Adoption Process

Deposit Agreement

Please read the terms below before submitting your deposit. This document governs your place on our waiting list.

Document: Waiting List Deposit Agreement

Deposit Amount: $500.00 USD

Last Modified:

This Deposit Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between River Dachs ("Breeder"), located in Georgia, and the prospective buyer identified below ("Buyer"). Submission of a deposit constitutes acceptance of all terms outlined in this document. Please read carefully before proceeding.

1. Buyer Information

2. Puppy Preference

Indicate your preferences below. We will do our best to match you with an available puppy that fits your request. Preferences are not guarantees of availability — they guide placement decisions when a litter arrives.

3. Deposit Terms

3.1 — Deposit Amount

A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 (five hundred dollars) is required to secure a place on the River Dachs waiting list. Payment may be made via Zelle, Venmo, or personal check made payable to River Dachs.

3.2 — Application to Purchase Price

Upon successful placement of a puppy, the $500 deposit will be credited in full toward the final adoption fee. The deposit does not reduce the stated puppy price — it becomes the first payment toward that total.

3.3 — Waiting List Position

Deposits are received in order and waiting list position is assigned accordingly. Position on the list gives priority in selection order when a litter becomes available, but does not guarantee a specific puppy, coat type, color, or sex.

3.4 — Litter Assignment

Breeder will contact Buyer when a litter is born and puppies are available for placement. Buyer will be notified of available puppies in waiting list order. Buyer has 48 hours to respond to a placement offer. Failure to respond within 48 hours may result in the offer passing to the next person on the list.

3.5 — Refund Policy

The deposit is non-refundable except under the following circumstances:

  • Breeder is unable to produce a suitable puppy within 24 months of the deposit date and Buyer has not declined any offered puppy during that period.
  • A litter is lost entirely (stillbirth or neonatal loss) and Buyer chooses not to remain on the list for a future litter.
  • Buyer declines a placement offer for a documented medical reason (e.g., buyer's health emergency or death in family) — at Breeder's sole discretion.

The deposit is forfeited if Buyer declines two or more placement offers without qualifying reason, becomes unresponsive for 30 or more days, or withdraws from the waiting list for personal reasons.

3.6 — Transferability

Deposits are not transferable to another person without the written consent of the Breeder. If a Buyer wishes to transfer their list position to a family member or household partner, Breeder must be notified and the new party must submit a completed puppy application.

3.7 — No Guarantee of Specific Characteristics

River Dachs makes every effort to honor Buyer's stated preferences. However, Breeder cannot guarantee the availability of any specific color, coat type, sex, or temperament. Litter outcomes are subject to genetics and the health of each dam.

3.8 — Remaining Balance

The balance of the adoption fee is due in full at the time of puppy pickup. Accepted payment methods will be confirmed at placement. Personal checks are not accepted for the final balance — Zelle, Venmo, cash, or cashier's check only.

3.9 — Go-Home Age

All River Dachs puppies are released to their new homes at 8 weeks of age minimum, in accordance with Georgia law and our own standards for socialization and health. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

3.10 — Pickup & Shipping

River Dachs generally requires in-person pickup; shipping may be considered in special circumstances. Buyer must arrange in-person pickup in Georgia. Ground transport by a licensed, insured pet nanny may be arranged at Buyer's sole expense — Breeder does not coordinate or recommend specific transport providers.

4. Buyer Acknowledgment & Submission

By checking the boxes below and submitting this form, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms of this Deposit Agreement.

After submitting, we will reach out within 2 business days with payment instructions and your waiting list confirmation number.