Terms and Conditions
At Smith Family Doodles, our goal is to ensure each puppy is placed in a safe, loving, and well-prepared home. The following terms and conditions outline our policies regarding puppy care, health guarantees, breeding rights, and buyer responsibilities. These guidelines are designed to protect the well-being of our dogs and support a positive experience for new puppy owners.
Please read through the information carefully before placing a deposit or completing your adoption. If you have any questions about these terms, we’re always happy to help clarify.
Note: The information on this page is subject to change at any time. All Smith Family Doodles puppies are sold under a formal purchase agreement, which outlines the full legal terms of sale. In the event of any discrepancy between this page and the signed agreement, the terms of the signed contract will take precedence.
Our breeding program is designed to promote the long-term health, temperament, and well-being of the breed—because we know your new puppy is more than just a pet… they’re family.
Our Commitment to You
At Smith Family Doodles, we are passionate about raising exceptional Goldendoodles and equally committed to providing families with a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. Our breeding program is designed to promote the long-term health, temperament, and well-being of the breed—because we know your new puppy is more than just a pet; they’re family.
Our Breeding Program
We take a thoughtful, ethical approach to breeding, focusing on quality over quantity. Our adult dogs are beloved family members and live in happy home environments, not kennels. Each pairing is chosen based on health, temperament, structure, and compatibility to produce well-balanced puppies with loving personalities and excellent companionship potential.
We follow the breeding guidelines set by the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA), including:
- Allowing our females adequate rest between litters
- Evaluating temperament and structure before breeding
- Prioritizing socialization, neurological stimulation, and early enrichment in all our puppies
Our goal is to not only improve the Goldendoodle breed, but also provide families with puppies who are confident, resilient, and ready to thrive in their new homes.
Testing our Breeding Dogs
At Smith Family Doodles, we prioritize health and temperament above all else. Every breeding decision is informed by extensive health testing to ensure we are producing puppies with the best possible foundation for lifelong well-being.
All of our breeding dogs are DNA tested through Embark for over 200 inherited genetic conditions. We also assess traits like coat type, color genetics, and inbreeding coefficients to better understand our lines—but we never breed for appearance alone.
In addition to genetic screening, all dogs in our program undergo orthopedic and structural evaluations through OFA or PennHIP, including:
- Hips and elbows
- Patellas
- Cardiac health
- Eyes (CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist)
Only dogs who meet our health and temperament standards move forward in our breeding program. We are deeply committed to improving the Goldendoodle breed—not just for today’s litters, but for generations to come.
Genetic Testing for Puppies
In many of our litters—particularly when we are evaluating breeding prospects—we conduct full Embark DNA profiles on the puppies. This testing allows us to provide future families with valuable insight into their puppy’s genetic background, including any known health risks.
When genetic testing is available, new owners will receive:
- A summary of the puppy’s Genetic Ancestry Results
- A list of any Health Results identified through testing
- A brief explanation of any notable findings or relevant conditions
It’s important to note that genetic tests are not diagnostic tools—they do not confirm whether a condition is currently present or will develop in the future. Instead, they offer insight into potential risk factors so that owners, in partnership with their veterinarian, can make informed decisions about preventive care and long-term wellness.
If you’re interested in adding a DNA test for your puppy, let us know—we’re happy to discuss options based on availability and timing.
What’s included with your puppy
Bringing home a Smith Family Doodle means more than just getting a puppy—you’re gaining a well-prepared companion and lifelong support from a breeder who genuinely cares.
Each of our puppies goes home with:
- Up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and a detailed veterinary record
- Microchip and Buddy ID tag for added security
- Embark DNA profile (when available)
- Collar, harness, and leash
- Starter bag of puppy food and a small treat bag
- Chew toy or bone to ease the transition and encourage healthy chewing
- Toy and blanket that carry familiar scents from the litter
- Two-year health warranty for life-inhibiting genetic defects
- Ongoing breeder support for training, care, and adjustment
We also like to include thoughtful extras—especially for families traveling from a distance. This may include additional toys, a Snuggle Puppy, or other comfort items based on your puppy’s needs. You’re always welcome to add on extras, too!
