Health guarantee

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In the world of breeders, a Health Guarantee – also called Puppy Guarantee, or Puppy Health Guarantee – means that should your Doberman pass away (or suffer from a deadly condition) within a pre-agreed time period, due to a genetic, hereditary or congenital health condition, a replacement puppy of equivalent pedigree will be homed with you. This is just a general blanket explanation; the granting of, length, coverage and conditions of each breeder’s guarantee will differ.

Remember that the breeder’s health guarantee is not a pet insurance policy. It will not cover accidents, ingestion of foreign objects, miscellaneous life injuries, and illnesses due to parasites and/or viruses, among many others. Some key elements to keep in mind, with regards to the health guarantee:

Period
The number of years guaranteeing your Doberman’s health will vary from one breeder to another: make sure the period is stated in the contract, that it is what you had previously agreed on, and that you are satisfied with it.

Varying periods
Sometimes the guarantee period will vary between different health issues: make sure you understand why and agree with it.

Collateral costs
The breeder will usually require a veterinarian-certified autopsy, and sometime two: make sure it is clear who would incur the potential costs associated with such certification(s).