Purchase agreement for a dog – what should the contract include for a private sale?
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Short answer: A dog purchase agreement should clearly state which dog is being sold, the price and payment, delivery date, the dog's health status, known defects, veterinary inspection, registration details, and the terms that apply after the purchase. Which legal regulations apply depends, among other things, on whether the seller is a private individual or a professional trader.
| Private individual selling to private individual | The Sale of Goods Act is normally central and can to a large extent be contracted out of or adapted. |
| Professional trader selling to consumer | The Consumer Sales Act contains mandatory consumer protection that cannot be contracted out of to the consumer's detriment. |
| Change of ownership in the dog register | The new owner must register the change of ownership with the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket). For an already registered dog, this should normally be done within four weeks. |
Identify the dog precisely
The agreement should include the dog's name, breed or type, sex, date of birth, microchip number or other identification marking, registration number when available, and details about pedigree or kennel organization if relevant. The more clearly the dog is identified, the lower the risk of future ambiguities.
Health, veterinary inspection, and known circumstances
Document what the seller knows about diseases, injuries, medication, behavioral problems, and previous veterinary care. If a veterinary inspection has been carried out, the date and the inspection certificate should be stated. The agreement should not be used to hide known problems; clear information before the purchase reduces disputes.
Price, deposit, and delivery
- total purchase price and how it is paid,
- any deposit and what happens if the purchase is not completed,
- date and place of handover,
- which documents and accessories are included,
- when the risk and responsibility for the dog transfer to the buyer.
Change of ownership at the Swedish Board of Agriculture
All dogs in Sweden must be marked and registered in the Swedish Board of Agriculture's central dog register. When an already registered dog changes ownership, it is the new owner who registers the change of ownership. The Swedish Board of Agriculture states that this should be done within four weeks.
Special conditions must be clear
Conditions regarding, for example, breeding, castration, right of repurchase, competition merits, or future compensation can be complicated. If such conditions are used, they should be formulated concretely: what is to be done, by whom, when, and what is the consequence if the condition is not met?
Common mistakes
- chip number is missing or incorrect,
- known health problems are not documented,
- using the same terms for private purchases and consumer purchases,
- deposit stated without rules regarding repayment,
- confusing ownership with registration.
Dog purchase agreement 2026/2027
The template package contains Word, PDF, and a user guide with structured sections for the dog's identity, health, payment, delivery, and attachments.
FAQ
Does the Sale of Goods Act apply when I buy a dog from a private individual?
Yes, for private purchases, the Sale of Goods Act is normally the starting point. It is dispositive, which means that the parties can to a large extent agree on other terms.
Who registers the change of ownership?
The Swedish Board of Agriculture states that it is the new owner who registers themselves as the new owner in the dog register.
Is a veterinary certificate the same thing as a purchase agreement?
No. The veterinary certificate describes the dog's status at the time of the examination, while the purchase agreement regulates the actual transfer and the parties' terms.
The article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. Regulations, collective agreements, industry terms, and the circumstances of each individual case may affect the assessment.