With every puppy, we aim to send home not just a healthy, happy Doodle, but also the peace of mind and partnership that comes from choosing a breeder committed to you for the life of your dog.
Two-Year Health Guarantee
At the time of adoption, Smith Family Doodles guarantees that each puppy is in good health and has received age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming. Buyers are required to schedule a wellness exam with a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of the puppy’s adoption date. If the buyer’s veterinarian is unavailable during that timeframe, the breeder must be notified and provided with the scheduled appointment date.
If the examining veterinarian identifies a life-threatening illness or congenital defect during this initial visit, the buyer must contact the breeder immediately and provide a written diagnosis from the attending veterinarian.
Smith Family Doodles offers a two-year health warranty against life-inhibiting genetic defects, in alignment with the standards set by the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA). If such a condition is diagnosed within two years of the adoption date, and confirmed in writing by a licensed veterinarian, the buyer will be offered one of the following remedies:
- A replacement puppy of equal value, when one becomes available, or
- A refund of 50% of the original purchase price.
The buyer is not required to return the dog in order to exercise this warranty. The breeder will work closely with the buyer to determine the most appropriate resolution for both the family and the puppy, though the final decision will remain at the breeder’s discretion.
To remain eligible for this warranty, the buyer agrees to:
- Maintain routine veterinary care and wellness visits
- Follow their veterinarian’s recommended vaccination and prevention schedule
- Provide a safe, healthy, and loving home environment
This warranty does not extend to conditions resulting from neglect, trauma, or preventable infectious disease. It also does not cover breed-related traits or minor health concerns that do not significantly impact the dog’s quality of life.
Smith Family Doodles offers a two-year health warranty against life-inhibiting genetic defects
Puppy Care & Welfare
Care & Welfare Agreement
All Smith Family Doodles puppies are sold with the understanding that they will be raised in a safe, loving, and responsible home. Buyers agree to provide:
- A stable home environment with appropriate socialization, daily exercise, and companionship
- Regular veterinary care, including wellness checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention
- A balanced, nutritious diet appropriate for the puppy’s age, size, and activity level
- Consistent coat and hygiene maintenance, including brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims
Puppies must never be subjected to neglect, abuse, prolonged confinement, or tethering. They are to be treated as cherished family members with their physical and emotional needs consistently met.
Buyers also agree to notify the breeder of any changes to their contact information to ensure continued communication and lifelong support.
VETERINARY CARE
Each Smith Family Doodles puppy is examined by a licensed veterinarian before going home and comes with a copy of their vaccination and health records. To ensure a smooth transition of care and help keep vaccinations on schedule, buyers are encouraged to select a veterinarian and schedule the puppy’s first wellness exam around the time of adoption.
This initial visit should ideally take place within 7–14 days of adoption, depending on your puppy’s age and vaccine schedule. For most puppies going home at 8–10 weeks old, a check-up within the first week is recommended. Your veterinarian will help you stay on track with future vaccinations and preventative care.
Veterinary records can be forwarded to your chosen provider upon request. Local families are welcome to continue care at Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic, where our puppies receive their initial exams.
Vaccination Schedule
Following your puppy’s initial veterinary exam and vaccinations, it’s important to continue their care under the guidance of your chosen veterinarian. Puppies adopted around 8-10 weeks of age will typically have received:
- One round of core vaccinations (DHPP: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
- Multiple rounds of deworming
- A comprehensive health exam
To ensure your puppy stays protected during this vulnerable stage of development, please follow your veterinarian’s advice for ongoing vaccines and preventative care. Below is a general timeline to help you prepare.
PUPPY VACCINE SCHEDULE (TYPICAL GUIDELINES)
- 10–12 weeks: 2nd round of DHPP
- 14–16 weeks: 3rd round of DHPP + Rabies (often at 16 weeks)
- 12–16 weeks (optional): Leptospirosis or Bordetella, depending on lifestyle and veterinarian recommendation
- Annually thereafter: DHPP and Rabies boosters
ADDITIONAL VETERINARY CARE TO PLAN FOR
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention — Start based on your vet’s regional guidance and your puppy’s lifestyle
- Spay/neuter — Must be completed by 24 months of age unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise and you’ve communicated that recommendation with Smith Family Doodles
Every puppy is different. Your veterinarian may adapt this schedule to suit your dog’s size, breed type, health status, and local disease risks. We welcome any updates or guidance from your vet that may fall outside this standard timeline.
