Puppy Paperwork Checklist: Documents to Get Before Pickup
Before pickup, match the puppy to a written agreement, health and vaccination records, identification details, registration promises, and a clear payment receipt.
Quick answer: do not leave pickup with only a puppy and a payment screenshot. You should receive a written agreement, an itemized receipt, veterinary and vaccination records, the puppy's identifying details, and any registration or microchip documents that were promised. Read everything before the handoff and compare names, dates, sex, color, and identifying marks with the actual puppy.
The essential puppy paperwork
1. Purchase or placement agreement
The agreement should identify the buyer, seller, puppy, total price, payments already made, remaining balance, pickup date, and the conditions for cancellation, return, or refund. Health terms should state what examination window applies after pickup and what evidence is required if a concern is found.
2. Veterinary, vaccination, and treatment record
Look for dated entries that identify the clinic or person administering care, the product or treatment, and the puppy. A list of stickers or handwritten dates is useful only when you can connect it to the right puppy. Schedule an independent veterinary visit promptly after pickup according to the agreement.
3. Identification and microchip information
If the puppy is microchipped, obtain the chip number, registration instructions, and transfer details. Scan the chip at the first veterinary appointment. If no chip is promised, record distinguishing markings and retain current photos with the contract.
4. Registration or pedigree documents
Registration is not the same as health testing and does not guarantee quality. If registration, breeding rights, or a pedigree was advertised, the agreement should say exactly which organization and documents are included, whether restrictions apply, and when the paperwork will be delivered.
Parent health testing is different from puppy records
A puppy's routine examination and vaccination record describes the puppy's care. Breed-relevant screening results for the sire and dam address inherited risks in the breeding pair. Ask for the registered names or identifying numbers needed to verify results. The OFA explains that a CHIC number means the required tests were performed and made public; it does not mean every result was normal. Review the individual results rather than relying on a badge alone.
Check every document before signing
- Names and contact details match the person receiving payment.
- The birth date, breed, sex, color, and microchip number are consistent.
- All blank spaces are completed or crossed out before signing.
- Verbal promises about delivery, registration, refunds, or health are written down.
- You receive a copy signed by all required parties.
- The receipt identifies the puppy and each payment, not just a generic transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Should I receive original veterinary records?
Ask what the clinic issues and whether originals or copies are appropriate. The important point is that the record is legible, tied to the puppy, and can be discussed with your veterinarian.
What if registration papers will arrive later?
Put the organization, expected document, restrictions, and delivery deadline in the signed agreement. A vague promise is difficult to enforce or verify.
Is a health guarantee enough?
No. It should be read together with the examination window, exclusions, remedy, return terms, and actual health records. Ask a qualified local professional about any clause you do not understand.
Sources and review notes
Review the OFA explanation of the CHIC program and the AKC overview of breed-relevant health testing. This checklist is general educational information; contracts, registration, and required records vary by seller and jurisdiction.