Do I Need a Bill of Sale?

Although it may not be legally demanded to sell or purchase a dog, a bill of sale is always a valuable document to execute, as it acts as a receipt for the transaction. Evidence of the sale on record works as protection in case you ever have to verify that you own or do not own the animal. Some reasons you may need proof of sale include:

• Dispute – If there is a dispute and one party denies the existence of the transaction, a bill of sale is a solid document to present in court.
• Release of Liability – By executing a bill of sale, the previous owner has proof that they have been released of any liability associated with the dog and are no longer legally responsible for the animal.
• Accountability – If one party does not adhere to the provisions set forth within the document, they can be taken to court if they refuse to cooperate with the agreement.
• Tax Purposes – You may use the document as a receipt to refer back to for your tax filings.

How to Sell a Dog/Puppy

Whether you’re a breeder trying to make a living selling dogs or you have a pet you can no longer care for, you can take several different approaches to market and sell your animal successfully.

Step 1 – Figuring a Price

The first thing that needs to be determined is the listing price. You will have to do a market analysis to understand how much the canine is worth. This means you will need to compare your dog to other similar dogs that are for sale. Scan the classified ad websites to get a general idea of the market price. Some of the factors that determine the value of a dog or puppy would include:

• Breed – Is it a rare or highly demanded breed of dog? Purebred dogs typically go for more money than mixed breeds.
• Age – How old is the animal? Most buyers are interested in purchasing a puppy they can raise from youth, although some individuals prefer an older dog that is already trained.
• Gender – Is the dog a male or female? Some buyers may prefer one sex over the other. Females tend to sell at a higher price than their male counterparts, but sometimes, depending on the breed, the opposite can occur.
• Size – Is the animal a healthy size for its breed?
• Coat Color – Does the dog have a healthy coat with a unique pattern or markings?
• Health Status – Are there any medical issues concerning the dog? Has it received its proper vaccinations and been spayed or neutered?
• Training – Has the dog received any special training?

These are all things that should be considered when adjusting the price. Remember that many dogs are available for adoption, so it can be difficult to sell one unless it is a puppy from a quality bloodline.

Step 2 – Advertising

When selling a dog, it is always best to try and find someone you know first. Facebook is a good way to alert friends and family members that you have a pet for sale. Create a post explaining that you are selling your dog, and be sure to include a picture, description, and price. You may expand your range of potential buyers if you do not receive any offers. The most effective way is to market the animal on a popular ad-posting website. Fortunately, several sites are explicitly devoted to selling dogs, puppies, and pets in general. Some of the most prevalent are:

• PuppyFind.com – With a high traffic count, this website is great for breeders to list their puppies for sale.
• PuppyFinder.com – A popular website where private party sellers, breeders, and rescue groups can post ads to sell or adopt a dog/puppy.
• PetClassifieds.us – One of the few classified ad websites available to private-party sellers.
• CraigsList.org – Although it may not be specific to the sale of dogs, CraigsList is one of the most popular websites in the country. Under the “Community” section, there is an option labeled “Pets”. There you will be able to create a post and advertise your dog/puppy to the local area.

(Sellers and buyers should use these websites at their own risk, as scams are always a possibility.)

Step 3 – Meeting with the Buyer

When an interested party contacts you, they typically want to meet in person to examine the dog. Arrange a meeting in a safe location for a specific time. During the meeting, the potential buyer may inquire about specific information concerning the dog. Be prepared to answer any questions and have all the documentation regarding the animal on hand. You must also screen the individual to ensure your pet is going to a safe, stable environment. Some questions you could ask would be:

• Why do you want a dog?
• Who will be responsible for taking care of the animal daily?
• Will you be able to provide the dog with all its needs? (vet care, exercise, food, training, grooming, etc.)
• Are there any young children in the household? If so, will they be educated on interacting with the dog?

You may take it further and request references to ensure the person is trustworthy. If the buyer is satisfied with the animal and you feel that they are qualified to purchase your pet, it will be time to negotiate the terms of the sale.

(Note: The interested party may request that a veterinarian examine the dog before purchase.)

Step 4 – Negotiating the Terms of the Agreement

Now that the buyer has decided to purchase the dog, both parties should discuss how the transfer will occur. The first thing that will need to be agreed upon is the payment. Sometimes a buyer will try to get a reduction on the original asking price, it is up to the seller to accept or decline the offer. Also, the seller should stipulate which form of payment is acceptable. Cash is always the safest option for the seller. If the buyer insists on using a check, the seller should arrange to meet at the buyer’s bank for verification. After the funds have been exchanged for the dog, the transaction will be finalized, and each party can collect a copy of the completed bill of sale to keep for their records.

Dog/Puppy Bill of Sale Form