Grooming
Goldendoodles require consistent grooming to maintain coat health and prevent matting. Professional grooming is recommended every 6–8 weeks. At a minimum, all dogs must be fully groomed at least once every 3–4 months.
Buyers who choose to groom their dog at home must be committed to proper coat care and are encouraged to consult with us for recommended tools, techniques, and grooming schedules.
To build positive associations with grooming, puppies should visit a professional groomer during their early months—even if only for a bath and nail trim. Early exposure helps desensitize them to grooming equipment and handling. A good groomer will also reinforce calm behavior and proper grooming etiquette, which benefits the dog for life.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
At Smith Family Doodles, we believe our responsibility doesn’t end when your puppy goes home—it continues throughout your dog’s life. By staying connected, we’re able to offer personalized guidance, monitor puppy development, and support happy, healthy outcomes for both dogs and their families.
We also learn from your experiences. Your feedback helps us improve our program, share helpful resources, and better support future puppy owners. Together, we create a caring and informed community of Doodle lovers. To help us foster this connection, we kindly ask each new puppy family to:
- Leave a Google review within one month of bringing your puppy home
- Follow and engage with us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date and connect with other Doodle families
- Share at least one update per year—whether through a social post or directly with us—so we can follow your Doodle’s journey
If you’re not on social media, we’re happy to post on your behalf—just send us your updates and pictures. Your participation helps future families feel confident and supported, and it ensures your pup remains part of the extended Smith Family Doodles community.
Reservations & Waitlist
Puppy Reservations
To reserve a spot in one of our current or future litters, a non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit secures your place on our Reservation List, which determines the order in which families will select their puppy (typically around 6–7 weeks of age, after temperament evaluations).
Deposit Amounts:
- $300 for future litters (before puppies are born)
- $500 for current litters (puppies already born)
The deposit is applied toward the final purchase price of your puppy.
Smith Family Doodles always retains first pick of each litter for potential breeding prospects. Placing a deposit reserves your spot in line, not a specific puppy.
Once a litter is confirmed, we contact families in the order deposits were received to finalize reservations. If the litter has more puppies than expected, we’ll offer those spots to waitlisted families (see below). If your timing or preferences change, your deposit may be transferred to a future litter at the breeder’s discretion, pending availability.
A signed Deposit Agreement may be required to confirm your reservation.
Waitlist (Backup List)
If a litter is fully reserved, you may request to join our Waitlist. This list includes families who are interested in adopting but have not yet secured a reservation spot for a current litter.
Waitlist families are not required to place a deposit until a reservation becomes available, but they are welcome to submit a deposit early to secure the next available pick in an upcoming litter.
If a puppy becomes available due to a cancellation or a larger-than-expected litter, we will contact waitlisted families in the order inquiries were received. If no puppies become available, families who have submitted a deposit from the waitlist will receive priority placement in the next available litter based on their deposit date.
Good Dog Clients
If a prospective owner found us through Good Dog, then it’s very important to abide by the Good Dog payment policies. This includes submitting all deposits and transactions through the Good Dog platform. If reserving through Good Dog, the deposit structure is as follows:
- $400 for future litters
- $500 for current litters
This deposit is also applied toward the final purchase price and is non-refundable.
Unless explicitly agreed upon in writing, all Smith Family Doodles puppies are sold as companion pets only and may not be used for breeding.
Breeding Policy
At Smith Family Doodles, we are committed to ethical breeding practices that prioritize the health, safety, and longevity of the Goldendoodle breed, in alignment with the standards of the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA). To uphold these values, the following policies apply:
No Breeding Rights – Spay/Neuter Requirement
Unless explicitly agreed upon in writing, all Smith Family Doodles puppies are sold as companion pets only and may not be used for breeding. Puppies sold as pets must be spayed or neutered by 24 months of age, and buyers agree to provide proof of sterilization to the breeder by the stated deadline.
