Our Commitment

At Mainely Standards, we believe every dog deserves the right home, and every family deserves the right dog.

This agreement exists to clearly explain the responsibilities accepted by both Mainely Standards and the purchaser. Our goal is not simply to place a puppy, but to begin a lifelong relationship built on trust, communication, and the shared commitment to providing every puppy with a healthy, fulfilling life.

We encourage every family to read this agreement carefully before placing a deposit. If you have questions, we welcome the opportunity to discuss them before any commitment is made.

1. Reservation of a Puppy

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a puppy.

Deposits are transferable to a future Mainely Standards litter if circumstances prevent placement from the current litter.

Receipt of a deposit reserves a puppy but does not guarantee a specific puppy until Mainely Standards completes the puppy matching process.

Puppies are matched based on temperament, structure, individual personality, family lifestyle, and the overall best fit for both the puppy and the family.

2. Purchase Price and Payment

The purchase price, deposit amount, remaining balance, payment method, and pickup date are documented in each family’s individual purchase agreement.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, companion puppies are sold with limited AKC registration.

The remaining balance is due before the puppy leaves Mainely Standards.

Accepted forms of payment may include cash, Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, Square, or other approved payment methods.

A 3% processing fee applies to payments made by debit or credit card.

Shipping or transportation costs are not included unless specifically agreed upon in writing.

3. AKC Registration

All puppies are eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Companion puppies are sold with limited AKC registration.

Breeding rights and full AKC registration are not part of Mainely Standards’ standard placement program and are considered only under exceptional circumstances at the sole discretion of Mainely Standards.

4. Breeder Responsibilities

Each puppy will leave Mainely Standards:

• In good general health.
• Age-appropriate on vaccinations.
• Age-appropriate on deworming.
• Registered or eligible for AKC registration.
• Socialized through our daily puppy-raising program.

Every puppy is examined prior to placement to help ensure it is healthy at the time it leaves our care.

5. Health Guarantee

The purchaser agrees to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within seven (7) days of taking possession.

Documentation of this examination must be provided to Mainely Standards within ten (10) days by email or text message.

Failure to complete this examination may void this health guarantee.

This guarantee covers hereditary or congenital conditions that significantly affect the puppy’s quality of life for a period of eighteen (18) months from the puppy’s date of birth.

Should a covered hereditary condition result in the puppy’s death or make humane euthanasia medically necessary, documentation from a licensed veterinarian must be provided to Mainely Standards.

Upon verification, Mainely Standards will either:

• Replace the puppy with one of comparable quality from a future litter, or
• Refund the original purchase price.

This guarantee does not cover:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Mites
• Internal parasites acquired after placement
• Kennel cough
• Parvovirus
• Injuries
• Accidents
• Poisoning
• Improper nutrition
• Improper exercise
• Obesity
• Failure to obtain routine veterinary care
• Dental procedures
• Conditions resulting from neglect or abuse

6. Purchaser Responsibilities

The purchaser agrees to:

• Provide appropriate food throughout the dog’s lifetime.
• Maintain the dog at a healthy weight.
• Provide routine veterinary care.
• Maintain current vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian.
• Provide appropriate exercise.
• Provide regular mental stimulation and training.
• Treat the dog as a family companion.

The purchaser understands that every puppy develops differently and that no guarantee can be made regarding adult size, color development, coat characteristics, temperament, or show potential.

7. Lifetime Commitment

If, at any point during the dog’s lifetime, the purchaser becomes unable to keep the dog, Mainely Standards must be contacted before any attempt is made to sell, surrender, or otherwise rehome the dog.

Mainely Standards reserves the right of first refusal and will assist whenever possible in finding an appropriate placement.

No transfer of ownership may occur without the expressed written consent of Mainely Standards.

8. Breeding Restrictions

Unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing, all puppies are sold as companion animals.

Any breeding that violates this agreement constitutes a material breach of contract.

Mainely Standards reserves the right to seek all remedies available under applicable law, including recovery of damages resulting from unauthorized breeding.

9. Limitation of Liability

Mainely Standards is not responsible for:

• Loss of the dog.
• Theft.
• Injury after placement.
• Veterinary expenses unrelated to the health guarantee.
• Damages caused by the dog.
• Emotional distress resulting from illness or loss.

10. Legal Terms

This agreement constitutes the complete understanding between the parties.

No verbal statements or representations modify this agreement unless confirmed in writing.

If any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

Any legal action arising under this agreement shall be brought exclusively in Franklin County, Maine.

The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs where permitted by law.

11. Acknowledgement

By signing the individual Puppy Placement Agreement, both parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms contained in this agreement.

Mainely Standards

Every dog deserves the right home.

Every family deserves the right dog.