How to Write a Breeding Contract

Breeding contracts protect the interests of the signatory parties during a paid animal breeding. Contracts are used to establish guidelines for the procedure, including cost, method of insemination and how many attempts will be made.



In the event there is a problem with the breeding or a question about the animals produced by the breeding, a well-written breeding contact can provide the guidelines for settling the issue.

Breeding contracts should include all necessary information and details about the breeding, leaving nothing out.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the animals to be bred. Both the male and female should be listed by their formal registered names and breed association identification information. If the animals involved do not have breed association identification, it may be advisable to physically describe the animals intended for breeding.

    • 2

      List the method of breeding. Animals can be bred in several different manners. The breeding contract should pinpoint the method of insemination. Natural cover is the commonly accepted breeding term for allowing the animals to have physical intercourse. Artificial insemination can be done using frozen or liquid semen. If planning to use artificial insemination the type of semen should be specified and so should the method of insemination, including who will perform the insemination.

    • 3

      Establish where the breeding will take place and the care arrangements for the animals while they are the breeding site.

      If one animal will be traveling to the location of the other animal for breeding, the acceptable and necessary care procedures for that animal should be outlined in the contract. This should include information about administration of medicines or other specific details unique to the animal.

      In the event something happens to the animal while it is being bred, established care guidelines can protect against claims of ignorance or negligence. Also, there should be a clause authorizing the caregiver to obtain or provide emergency veterinary treatment for the animal while it is in their care.

    • 4

      Determine how many times the animals will be bred. Not all breedings succeed the first time the animal is inseminated. It may take multiple attempts to conceive or the animals may never conceive. There should be an established guideline in the breeding contract regarding how many attempts will take place, cost of additional attempts and whether or not the person paying for the breeding is eligible for a refund of the breeding fees if the animal fails to conceive.

    • 5

      Establish all breeding fees. These fees should include the stud fee, artificial insemination fees (if extra), care fees (if extra) and registration fees (if applicable). Some types of animals and breeds require genetic testing of registered offspring, it may be wise to outline who will be responsible for these fees in the initial contract to avoid confusion later.

    • 6

      Include any other relevant information to the breeding. Information may include the date the breeding will take place, or any animal or breed specific details necessary. Breeders may want to include whether or not an animal has specific genetic traits, including inherited conditions or diseases.

      Check into local laws and make sure the breeding contract covers both parties under local and state guidelines, if any have been established.

    • 7

      Provide a place for both parties to sign the breeding contract, as well as places for contact information. If desired include a location for the signature of a public notary.For multiple page contracts, some people add a place at the bottom of every page for both parties to initial they have read and understood the contract.