We recognize that spay/neuter timing can vary based on a dog’s sex, size, breed, and individual health. While our policy sets a maximum deadline of 24 months, we encourage owners to work closely with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate timing for their puppy’s long-term well-being. If your veterinarian recommends a sterilization schedule outside of this window, please contact us in advance to discuss and provide documentation of the recommendation. We are happy to review reasonable requests on a case-by-case basis.
If a dog is bred—whether intentionally or accidentally—without prior written approval, the breeder reserves the right to reclaim the dog and any resulting offspring, and may pursue legal action if necessary. All puppies from an unauthorized breeding will be considered the legal property of Smith Family Doodles and must be surrendered to the breeder. The breeder also retains the right to reclaim the original dog. Breach of this agreement will result in a minimum penalty of $10,000.
Breeding Rights (By Special Approval Only)
On rare occasions, Smith Family Doodles may approve the sale of a puppy with full breeding rights. This must be discussed prior to placing a deposit and is only granted under a separate breeding contract, with adjusted pricing and specific requirements. Approval depends on evaluation of the puppy’s structure, temperament, and genetic profile, as well as verification that the buyer is an experienced breeder in good standing or actively participating in an approved mentorship or apprenticeship program. Not all litters will have breeding candidates. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, the puppy described in this agreement is not approved for breeding.
Accidental Breeding Clause
In the event of an accidental pregnancy, the breeder may consider leniency only if contacted within 48 hours of discovery. Accidental breedings are not ideal for the integrity of the breed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. To avoid full penalties, the buyer must fully cooperate with the breeder, including adherence to proper whelping and veterinary protocols. This includes oversight by a reproductive veterinarian, appropriate at-home care for the dam, a safe and sanitary whelping environment, proper neonatal care, and the use of early development practices such as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). The buyer must also notify the breeder of any health concerns and surrender all resulting puppies to Smith Family Doodles at the appropriate age (typically 8 weeks). Additionally, the dam or sire must be spayed or neutered per the breeder’s direction, or the dog must be surrendered to the breeder if the buyer is unwilling or unable to comply.
If the Buyer Owns the Sire (Not the Dam)
If the buyer’s dog is the sire of an unplanned litter where the dam belongs to another party, the buyer is still required to notify the breeder within 48 hours of learning about the pregnancy. The buyer agrees to ensure that the dam and puppies receive care consistent with responsible breeding practices, to coordinate with the breeder for surrender or rehoming of the litter, and to share financial responsibility for any veterinary or rehoming costs incurred. The dog must be promptly neutered after the incident, unless medically contraindicated or already scheduled, or surrendered to the breeder per the terms of this agreement.
Return Policy
Deposits
All reservation fees (deposits) are non-refundable and secure a buyer’s place on the waitlist for an upcoming litter. This policy helps us plan responsibly and ensure each puppy is placed in a committed, well-prepared home.
We understand that life circumstances can change. If a buyer is no longer able to proceed with a planned litter, the deposit may be transferred to a future litter at the breeder’s discretion, depending on timing and availability.
In rare cases—such as when the sire for an upcoming litter has not yet been confirmed and the buyer requires a puppy within a specific timeframe—a refund may be considered. This exception must be discussed and agreed upon in advance by both parties.
By placing a deposit, the buyer acknowledges and accepts the non-refundable nature of the fee, except in cases where Smith Family Doodles is unable to provide a puppy as agreed (e.g., infertility, cancellation of the litter, or changes to breeding plans).
Puppies
If the buyer is unable to keep the puppy for any reason, they must contact the breeder first. The breeder will either take the puppy back or assist in rehoming. The puppy must never be surrendered to a shelter, rescue, or rehomed without the breeder’s approval.In the event of the buyer’s death, and if no one in the immediate household is able to care for the dog:
The buyer is encouraged to include a clause in their will or estate plan that designates either:
- A pre-approved individual who is willing and able to care for the dog, with prior written consent from the breeder; or
- Smith Family Doodles as the designated recipient, so we may provide care and assist in rehoming.
This ensures the dog’s well-being and prevents it from being surrendered to a shelter, rescue, or unapproved third party.
No refunds will be given for returned puppies.
Contracts
Downloadable contracts Coming soon
File coming soon.
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Smith Family Doodles
Portland, Oregon
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