Return & Refund Policy
What happens if something goes wrong, and our commitment to take any dog back.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
The commitment that matters most: we will take back any dog we have bred, at any point in its life, for any reason. A dog from this programme should never end up in a shelter. That stands whether or not any refund is due.
Deposits
- If you change your mind in the first 48 hours, we refund your deposit in full. No reason needed, no hard feelings — just tell us.
- After that they are non-refundable. They take a puppy off the market and turn away other families.
- Either way they are transferable to another available puppy from us within 365 days.
- If we cancel — for a health concern, or because a puppy is not thriving — the deposit is refunded in full, promptly.
The 72-hour health window
Have your puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of collection. If that examination finds a pre-existing, life-threatening condition:
- Contact us immediately with the veterinarian's written diagnosis.
- We may request an independent second opinion, at our cost.
- If confirmed, you may choose a full refund on return of the puppy, or a replacement puppy of comparable value from a current or upcoming litter.
If you cannot get a vet appointment in those first three days, tell us and we will extend the window — we will not hold a booked-up vet against you. We do need the examination to happen, because without it there is no way to distinguish a pre-existing condition from something acquired afterwards.
After 72 hours
Beyond the initial window, the health guarantee applies for 3 years from the date of collection, and the remedy is your choice: a full refund on return of the puppy, or a replacement puppy of comparable value. A family who would rather keep the dog can put that money toward her treatment instead. What we can put behind it is capped at what you paid us for the puppy.
Change of mind
A puppy is not a purchase you can undo, and we will not pretend otherwise. Once a puppy has gone home, we do not offer refunds for change of mind, changed circumstances, allergies, or the dog not matching an expectation about temperament, size or adult coat colour.
We would far rather prevent this than adjudicate it. Ask us everything before you commit, and if we think a Dachshund is the wrong dog for your situation we will say so.
Returning a dog to us
Whatever the circumstances, contact us first. We will arrange to take the dog back and, where appropriate, rehome them ourselves. We will not be able to refund the price, but there is no charge either.
What is not refundable
- Delivery, transport and flight nanny fees once travel has been booked.
- Conditions arising from injury, neglect, an inappropriate environment, or from failing to follow reasonable breed-specific care — in particular heatstroke, water-related injury and obesity-related conditions.
- Common, treatable conditions such as parasites, coccidia, giardia or kennel cough.
- Cosmetic outcomes: adult size, adult coat colour, markings, ear set.
How to make a claim
Email info@melissadoxies.com or call (213) 421-1191 with your puppy's name and ID, the date of collection, and the veterinarian's written report. We aim to respond within two business days.
Nothing in this policy limits any right you have under applicable consumer protection or state puppy sale legislation.