Shipping/Refund Policy
At West Coast Westies, the safety, comfort, and well-being of our Westie puppies are our highest priorities. Whether you arrange in-person pickup or professional transportation, we work to ensure every puppy travels as safely and comfortably as possible.
1. Puppy Readiness for Travel
Puppies will not be released for travel before reaching at least 8 weeks of age, subject to veterinary guidance and applicable laws.
Each puppy will receive age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a veterinary health examination before going home.
A veterinary health certificate will be provided when required by applicable regulations or the transportation provider.
Buyers are responsible for reviewing any recommended or required travel-related health coverage before transportation.
Travel arrangements may be postponed if a puppy is not medically or developmentally ready to travel.
2. Pickup & Transportation Options
West Coast Westies will discuss available pickup and transportation arrangements with each family. Options may include:
Local Pickup: Scheduled pickup by appointment.
Ground Transportation: Professional pet transportation, subject to availability.
Air Travel: Airline-approved pet transportation, subject to airline policies, puppy eligibility, and route availability.
Flight Nanny Service: In-cabin transportation with a qualified flight nanny, when available and permitted by the airline.
All transportation arrangements must be agreed upon in advance. Availability depends on the destination, travel conditions, provider requirements, and the puppy’s welfare.
3. Travel Crates & Comfort
When transportation requires a travel crate, the buyer and transportation provider must ensure that it meets applicable safety requirements.
Depending on the selected service, arrangements may include:
An appropriately sized, secure, well-ventilated travel crate
Suitable absorbent bedding
Access to appropriate food and water during necessary breaks or as directed by the transport provider
Safe handling and suitable travel conditions
Whether a crate is included in the transportation fee will be confirmed before booking.
4. Shipping & Transportation Costs
Transportation costs vary according to the destination, distance, transportation method, service provider, and any additional documentation or supplies required.
Additional charges may include:
Ground or air transportation fees
Travel crate expenses
Required veterinary health certificates or examinations
Applicable airline or handling fees
Transportation coordination and delivery charges
All transportation costs will be discussed and confirmed before arrangements are finalized. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, buyers are responsible for transportation expenses in addition to the puppy purchase price.
5. Buyer Responsibilities
Before transportation or pickup, buyers agree to:
Pay all agreed transportation fees by the specified deadline.
Provide accurate contact and delivery information.
Ensure that someone is available to receive the puppy at the agreed time and location.
Meet any applicable airline, transportation, import, or local requirements.
Review any recommended travel-related health coverage and arrange coverage if desired or required.
Follow the care instructions provided when receiving their puppy.
West Coast Westies is not responsible for delays caused by weather, airline operations, transportation providers, regulatory requirements, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. We will communicate relevant updates when information is available to us.
6. Health, Safety & Travel Delays
The health and welfare of each puppy take priority over travel schedules.
West Coast Westies reserves the right to delay or reschedule pickup or transportation if weather, travel conditions, illness, or other circumstances could compromise a puppy’s well-being.
If a puppy shows signs of illness before departure, transportation will be postponed pending veterinary assessment and clearance when appropriate. Any revised arrangements will be discussed with the buyer.
7. Communication & Travel Updates
We aim to keep families informed throughout the transportation process. Depending on the arrangement, updates may include:
Confirmed pickup or departure details
Estimated arrival times
Available tracking information or flight details
Transportation provider or flight nanny contact information, when provided
Updates about changes or delays
The timing and frequency of updates depend on the transportation method and the information supplied by the provider.
8. Refunds, Deposits & Cancellations
Because each puppy reservation involves planning, preparation, and a commitment to a particular puppy or litter, buyers should review the reservation terms carefully before submitting a deposit.
Deposits: Deposit refundability, transferability, and any applicable conditions are governed by the written reservation agreement provided at the time of booking.
Puppy Purchase Payments: Refund requests relating to a puppy purchase will be reviewed according to the signed purchase agreement and applicable law.
Transportation Fees: Transportation charges may be subject to separate cancellation, rescheduling, or refund policies established by the service provider.
Buyer Cancellations: Buyers should contact West Coast Westies as soon as possible if they need to cancel or change pickup or transportation arrangements.
Breeder-Initiated Changes: If West Coast Westies must cancel a placement or cannot provide the reserved puppy, the available options, including any applicable refund or transfer, will be handled according to the written agreement and applicable law.
No provision in this policy limits any consumer rights or refund entitlements that cannot legally be waived.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about puppy pickup, transportation arrangements, shipping costs, cancellations, or refunds, please contact West Coast Westies before finalizing your reservation.
We are committed to clear communication, responsible puppy placement, and making the transition to your new Westie as safe and smooth as possible.