Get it in writing

If You're Gonna Do It — Get It in Writing

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough in the dog and livestock world — written agreements.

Now I know, folks like to keep things simple. A handshake, a phone call, maybe a message thread back and forth. And hey, I get it — we want to believe people will do right. But here’s the truth: when there’s no contract, there’s no clarity. And when things go wrong — not if, but when — you’re standing there with nothing to back you up but memories and hurt feelings.

If you’re breeding, selling, trading, gifting, or even leasing out an animal, you need a written contract. Every single time. No matter who it is.

It’s not about not trusting folks. It’s about doing business the right way. It’s about protecting the animal, protecting your name, and keeping your relationships clean — even if the deal doesn’t go as planned.

A contract gives both sides a clear understanding of:

• What’s being exchanged

• The agreed price or trade terms

• Who’s responsible for what (health, transport, breeding rights, returns)

• What happens if something goes wrong

You don’t need a lawyer. You don’t need legalese. You just need clear terms and signatures. A simple, plain-English agreement that spells it out so everyone’s on the same page.

I’ve seen folks lose dogs, lose money, lose friendships — all because they didn’t have something in writing. And I’ve seen animals suffer for it too.

At the end of the day, it’s your responsibility. You’re the breeder. The seller. The one moving stock from your care to someone else’s. You owe it to the animal and to your own reputation to keep things clean and clear.

So whether it’s a high-dollar working dog or a backyard goat, don’t skip this step. If it leaves your place, there ought to be a contract attached to it.

No exceptions. No matter what.