What Is a Dog Bill of Sale?
A dog bill of sale is a written record used when someone sells or transfers a dog. It documents the change in ownership and responsibility, making clear who owns the dog and when care shifts to the new owner.
Beyond ownership, a dog bill of sale helps with everyday follow-ups. Buyers often need it to update licensing, transfer microchip registration, or set up veterinary records. Sellers use it to confirm when responsibility for the dog ends. Putting the transfer in writing helps both sides stay aligned if questions come up later.
Is a Dog Bill of Sale Required?
A dog bill of sale is usually not required by state law for private sales. Puppy lemon laws generally apply only to licensed breeders, dealers, and pet stores, not to private individuals. Because these laws do not cover private sales, buyers do not receive automatic legal protections. A dog bill of sale helps fill that gap by putting the terms of the transfer in writing.
There are specific situations where a bill of sale is required by the American Kennel Club (AKC). As the largest purebred dog registry in the world, the AKC plays a major role in setting documentation standards, including:
- When a breeder does not provide AKC registration papers at the time the dog is delivered
- When ownership details must be documented before AKC registration can be completed
In such cases, the AKC requires a bill of sale or another signed document with complete details about the dog. The AKC also recommends putting any limited registration terms in writing and having the buyer confirm they understand those limits.
When to Use a Dog Bill of Sale
A dog bill of sale makes sense any time a dog is sold or rehomed outside of a commercial breeder, dealer, or pet store setting. In private sales, it often acts as the main written record, especially when no pet store or breeder paperwork exists. You will usually see it used in situations like:
- Private dog sales between individuals
- Puppy sales
- Rehoming an adult dog
- Rehoming with a fee
- Private rescue or foster transfers
- Providing proof for licensing, registration, or microchip updates
Reputable breeders often use a breeder contract, as recommended by the AKC. A breeding contract can be used alongside a bill of sale. It covers longer-term terms like breeding rights, spay or neuter requirements, and health guarantees. A bill of sale, on the other hand, focuses on recording the payment and the ownership transfer.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Dog
A clear dog bill of sale helps make sure the dog is placed safely and responsibly. It puts ownership and care responsibilities in writing, starting with:
- Seller’s full legal name and home address
- Buyer’s full legal name and home address
It should also include the dog’s details, including their:
- Name
- Breed
- Approximate age
- Sex
- Color or markings
- Registration number, if the dog is registered
- Sire and dam names, if known
- Microchip number or other identifying numbers
The sale details should cover:
- Final sale price
- Whether sales tax is included
- Payment method used
- Whether a pre-sale veterinary exam was done
- Whether the dog is sold with a warranty or as-is
- The date the dog transfers to the buyer
Some sellers also choose to include:
- A notary acknowledgment, if needed
These details create a complete dog bill of sale. To make the process easier, Legal Templates includes a questionnaire that keeps everything organized.
Helpful Documents to Include With Your Dog Bill of Sale
Including a few supporting documents with a dog bill of sale helps the new owner understand the dog’s health, history, and care needs. Helpful documents to include are:
- Veterinary records, especially if the dog has known health issues, or a recent health certificate
- Vaccination history, including rabies
- Microchip paperwork
- Registration papers, if applicable
- Written behavior disclosures
- Proof of ownership from the seller, such as a prior bill of sale, microchip registration, adoption paperwork, or a breeding contract
Providing these documents helps the buyer update records more easily. It also helps them care for the dog in a way that fits their needs and supports their well-being.
If the dog’s care will involve shared responsibility, transition visits, or temporary care after the transfer, our pet custody agreement or pet sitting contract can help keep things clear for everyone involved.
Dog Bill of Sale Sample
A dog bill of sale sample shows how the document works and what information belongs where. It’s a helpful starting point before you fill in your own details. From there, you can customize and download the template in Word or PDF format.
