Refund & Deposit Policy

At Tomshepherds, we are committed to responsible breeding practices and maintaining transparency with all prospective puppy buyers. This Refund & Deposit Policy outlines the conditions under which deposits and payments are handled.

By placing a deposit or making a payment, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.

1. PURPOSE OF THE DEPOSIT

A deposit serves the following purposes:

  • Reserves a specific puppy or a future place on our waiting list

  • Ensures commitment from both parties

  • Allows us to plan accordingly for the litter, veterinary scheduling, and owner matching

  • Helps prevent last-minute cancellations that may negatively impact the puppy’s welfare

Deposits demonstrate serious intent and are therefore legally binding.

2. ARE DEPOSITS REFUNDABLE?

No. All deposits are 100% NON-REFUNDABLE.

This applies to:

  • Reservation deposits

  • Waiting list deposits

  • Hold deposits

This is an industry-standard practice and helps us prioritize responsible, committed buyers.

The only exceptions are listed below.

3. EXCEPTIONS — WHEN A REFUND MAY BE ISSUED

A deposit may be refunded ONLY under the following circumstances:

✔ If Tomshepherds cannot provide a puppy to you

This includes:

  • Planned litter does not occur

  • Litter size is smaller than expected

  • No puppy in the litter meets your stated preferences (gender/color/temperament)

In these cases, we offer:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your deposit to the next available litter

✔ If a puppy develops a serious health issue prior to pick-up

Confirmed by our licensed veterinarian.

✔ If we deny or withdraw your application

We reserve the right to refuse service if we determine the home is not an appropriate match.

4. WHEN REFUNDS ARE NOT GIVEN (IMPORTANT)

Refunds will NOT be issued if:

  • You change your mind

  • You find another puppy elsewhere

  • Your landlord, family member, or partner changes their mind

  • You fail to pick up the puppy on the agreed date

  • You experience lifestyle, financial, or schedule changes

  • You develop unexpected allergies

  • You fail to meet contractual or communication expectations

These scenarios are not caused by the breeder and therefore do not justify a refund.

5. BALANCE PAYMENT TERMS

The remaining balance (after deposit) must be paid:

  • On or before the scheduled pickup date, OR

  • In advance if transport or flight nanny service is being arranged

We accept approved payment methods listed in our Payment Policy.

Failure to pay by the deadline may result in:

  • Loss of the reserved puppy

  • Loss of the deposit

  • Reassignment of the puppy to another approved family

6. TRANSFERRING A DEPOSIT TO ANOTHER LITTER

Deposits may be transferred one time only under breeder approval.

Valid transfer reasons include:

  • Incompatible temperament match

  • No suitable puppy in the litter

  • Litter timing conflicts

  • Medical issues (buyer or immediate family)

Invalid transfer reasons:

  • Personal preference changes

  • Buyer indecision

  • Change of convenience

Approval is at the sole discretion of Tomshepherds.

7. FAILURE TO PICK UP THE PUPPY

If you miss your scheduled pickup date without prior communication, the following steps apply:

  1. A 24-hour grace period will be offered

  2. If still unresponsive, the puppy will be re-homed

  3. Deposit will NOT be refunded

This policy protects the puppy’s welfare and ensures stable placement.

8. BREEDER CANCELLATION RIGHTS

We reserve the right to cancel a sale at any time if:

  • We determine the home is unsuitable

  • Concerns arise regarding the puppy’s welfare

  • The buyer violates expectations listed in the Puppy Purchase Agreement

In these cases, a refund will be issued.

9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POLICY

By placing a deposit or making a payment through Tomshepherds.com or via an issued invoice, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood this policy

  • You agree that deposits are non-refundable

  • You accept that unforeseen circumstances do not warrant a refund

  • You commit to completing the adoption process responsibly

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding this Refund & Deposit Policy:

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