Puppy Application

Temperament is the heart, color is the icing.”

Thank you for your interest in our German Shepherds! We take great pride in matching our puppies with the right families. Please fill out this form to help us understand the type of companion you are looking for.

***COPY & PASTE APPLICATION. EMAIL TO US. 

• Name:
• Location (City/State):
• Email & Phone Number:
• Do you have a preferred timeframe for a puppy? (e.g., Immediate, 6 months, next year)

• Who lives in your home? (Please list ages of any children)
• What type of home do you live in? (House with yard, Apartment, Farm, RV/Traveling)
• Are there other animals in the home? (Please list breed, sex, and age of other dogs or cats)
• How many hours a day will the puppy be left alone?

• What is your experience level with German Shepherds? (First-time owner, previously owned, etc.)
• What is your primary goal for this dog?
  
  • [ ] Family Companion
  • [ ] Service/Therapy Work
  • [ ] Personal Protection/Watchdog
  • [ ] Hiking/Active Outdoor Partner
• In your own words, describe the "energy level" you are looking for: (e.g., "A couch potato who likes walks" vs. "A high-energy dog for weekend hiking.")

• Are you looking for a specific coat color? (Liver, Blue, Isabella, Brindle, Panda, White, etc.)
• Do you have a preference for sex or coat length?
• Is color or temperament more important to your final decision?

• Are you prepared for the "Velcro Dog" lifestyle? (GSDs follow their owners everywhere!)
• Do you have a local trainer or puppy glass picked out?
• Do you understand the difference between a "Companion" line and a "Working" line?

In order to reserve a specific puppy or a place to choose a puppy from a specific litter we require a non-refundable   $200 deposit. 

Depositors choose their puppy in order of deposit received or put it towards a specific puppy in the litter. If you are wanting a specific coat type or eye color and want to send a deposit please know that those features continue to develop even after the puppy leaves us. Adult coat type/color and eye color is NOT guaranteed only estimated. 

We accept Venmo, Cash App, or Apple Pay with a 3% fee.      

If you find you are unable to pay the balance and pick the puppy up and the puppy is 5 wks or younger. Contact me and the deposit can be put towards another puppy at another time within the calendar year if not picked within the year, the deposit is forfeited unless other arrangements are made.   

***Please note what ever money you send towards the purchase of the puppy is NON-refundable.  When the puppy is picked up the balance is due in CASH on day of pick up. 

Understanding Unforeseen Events We realize that life happens. Sometimes unforeseen events occur that make it impossible for a family to move forward with a puppy they have committed to. However, because a puppy held for one family is a puppy that we must turn other families away for, we have established the following rules regarding payments and timelines.

The Deposit

• Non-Refundable: All monies sent toward the purchase of your puppy (including deposits and progress payments) are non-refundable.
• Commitment: Your deposit is a commitment to the puppy. If you are unable to take the puppy you committed to, the funds are not returned, as we must then spend time and resources finding a new home for that puppy.

The Pickup Window

• Standard Pickup (8 Weeks): Puppies are typically ready to head to their new homes at 8 weeks of age.
• Grace Period (Until 9 Weeks): If you are unable to pick up your puppy exactly at 8 weeks, we will continue to care for them until they are 9 weeks old at no extra charge, provided the puppy has been paid for in full.
• Boarding Fees: If a puppy must stay with us beyond 9 weeks, a boarding fee of $50 per week will be charged. Extended stays must be discussed and approved on a case-by-case basis in advance.

Forfeiture of Puppy and Funds If a puppy is not picked up by the time it reaches 9 weeks of age—and no prior boarding arrangement has been made—the following will occur:

1. Rehoming: The puppy will be made available to another family immediately.
2. No Refunds: Any and all money paid toward that puppy will be forfeited and is non-refundable.

This policy is in place to ensure that every puppy finds its forever home during their critical development stage and to prevent delays that affect the puppy's transition to a new family.

We are so excited to introduce you to your new family member! To ensure a smooth transition and a safe ride home, please review this checklist and come prepared.

• Crate or Travel Carrier: For the safety of the puppy and the driver, we recommend a small crate or travel carrier for the car ride.
• Leash & Collar/Harness: While they are small now, a lightweight leash and collar are essential for "potty stops" on the way home.
• Old Towels & Wipes: Puppies can sometimes get car sick or have accidents. Having a few towels and baby wipes on hand is a lifesaver!
• Bottled Water & Small Dish: If you have a long drive, please bring a small amount of water to offer the puppy during breaks.

