Terms & Conditions: Breeder Certification Program

Introduction

Welcome to the Better Breeder Certification Program, offered by the Better Breeder Institute. By participating in this program, you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. Please read these terms carefully before applying for certification. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these program terms.

Eligibility

To be eligible for certification, breeders must meet the criteria set forth by the Better Breeder Institute, including but not limited to:

Agree to adhere to the Better Breeder Institute’s Code of Ethics.
Must have a clear purpose for their breeding program, emphasizing breed preservation, advancement, and ethical practices.
Participate in, or produce dogs who compete in, a purebred AKC/CKC Event in order to evaluate, demonstrate, and validate the results of their breeding program.
Produced dogs who have achieved AKC/CKC prefix championship titles.
Maintain active membership in good standing with a specialty breed club (National Breed Club and/or regional specialty club).
Conduct complete health testing protocols on all breeding stock as recommended by the National Breed Club.
Provide a written sales contract and health guarantee with every dog sold.
Honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, leases, stud services, breeding rights, agreements, and compensation.
Maintain clean, orderly, and sanitary kennel facilities and provide high standards of health, cleanliness, safety, and care of dogs.
Accept back any dog sold that the buyer can no longer retain.
Take every possible precaution to ensure that no dog bred by yourself is placed in a shelter or rescue program, or if notified, will work quickly to remove the dog from the facility or program.

Application Process

To enroll in the Program, the breeder must complete the application process, provide accurate and complete information, and pay the applicable fee ($35.00 USD). At year’s end, a portion of the application fee ($5.00 USD) will be donated to the breeder’s National Breed Club health foundation. Application fees from Collie (Rough & Smooth) or Shetland Sheepdogs breeders will be donated in their entirety to the respective National Breed Health Foundation.

The application fee for the Program is non-refundable and is solely for the purpose of application review. The fee covers administrative costs associated with processing and reviewing applications and their associated assets and files, irrespective of the outcome of the review process. Payment of the fee does not guarantee approval into the Program.

Upon submission, breeders will receive confirmation of receipt of their application via email. Applications will be reviewed by an independent third-party agency according to criteria set forth by the Better Breeder Institute. The review process typically takes 7-10 business days. Additional information or clarification may be requested if necessary.

Each application for the Breeder Certification Program will be considered on its content and merit. Breeders will be notified of the decision regarding the application via email. Approved breeders will be added to the Better Breeder Directory as Certified Better Breeder Institute breeder.

The granting of the breeder certification is at the sole discretion of the Better Breeder Institute and is not guaranteed. The Better Breeder Institute reserves the sole discretion to approve, deny, suspend, or remove any individual without providing any prior notice or explanation. By applying for certification, the breeder agrees to abide by the Company’s decisions regarding approval, denial, suspension, or removal and acknowledges that such decisions are final and non-negotiable. Once submitted, the application and its materials will become the property of the Better Breeder Institute. The Better Breeder Certification does not imply a recommendation of a breeder by the Better Breeder Institute.

Program Content

Certified breeders will be listed in the Better Breeder Directory with special badging to denote the certification. Pending their agreement to the Terms of Use: Certification Seal Usage Agreement, they will be given access to the Better Breeder Institute Certification seal inside their Better Breeder account, which they can display on their website, social media accounts, and digital and print advertising.

Certified breeders will have access to benefits provided by the Better Breeder Certification Program, which may include but are not limited to educational resources, networking opportunities, discounts, and promotional support. The program may change or expand its benefit package at any time. Any material changes or additions to benefits will be communicated to certified breeders.

The Better Breeder Institute does not act as an intermediary between the breeder and buyer, nor does it operate as a broker. We do not facilitate transactions between breeders and buyers. The Better Breeder Institute’s role is solely to certify breeders who meet our standards and agree to abide by our Code of Ethics. Any transactions or agreements between breeders and buyers are independent of the Better Breeder Institute.

General Provisions

The Better Breeder Institute reserves the right to modify or terminate the certification program, benefits, fees, or terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. Breeders are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding their breeding activities. The Better Breeder Institute is not liable for any damages, losses, or liabilities arising from a breeder’s participation in the certification program.

Code of Conduct

You agree to conduct yourself in a professional and respectful manner while participating in the Program and abide by the Better Breeder Institute’s Code of Ethics. You will not engage in any conduct that is unlawful, fraudulent, or harmful to others.

Term

The Better Breeder Certification is valid for two years from the date of approval. The recertification process will be developed and communicated prior to the certification expiration date.

Total Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Better Breeder Institute regarding your participation in the program and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, representations, and understandings, whether written or oral.

By applying for the program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not enroll in the program.

Termination:

The breeder understands they are unable to cancel this work order once payment is remitted. The Better Breeder Institute reserves the right to cancel this program at any time, for any reason, without prior notification and will provide a cancellation notice either electronically or in writing sent to the address of record.

A breeder’s certification may be subject to review if a complaint is filed alleging that a credentialed breeder is not deserving of the certification or has violated the program terms and conditions. Complaints are filed via the Better Breeder Certification Complaint Report.

The Better Breeder Institute reserves the right to terminate certification at any time if you breach any provision of the terms and conditions or are found to have submitted inaccurate or fraudulent documents.

Legal:

Independence of Parties: The breeder and the Better Breeder Institute are independent parties, and nothing in this Agreement shall constitute either party as the employer, principal, partner, or joint venture with the other party. Neither the breeder nor the Better Breeder Institute has any authority to assume or create any obligation or liability, either express or implied, on behalf of the other.

Disclaimer of Warranties: The program and services provided by the Better Breeder Institute are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without any warranties, express or implied. The Better Breeder Institute makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or completeness of any information or results obtained through the services.

Limitation of Liability: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM, EVEN IF THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Indemnification: The breeder agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Better Breeder Institute, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or in connection with the breeder’s participation in the program or use of the services, including but not limited to any claims related to infringement of intellectual property rights, violation of privacy rights, or breach of contract.

Dispute Resolution: The breeder agrees that any cause of action, controversy, or claim arising out of or related to this application or program, or as to the construction, interpretation, and effect of this agreement shall be settled by arbitration pursuant to the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association in Green County, Wisconsin. This agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, USA.

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of both parties. Any changes or modifications thereto must be in writing and signed by both parties. If any portion of the document is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.