Terms and Conditions

Please read our terms and conditions carefully

Puppy Sales Terms and Conditions

Deposit Terms

  • The standard and minimum deposit amount is $300
  • The deposit will be applied toward the total purchase price of your puppy
  • Deposits are required to secure a specific puppy or hold your place on our waiting list
  • Deposits are non-refundable once submitted, except as outlined below
  • If you choose not to proceed with the purchase, the deposit will be forfeited
  • In the event that we are unable to provide the selected puppy due to circumstances beyond our control (illness, death, or other unforeseen circumstances), we will work with you to find a suitable alternative from an upcoming litter or refund your deposit
  • If a puppy becomes unavailable after deposit is placed but before pickup, we will offer you first choice of the next available litter or a full refund

Payment Terms

  • The remaining balance (total price minus deposit) is due at the time of pickup
  • We accept cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or credit/debit card for the remaining balance
  • Puppies will not be released until full payment is received
  • All prices are in US Dollars (USD)
  • Prices are subject to change, but the price quoted at the time of deposit will be honored
  • If payment is made by check, we reserve the right to hold the puppy until the check clears

Learn more about payment methods

Purchase Agreement

  • All puppies are sold as pet quality only on a spay/neuter contract
  • No guarantee is made as to size, color, disposition, conformation, working ability, or breeding ability
  • This guarantee is not covered by accidental injury
  • It is the buyer's responsibility to see that the puppy receives required worming, vaccinations, and health checks after purchase and possession of the puppy
  • All puppies must be spayed or neutered by 12 months of age, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing
  • Breeding rights are not included with pet-quality puppies
  • If breeding rights are desired, they must be discussed and agreed upon in writing before purchase, and additional fees may apply

Health Guarantee

Our puppies come with a 1-year health guarantee. Please review our full health guarantee for complete details.

  • All puppies must be taken to the buyer's veterinarian within the first 2 weeks after receiving the puppy
  • Any discounted puppies do not come with a health guarantee
  • The guarantee is not covered by accidental injury, neglect, abuse, or failure to provide proper veterinary care
  • If a genetic or hereditary health issue is discovered, we will work with you to resolve the situation, which may include replacement, refund, or veterinary expense coverage, at our discretion
  • Any health issues must be reported to us immediately with veterinary documentation

Application and Approval Process

  • All potential buyers must complete and submit an application
  • We reserve the right to approve or deny any application at our sole discretion
  • Approval of an application does not guarantee a specific puppy will be available
  • Deposits can only be placed after application approval
  • We may request additional information or references before approving an application
  • We reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone for any reason

Puppy Selection and Availability

  • Puppy selection is typically done in order of deposit received, after application approval
  • We reserve the right to retain any puppy for our breeding program
  • Puppy availability is subject to change without notice
  • If you have placed a deposit on a specific puppy and that puppy becomes unavailable, we will contact you immediately to discuss alternatives
  • Waiting list positions are held by deposit order, but do not guarantee a specific puppy

Pickup and Delivery

  • Puppies are typically ready to go home at 8-10 weeks of age, depending on the breed and individual puppy development
  • Pickup must be scheduled in advance
  • If you cannot pick up your puppy within 2 weeks of the agreed pickup date, additional boarding fees may apply
  • If pickup is delayed more than 4 weeks without prior arrangement, we reserve the right to offer the puppy to the next person on the waiting list and your deposit will be forfeited
  • We do not ship puppies - all pickups must be in person
  • You may send someone else to pick up your puppy with prior written authorization
  • At pickup, you will receive: health records, vaccination records, microchip information (if applicable), and care instructions

Visits and Appointments

  • We operate out of our own home, so visits are by appointment only
  • Please schedule a visit in advance
  • We do not require a deposit to schedule a visit
  • Visits allow you to meet our breeding dogs and puppies, see our facilities, and ask questions
  • We reserve the right to limit the number of visitors or reschedule visits if necessary
  • Children must be supervised at all times during visits
  • For the health and safety of our puppies, visitors may be asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer

Ownership Transfer and Rehoming

  • Ownership of the puppy transfers to the buyer upon full payment and pickup
  • If you are unable to keep your puppy for any reason, we strongly encourage you to contact us first
  • We may be able to assist with rehoming or may accept the puppy back, at our discretion
  • We do not provide refunds for puppies that have been in the buyer's possession for more than 14 days, except as covered by our health guarantee
  • If you rehome the puppy to a third party, you must inform them of the spay/neuter requirement and health guarantee terms

Vaccinations and Health Records

  • All puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming before going home
  • You will receive complete health records at pickup
  • It is your responsibility to continue vaccinations and veterinary care after pickup
  • Failure to provide proper veterinary care may void the health guarantee
  • Microchipping information will be provided if the puppy is microchipped

