Payment Policy

This Payment Policy explains how payments, deposits, balances, and financial responsibilities work when purchasing a puppy from Tomshepherds.
Our goal is to ensure a clear, transparent, and secure transaction for every buyer.

1. ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS

We accept the following safe and trackable payment methods:

✔ Electronic Methods

  • Zelle

  • Venmo (applicable)

  • CashApp (for deposits only)

✔ Traditional Methods

  • Bank transfer

  • Certified cashier’s check

  • Cash (in-person only)

❌ We Do NOT Accept:

  • Personal checks

  • Cryptocurrency

  • Third-party payments

  • Money orders

  • Wire transfers from unknown sources

These restrictions ensure fraud protection for both parties.

2. DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a puppy or secure a place on our waiting list.

Standard Deposit Amount:

  • Typically $ 350

Purpose of the Deposit

The deposit:

  • Reserves your puppy

  • Removes the puppy from public availability

  • Demonstrates buyer commitment

  • Covers administrative and holding costs

Deposit is Non-Refundable

Under all normal circumstances, deposits are not refundable, including:

  • Change of heart

  • Financial changes

  • Schedule conflicts

  • Choosing a different breeder

  • Loss of interest

  • Inability to pick up the puppy

However, deposits may be transferred to a future litter on a case-by-case basis if discussed in advance.

3. REMAINING BALANCE DUE DATE

The remaining balance is due:

✔ Before the puppy is released,

whether through:

  • Local pickup

  • Ground transport

  • Flight nanny service

No puppy leaves our care until the full balance has been paid.

For transported puppies:

Full payment is due 72 hours before transport.

This allows time for:

  • Health certificate issuance (CVI)

  • Final vet exam

  • Scheduling

  • Transport coordination

4. PAYMENT CONFIRMATION & RECEIPTS

After payment is received, we will provide:

  • A digital receipt

  • Confirmation email

  • Final invoice showing balance paid

  • Copy of your signed Puppy Purchase Agreement (after full payment)

This ensures a fully documented transaction.

5. PUPPY PRICE

Each puppy’s price is determined by:

  • Color, markings, and coat type

  • Sex

  • Genetic panel results

  • Parental health testing

  • Pedigree

  • Training level (if applicable)

  • Breeding rights (if offered)

Prices are non-negotiable and reflect the quality and health investment of our program.

6. BOARDING FEES (If Pickup is Delayed)

If you cannot pick up your puppy on the scheduled pickup date, a daily boarding fee will apply.

Standard Boarding Fee Range:

  • $20–$40 per day (you will define this)

This fee covers:

  • Food

  • Veterinary care

  • Training

  • Socialization

  • Staff time

Boarding fees must be paid before the puppy is released.

We reserve the right to place the puppy back up for adoption if delays exceed a reasonable timeframe (usually 7–10 days).

7. TRANSPORT FEES

Transport costs are not included in the puppy price.

Buyer is responsible for:

  • Ground transport fees

  • Flight nanny fees

  • CVI (interstate health certificate)

  • Travel crate (if applicable)

  • Any airline costs

All transport fees must be paid in full prior to release.

8. TAXES

Depending on your state or location, sales tax may apply.

We will notify you if your jurisdiction requires:

  • State tax

  • Local tax

  • Online sales tax

Tax requirements vary by U.S. state.

9. FAILURE TO COMPLETE PAYMENT

If the buyer fails to pay the remaining balance by the agreed deadline:

  • The puppy will be placed back on the available list

  • The deposit will be forfeited

  • No refund or credit will be issued

This policy protects the puppy’s timeline and welfare.

10. FRAUD PREVENTION & SECURITY

For the protection of both parties:

Tomshepherds reserves the right to:

  • Verify identity before accepting payment

  • Decline suspicious payments

  • Require alternative payment methods

  • Cancel a sale if fraudulent activity is suspected

We have a zero-tolerance policy for chargebacks and fraudulent disputes.

11. PAYMENT PLAN OPTION (If Offered)

If you plan to offer payment plans, here is the structure:

✔ Payment Plans may be offered at Tomshepherds’ discretion.

Possible structure:

  • 50% deposit

  • Remaining 50% due before pickup

  • No puppy leaves until full payment is received

If you do not offer payment plans, let me know and I’ll adjust this section.

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

For all payment-related questions:

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

We are here to ensure a safe, clear, and smooth purchase experience.