milestones with you and offer help if any concerns arise down the road.
Buyer agrees to: Maintain annual communication with Breeder. Notify Breeder of major health changes or death. Promptly update contact information if it changes. Inform Breeder of behavioral concerns, genetic diagnoses, or major events in the puppy’s life.
Buyer agrees to reach out to Breeder for assistance, advice, or questions at any point during the life of the dog when it is needed.
Marketing Permissions- Buyer grants permission for photos, videos, and updates of the puppy shared with Breeder to be used on social media and in marketing unless otherwise requested in writing.
12. Legal Provisions
This contract is the entire agreement and supersedes all other communications. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties. If any clause is deemed unenforceable, the remainder of the contract remains in effect. Electronic signatures are valid. Buyer’s breach of this contract voids all Breeder warranties. This agreement is governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts located within the Breeder’s jurisdiction.
Buyer Acknowledgement: I have read and understand this agreement and agree to its terms.
Signature of Buyer

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Hilltop Cuddle Pups - Pet Contract

1. Purpose and Ongoing Support

2. Deposit and Payments

3. Short Term Health Warranty and Vet Requirements

4. Genetic Health Warranty (Valid for 2 years from puppy's date of birth)

5. Pet Insurance Recommendation

6. Care and Responsibility

7. Expectations and Disclaimers

8. Buyer Communication and Reporting

12. Legal Provisions