Nor do I have any formal application form. Once I have puppies on the ground, and get past the critical first three weeks so that there is a reasonable expectation that the puppies will survive, then I start relaxing. At that point, I email everyone on my announcement list to let them know that I am now taking applications. My application process is a phone interview. Often after two weeks I stop taking applications as I usually have more good homes than puppies. I try to let people know quickly if I have a puppy for them. No puppy leaves me until it is at least twelve weeks old. So there is plenty of time to find good homes.
If you want a puppy from my kennel, my recommendation would be to send me an email (shakspernorwich@gmail.com) to get on my "announcement" list. Feel free to check in with me every so often and inquire about my breeding plans. Also you can watch for litter announcements on my "Litters" web page.
I also charge a fully refundable $1,000 health testing deposit. The deposit is returned when all health testing listed in my contract is completed. I subsidize most - but not all - of the cost of these health tests.
Keep in mind that the sale price of a Norwich is not the only financial thing that you should consider. You can expect to spend approximately $1,000 per year on the maintenance of a Norwich terrier - approximately $500 for annual dental cleanings with x-rays and another $500 for food, shots, etc.
A reputable breeder will want the buyer, seller, and dog to - at least once - all be in the same place at the same time.
But perhaps you mean a health guarantee regarding genetic problems?
No one can guarantee the genetic health of a dog. I can only guarantee that I have health tested the parents and taken that information into account when making breeding decisions ... and I do as much if not more health testing than any other Norwich breeder (see my list of health tests). Everything else is up to the genetic "roll of the dice".
My sales contract includes a clause that essentially says that I will reimburse you for veterinary costs up to the amount of the purchase price for treatment of any hereditary problem.
I require a home visit by either myself or my representative to any prospective home. I want to make sure that the environment will be a good one for any puppy or dog.
I require a veterinary reference if a buyer has had pets in the past. And I call the veterinary office and inquire about the prospective buyer.
A co-ownership agreement gives me legal standing in case I need to go to court to protect the dog. If you are willing to do the things that I ask in my sales contract, you will never notice the difference between full ownership and co-ownership. I am happy to put you in touch with people who have purchased dogs from me in the past so that you can hear how co-ownership works.
I do not just sell a dog ... you become part of my extended "dog family". I am available at any time to answer questions, offer advice, or help with the dog.
Last updated 20240219