Grooming Services Terms and Conditions

Appointment Scheduling

  • All grooming appointments must be scheduled in advance
  • Appointments can be scheduled online through our visit scheduling system or by calling (413) 287-8082
  • We recommend scheduling regular appointments to maintain your pet's coat health
  • Appointment times are estimates and may vary based on your pet's size, coat condition, and behavior
  • We reserve the right to reschedule appointments if necessary

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

  • Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment
  • Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) may result in a cancellation fee
  • No-shows (failure to appear for scheduled appointment without notice) may result in a no-show fee equal to 50% of the service cost
  • Repeated no-shows may result in requiring a deposit to book future appointments
  • We understand emergencies happen - please contact us as soon as possible if you cannot make your appointment

Payment for Grooming Services

  • Payment is due at the time of service completion
  • We accept cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and credit/debit cards
  • Prices are based on breed, size, coat condition, and services requested
  • Additional fees may apply for: matting removal, aggressive behavior, extra time required, or special handling needs
  • We will inform you of any additional fees before proceeding with extra services
  • If your pet requires sedation (administered by a veterinarian), you are responsible for all veterinary costs

Pet Health Requirements

  • Pets must be current on vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, and Bordatella for dogs)
  • We reserve the right to refuse service to pets that appear ill or have contagious conditions
  • If your pet shows signs of illness, we may reschedule the appointment for the safety of all pets
  • Please inform us of any health conditions, allergies, or special needs your pet has
  • Elderly pets or pets with health issues may require special handling - please discuss this with us in advance

Matting and Coat Condition

  • Severely matted coats may require shaving, which may result in a different appearance than requested
  • We will discuss matting issues with you before proceeding
  • Additional fees apply for extensive matting removal due to the extra time and care required
  • Shaving matted coats may reveal skin irritation or other issues that were hidden by the matting
  • We are not responsible for skin conditions that become apparent after matting removal
  • Regular grooming helps prevent matting - we recommend scheduling appointments every 4-8 weeks

Pet Behavior and Safety

  • Please inform us if your pet has a history of aggressive behavior, biting, or anxiety
  • We reserve the right to refuse service or stop service if a pet poses a danger to our staff
  • If a pet is too aggressive to groom safely, we may recommend sedation grooming through a veterinarian
  • We use gentle, positive handling techniques, but some pets may experience stress during grooming
  • We are not responsible for injuries that occur due to pet aggression or attempts to escape
  • If your pet injures our staff, you are responsible for all medical costs

Grooming Results and Guarantees

  • We strive to provide the best possible grooming experience and results
  • If you are not satisfied with the grooming, please contact us within 24 hours
  • We will work with you to address any concerns and may offer a complimentary touch-up if appropriate
  • We cannot guarantee exact appearance matches, especially for severely matted coats or difficult-to-handle pets
  • Hair length and style may vary based on coat condition and pet cooperation

Pickup and Late Pickup Policy

  • We will contact you when your pet's grooming is complete
  • Please pick up your pet within 2 hours of completion notification
  • Late pickup fees may apply if your pet is not picked up within 4 hours
  • If your pet is not picked up by the end of the business day, additional boarding fees will apply
  • If a pet is not picked up within 48 hours and we cannot reach you, we reserve the right to take appropriate action, which may include contacting animal control
  • You may authorize someone else to pick up your pet with prior notification

Liability and Injuries

  • While we take every precaution to ensure your pet's safety, accidents can happen
  • We are insured, but our liability is limited to the cost of the grooming service
  • We are not responsible for pre-existing conditions, injuries that occur due to pet behavior, or health issues that become apparent during grooming
  • If your pet is injured during grooming due to our negligence, we will cover reasonable veterinary costs
  • You agree to hold us harmless for any injuries to our staff caused by your pet
  • By bringing your pet for grooming, you acknowledge that you are the legal owner or have authorization from the owner

General Terms and Conditions

Privacy and Information

  • We respect your privacy and will not share your personal information with third parties
  • Please review our privacy policy for details
  • By submitting an application, deposit, or scheduling an appointment, you agree to receive communications from us
  • We may use photos of your pet (with permission) for marketing purposes
  • You can opt out of marketing communications at any time

Limitation of Liability

  • Our total liability for any claim related to puppy sales or grooming services is limited to the amount paid for the service
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • We are not responsible for acts of nature, accidents, or circumstances beyond our control
  • These terms do not affect your statutory rights as a consumer

Dispute Resolution

  • We encourage open communication to resolve any issues
  • Please contact us directly to discuss any concerns before taking other action
  • We are committed to working with you to find a fair resolution
  • If a dispute cannot be resolved, it will be governed by the laws of Massachusetts

Changes to Terms and Conditions

  • We reserve the right to update these terms and conditions at any time
  • Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date
  • Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the new terms
  • Existing agreements (deposits, purchases) will be governed by the terms in effect at the time of the agreement

Questions About Our Terms?

If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Puppy Sales:

Phone: (413) 287-8708

Email: puppies@topnotchpaws.com

Grooming Services:

Phone: (413) 287-8082

Email: grooming@topnotchpaws.com

Contact Us

Last Updated: December 13, 2025