Every Gentle Paw Labrador is the product of meticulous health planning, specialist veterinary care, and a breeder who refuses to make compromises. Our guarantee reflects that commitment in writing.
Every puppy receives a comprehensive wellness examination at 6 weeks and again immediately before going home at 8 weeks. Each exam covers cardiac function, joint development, eye health, dental occlusion, neurological responses, and body condition. A signed health certificate accompanies every puppy.
We follow an evidence-based vaccination schedule developed with our veterinarian. Puppies receive age-appropriate DHPP core vaccines and bordetella where indicated. Complete vaccination records are included with all puppy paperwork. We do not over-vaccinate.
Puppies are dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks using pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole as appropriate. Fecal testing is performed at 7–8 weeks to confirm parasite clearance. Puppies begin monthly heartworm prevention before placement.
Both parents carry full OFA and DNA clearance results for EIC, CNM, HNPK, SD2, and PRA. Hip (OFA Excellent/Good), elbow (OFA Normal), cardiac (board-certified cardiologist), and annual CAER eye certifications are current. All results are publicly verifiable.
Every puppy is microchipped prior to placement using an ISO-compatible 15-digit chip. Registration is completed in the puppy's name and all transfer documentation is provided at pickup. The chip is registered to our programme until transfer is confirmed.
AKC registration papers, 5-generation pedigree, complete vaccination and deworming records, microchip registration, health certificate, parental health test results, a personalised puppy care guide, our written health guarantee, and a comfort blanket carrying mum's scent.
| Age | Vaccines / Treatment | Administered By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Weeks | DHPP 1st dose | Gentle Paw Veterinarian | First comprehensive wellness exam included |
| 8 Weeks | Bordetella (intranasal) · Deworming final | Gentle Paw Veterinarian | Pre-placement health certificate issued at this visit |
| 10–12 Weeks | DHPP 2nd dose | Buyer's Veterinarian | Due within 3 weeks of placement — schedule immediately |
| 14–16 Weeks | DHPP 3rd dose · Rabies | Buyer's Veterinarian | Rabies legally required in most states by 16 weeks |
| 12–16 Months | DHPP Booster · Rabies 1-year | Buyer's Veterinarian | Confirm schedule with your vet — crucial first-year milestone |
| Annually | Bordetella · Leptospirosis (if indicated) | Buyer's Veterinarian | Lifestyle-dependent; boarding, dog parks, water access |
| Every 3 Years | DHPP Booster · Rabies 3-year | Buyer's Veterinarian | After initial puppy series and 1-year booster are complete |
If your Gentle Paw puppy is diagnosed with bilateral hip or elbow dysplasia requiring surgical intervention before 24 months of age, and OFA radiographs confirm the diagnosis, we will replace the puppy or refund the purchase price at our discretion. Conditions: OFA evaluation submitted to us directly; puppy maintained at healthy body weight per vet records; no traumatic injury involved in diagnosis.
If your puppy is diagnosed with a genetic disease listed on our health panel (EIC, CNM, HNPK, SD2, or PRA) within the first year of life, we will replace the puppy or refund the purchase price. These conditions are prevented by our testing protocol — this guarantee reflects our confidence in that protocol.
At the time of placement, every puppy holds a current health certificate from our licensed veterinarian. If our vet finds any condition at the 8-week examination that is deemed clinically significant, we will delay placement until the puppy is cleared. We will never knowingly place a sick puppy.
No matter when, no matter why — if you are ever unable to keep a Gentle Paw dog, we will take them back. No questions. No judgment. No penalty. This clause has no expiry date. A Gentle Paw dog will never enter a shelter with our knowledge. This is a personal commitment, not just a contractual one.
Important: Our guarantee is a safety net, not the centrepiece of what we offer. We breed carefully so that it is rarely needed. To date, we have had one guarantee claim in fifteen years — a hip displacement confirmed at 18 months that we replaced without question. We consider that record a reflection of our health programme, not luck.
AKC Registration Papers
Full AKC registration with colour, sex, date of birth, and parentage. Transfer to your name is simple and instructions are included.
5-Generation Pedigree
A printed pedigree showing the full ancestral tree, including titled ancestors and health-tested parents and grandparents.
Complete Veterinary Records
Every vaccination, deworming treatment, microchip number, vet visit note, and health certificate from birth to placement.
Microchip Documentation
Registration certificate and transfer instructions. The chip is registered to us until you complete the transfer — we walk you through it.
Parental Health Test Results
Copies of mum and dad's OFA hip, elbow, cardiac, and eye certificates, plus DNA test results for all heritable conditions.
Signed Health Guarantee
Our written guarantee with clear terms, our contact details, and the personal commitment that we are available for the life of this dog.
Personalised Puppy Guide
Written specifically for your puppy's temperament and your household. Covers first days at home, crate training, feeding schedule, and what to expect week by week.
Comfort Blanket
A small blanket that has spent time with the litter and carries mum's scent. Invaluable for the first few nights — significantly reduces transition anxiety.
Food Sample
A starter supply of the exact food your puppy has been eating, with transition guidance for switching brands if you choose to do so gradually.