• Final Balance: Please ensure the remaining balance is paid in full. Per our policy, final payments must be made via [Insert your accepted methods, e.g., Cash, Zelle, etc.].
• Identification: Please bring a valid ID so we can finalize the registration and ownership paperwork.

When you arrive, we will provide you with a "Starter Pack" to help the puppy settle in, which includes:

• Health Record: Detailed info on vaccinations and deworming received.
• Registration Paperwork: AKC or applicable registration documents.
• Scent Blanket: A small blanket that smells like their mom and littermates to help them feel secure in their new home.
• Transition Food: A small bag of the high-quality food the puppy is currently eating to prevent tummy upset during the switch.

• No High-Traffic Areas: On your way home, please do not let your puppy walk on the ground at public rest stops or gas stations. Their immune systems are still developing! Use a clean towel or a pee pad in the grass if necessary.
• The "Buddy System": If possible, bring a second person to sit in the back with the puppy to keep them calm while you drive.

Please confirm your arrival time at least 24 hours in advance. We want to make sure your puppy is fed, clean, and ready to go when you pull in!

We can't wait to see you! [Your Kennel Name]

This contract is designed to protect the Buyer, the Breeder, and most importantly, the Puppy. While our standard terms are outlined below, please note that contracts are written individually for each sale to reflect the specific needs of each puppy.

• The Liberty Springs Prefix: All puppies produced by our kennel are required to carry the Liberty Springs prefix at the beginning of their registered name. This will be pre-filled on the registration certificate.
• Choosing a Name: Following the prefix, you are welcome to choose any name you wish for your puppy.

We provide a one-year warranty against serious genetic defects.

• Definition: A "Serious Genetic Defect" is defined as a condition that significantly shortens the puppy’s lifespan or deems the puppy a "medical hazard" requiring lifelong, intensive health care.
• Exclusions: This warranty does not cover common physical traits or non-life-threatening conditions, including but not limited to: undescended testicles, ear carriage (ears not standing), coat length/texture, overbites/underbites (unless interfering with eating), or adult size/weight.
• Contagious Illness: We do not warrant against viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi (such as Parvo, Coccidia, or Giardia), as these are environmental and out of our control once the puppy leaves our care.

In the event of a documented serious genetic defect:

1. Verification: The Buyer must provide full medical documentation and registration papers to Liberty Springs Shepherds.
2. Validation: In the case of death, a necropsy is required to determine the exact cause of death. A "presumed diagnosis" from a vet is not sufficient for a replacement.
3. Resolution: If the claim is valid, the puppy will be replaced with one of equal value (same color, sex, and registration status). If the Buyer chooses a puppy of higher value, they must pay the difference.
4. No Refunds: Under no circumstances will money be refunded. Our policy is for puppy replacement only.

• Limited vs. Full: Most puppies are sold as companions with Limited Registration (no breeding rights).
• Full Registration: Full breeding rights are available on a case-by-case basis at our discretion and must be discussed prior to the sale.
• Spay/Neuter: We do not strictly require neutering, but we advocate for what is in the best social and health interest of your specific dog. If you intend to breed, the dog must be purchased with Full Registration.

1. Initial Veterinary Exam: The Buyer agrees to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 2–3 days of purchase. If a serious genetic defect is found, the puppy may be returned within 7 days with a formal letter from the vet for a replacement.

2. Buyer Responsibility: Upon taking possession, the Buyer assumes all responsibility for vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm prevention.

3. The "Infant" Phase: The Buyer acknowledges that puppies are "infants." Stress from travel, diet changes, or new environments can trigger illness. The Buyer agrees to monitor the puppy closely for lethargy, vomiting, or loose stools and seek immediate veterinary care if needed.

4. Quarantine Period: Because a puppy's immunity is not fully developed until 4 months of age, the Buyer agrees to keep the puppy away from high-traffic dog areas (parks, pet stores, rest stops) until all vaccinations are complete.

5. Non-Transferable: This warranty is valid only for the original Buyer listed on the contract and does not transfer if the dog is rehomed.