Health Guarantee Terms and Conditions
Our Breeding Program
Our breeding program prioritizes the health and well-being of our dogs and puppies. We strive to produce the healthiest puppies possible through our careful practices. However, we want to be transparent that, despite our extensive testing to ensure the best outcomes, dogs are living creatures, and health issues may still arise. It is important to understand that no dog is perfect, even if the parents are thoroughly health-tested before breeding.
We adhere to the recommendations of the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and AKC breeding guidelines when making breeding decisions. Additionally, we consult and collaborate with reproductive veterinarians who provide us with current research and evidence-based practices. Despite following these guidelines meticulously, Golden Retrievers, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues.
We believe in full disclosure: while the parents of our puppies undergo health testing as part of our program, these screenings are not a guaranteed predictor of your puppy's longevity or health. However, they help us minimize the risk of passing on known health issues. Our genetic testing identifies carriers of specific genes, allowing us to avoid breeding pairings that could result in affected puppies.
We approach breeding with hope and good faith, continuously striving to improve our practices through advancements in research and screening methods. We remain dedicated to the Golden Retriever breed, the health of our dogs and puppies, and the families who welcome them into their homes.
Golden Acres Represents
Before going home, each puppy is examined by a licensed veterinarian and determined to be in good health. The puppy will receive its first set of vaccinations, three rounds of deworming, microchipping, and a comprehensive examination. The parents are screened through the OFA and have undergone genetic testing with Embark DNA.
Due to the unknown environmental and hereditary factors that may contribute to health issues, we provide a limited health guarantee. If within one year (12 months) of the puppy’s birthday, the puppy is diagnosed with one of the following conditions, a full refund (minus the deposit) or a replacement puppy will be provided:
Severe hip dysplasia
Grade 2 or 3 elbow dysplasia
Hereditary heart defects, including a heart murmur graded 4, 5, or 6
Hereditary eye defects
Heart and eye conditions must be confirmed by an OFA-certified cardiologist or ophthalmologist. The guarantee does not cover cataracts, ulcers, hyperpigmentation of the skin, or defects caused by trauma or sporadic incidents. We reserve the right to refund the purchase price (minus the deposit) instead of offering a replacement puppy.
While we aim to produce certain physical traits such as color, size, and temperament, we cannot guarantee these characteristics. Despite our efforts, genetics and nature ultimately determine a puppy’s appearance and disposition at maturity (around 12–14 months).
We are not responsible for any veterinary expenses or communicable diseases contracted after the puppy leaves our property.
All puppies are sold with limited registration. If the owner breeds or attempts to breed any puppy purchased from us, the health guarantee will be immediately void.
Veterinarian Care
The buyer agrees to have their puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within seven to fourteen days of purchase. If the puppy is diagnosed with a congenital defect present at birth, we require immediate written notification from the veterinarian detailing the condition. We reserve the right to have the puppy evaluated by another veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, we will refund the purchase price (minus the deposit) or replace the puppy, provided the puppy is returned in the same mental and physical condition as when purchased.
This guarantee does not cover common conditions such as worms, mites, coccidia, giardia, urinary tract infections, ticks, fleas, or other parasites.
Nutrition
We are intentional about the nutrition of our breeding dogs and puppies. All are fed Life’s Abundance dog food to ensure optimal health. Families will receive a three-day supply of this food when taking their puppy home. Before the puppy’s departure leading up to going home, we send an email outlining the food details and an ordering link to our Life’s Abundance page, ensuring families can continue the same diet. If the puppy is not fed Life’s Abundance dog food after going home, the health guarantee will be terminated and void.
Acknowledgment
I understand and accept the Health Guarantee, Terms, and Conditions in full.