Health & Temperament Guarantee

At Tomshepherds, we are committed to breeding healthy, structurally sound, and temperamentally stable Australian Shepherds. This Health & Temperament Guarantee outlines what is covered, what is not covered, and the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer.

Our goal is to ensure the long-term well-being of every puppy and to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.

1. GENERAL HEALTH GUARANTEE (72 HOURS)

We guarantee that your puppy leaves our care:

  • In good overall health

  • Free of known infectious illness

  • Properly vaccinated for age

  • Dewormed according to schedule

  • Examined by a licensed veterinarian

Buyer Requirements (Mandatory):

You must have your puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup or delivery.

Failure to comply voids this guarantee.

If your veterinarian identifies a serious health concern:

We will, at our discretion:

  • Refund the purchase price OR

  • Replace the puppy with one of equal value from a future litter

The breeder must receive:

  • A written veterinary report within the 72-hour window

  • All findings documented by a licensed veterinarian

Minor or treatable conditions (parasites, mild infections, minor cold symptoms) are NOT grounds for refund or replacement.

2. GENETIC HEALTH GUARANTEE (24–30 MONTHS)

We provide a genetic health guarantee for the following hereditary conditions common in Australian Shepherds:

Covered Genetic Conditions:

✔ MDR1 Drug Sensitivity
✔ CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)
✔ HC (Hereditary Cataracts)
✔ PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
✔ DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
✔ HSF4 Mutation

Parents are tested to avoid affected pairings.

Structural Conditions Covered:

✔ Hip Dysplasia
✔ Elbow Dysplasia

Coverage Period:

  • 24 Months Minimum (industry standard)

  • Up to 30 Months Optional (you may choose this based on your breeding program)

Tomshepherds Standard Recommendation: 26-month coverage.

If a genetic or structural condition is diagnosed:

  • Diagnosis must be confirmed by two licensed veterinarians

  • OFA or PennHIP confirmation required for orthopedic claims

  • We will offer a replacement puppy only (not a refund)

We do not cover elective surgeries, secondary injuries, or conditions not directly tied to inherited genetics.

3. TEMPERAMENT GUARANTEE

We guarantee that your puppy has been raised with:

  • Early neurological stimulation (ENS)

  • Socialization with different people, sounds, and environments

  • Age-appropriate enrichment

  • Exposure to foundational experiences

  • Evaluation using temperament profiles

We guarantee that puppies do NOT leave our home showing:

  • Human aggression

  • Extreme fear response

  • Severe instability

What is not covered:

  • Behavioral changes caused by lack of training

  • Trauma or negative experiences after the puppy leaves

  • Owner mishandling or stressful environments

  • Inadequate socialization or exposure during the first year

  • Hormonal behavior due to delayed spay/neuter

Temperament is a partnership between breeder genetics and owner environment.

4. WHAT IS NOT COVERED

The following are not covered under this guarantee:

Common Puppy Issues

  • Parasites (roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, giardia)

  • Mild kennel cough

  • Ear infections

  • Allergies (environmental or food-related)

  • Minor umbilical hernias

  • Cherry eye

  • Bite misalignment unless severe

These are common and easily treatable conditions.

Environmental or Owner-Caused Issues

Not covered:

  • Over-exercise injuries (common in Aussies)

  • Joint damage caused by early running, jumping, or intense activity

  • Accidents, injuries, or mishandling

  • Inadequate training or poor socialization

  • Behavioral issues originating from home environment

Cosmetic Traits

Not covered:

  • Ear carriage

  • Coat color changes

  • Tail set

  • Freckles, markings, or pigment changes

5. VETERINARY CARE REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY)

To keep this guarantee valid, buyers must:

  • Follow veterinarian vaccination schedules

  • Provide routine and emergency care

  • Maintain healthy diet and weight

  • Avoid high-impact exercise until 18–24 months

  • Prevent environmental stress and neglect

  • Use appropriate parasite prevention

Failure to provide adequate care voids the guarantee.

6. RETURN & REPLACEMENT TERMS

If a puppy qualifies under the genetic guarantee:

  • A replacement puppy will be provided from the next available litter

  • The original puppy must be returned unless mutually agreed otherwise

  • Transportation costs are the responsibility of the buyer

  • Refunds are not issued for genetic conditions

We do not euthanize puppies unless advised by a licensed veterinarian and approved jointly.

7. LIFETIME TAKE-BACK POLICY

Regardless of age, training level, or behavior, you agree to return the dog to us if you can no longer keep it.

You may not:

  • Surrender the dog to a shelter

  • Rehome the dog independently

  • Sell the dog

  • Transfer ownership without written permission

This ensures lifelong safety for every dog we produce.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Tomshepherds is not liable for:

  • Veterinary bills after pickup

  • Emotional or financial damages

  • Trainer or behaviorist expenses

  • Lifestyle changes affecting ownership

  • Injuries or property damage caused by the dog

Your responsibility begins the day you take ownership.

9. CONTACT US

For questions regarding this Health & Temperament Guarantee:

📧 support@tomshepherds.com
🌐 Tomshepherds.com
📍 USA