Dispute & Refund Policy – FindMyStudDog

Effective Date: 5/2/2026 | Last Updated: 8/24/2026

This Dispute and Refund Policy (“Policy”) outlines how disputes, claims, and refunds are handled on FindMyStudDog.com (“FMSD,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). This Policy is incorporated into and governed by the FindMyStudDog Terms of Service. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings given to them in the Terms of Service.

By using the Platform, Buyers and Sellers agree to this Policy.

1. Platform Role in Disputes

FMSD acts as a marketplace facilitator and is not responsible for breeding outcomes. FMSD may, at its sole discretion, review disputes, request documentation, and make final determinations. FMSD’s decisions on transaction disputes are final.

This Policy governs disputes between Buyers and Sellers regarding transactions on the Platform. For legal disputes between a user and FMSD itself, see Section 20 of the Terms of Service (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution).

2. General Refund Policy

2.1 Before Shipment

If a Buyer cancels before shipment, the stud fee, collection cost, and shipping will be refunded. The Buyer Protection Fee and Transaction Fee are non-refundable. Where a shipping label has already been purchased, refund of shipping is subject to the carrier’s ability to void the label. Exceptions may be granted at FMSD’s discretion.

2.2 After Shipment

Once shipment has been initiated, transactions are considered final. No cancellations or refunds will be issued unless otherwise provided in this Policy.

2.3 Exception Policy

FMSD may issue refunds, credits, or corrective action in cases of verified seller failure, material misrepresentation, or confirmed service breakdown. All exceptions are made at FMSD’s sole discretion.

3. Dispute Submission Requirements

To initiate a dispute, Buyers must submit the claim within seven (7) days of the event giving rise to the claim (except for no-pregnancy claims, which are governed by Section 5.5 below). Buyers must provide clear details of the issue and supporting documentation when required. Failure to submit a claim within the applicable timeframe or provide requested documentation may result in denial of the claim.

Where a dispute is filed before a Seller payout has been released, FMSD will hold the payout pending review. Filing a dispute after a payout has been released does not obligate FMSD to recover funds from the Seller.

4. Documentation Standards

Acceptable documentation includes veterinary records, ultrasound or x-ray reports, and written statements from licensed veterinarians. FMSD may request additional documentation or require verification at any time. Failure to provide documentation or cooperate with verification may result in claim denial, loss of protections, or account action.

5. Dispute Categories & Outcomes

5.1 Seller Failure to Fulfill

If a Seller cannot collect or ship on the scheduled day and no viable next-day fulfillment is available, the breeding window may be missed. FMSD may deem the booking non-fulfillable. In such cases, the Buyer receives a full refund of all amounts paid, including the stud fee, collection cost, shipping, Buyer Protection Fee, and Transaction Fee, and may immediately pursue an alternative stud. FMSD may recover any non-recoverable costs from the Seller.

5.2 Late Shipment (Seller Still Ships)

If shipment is delayed but still potentially viable, the transaction remains valid. No automatic refund is issued. Seller terms may apply.

5.3 Carrier Delay (FedEx, UPS, etc.)

If shipment is delayed by a third-party carrier such as FedEx or UPS, no refund is issued. Neither the Seller nor FMSD is responsible. The Buyer may request an additional shipment at their own cost, subject to Seller terms.

5.4 Unusable or Poor Quality Semen

If a Buyer claims semen is not viable, documentation from a licensed veterinarian is required. These claims are reviewed case by case. Seller terms apply, and FMSD may intervene at its discretion. FMSD does not independently verify semen quality.

5.5 No Pregnancy Outcome

If breeding does not result in pregnancy, veterinary documentation is required and must be submitted within seventy (70) days of the last insemination. The outcome is governed by the Seller’s rebreeding policy. No automatic refund is issued. Failure to provide documentation within the timeframe may result in denial of the claim.

Where a rebreeding is provided, the stud fee is waived. Collection cost, shipping, and platform fees still apply.

5.6 Buyer Timing Error

If the Buyer improperly times the breeding, including improper progesterone timing, late ovulation, or miscalculated breeding windows, no refund or claim is available. The Buyer assumes full responsibility for timing.

5.7 Missed Delivery or Buyer Unavailable

If the Buyer misses delivery or the shipment is delayed because the Buyer was unavailable, no refund is issued. The Buyer is responsible for ensuring availability.

This includes shipments held by the carrier for collection following a failed delivery attempt or a closed delivery address.

5.8 Veterinary Mishandling

If a veterinarian improperly handles semen after delivery, no refund is issued. Neither the Seller nor FMSD is responsible. Seller terms may apply if applicable.

5.9 Misrepresentation by Seller

If a Seller submits false health records or creates a misleading listing, a refund or credit may be issued. The Seller may face penalties, listing removal, or account suspension.

5.10 Buyer Fraud or Misrepresentation

If a Buyer submits false claims, refuses to provide documentation, or provides misleading booking information, the claim will be denied and the Buyer’s account may be suspended.

5.11 Seller Refusal to Honor Rebreeding Policy

If a Seller has posted a rebreeding guarantee or policy and refuses to honor it after the applicable conditions have been met, the Buyer may file a dispute. FMSD will review the Seller’s stated terms and the documentation provided. If FMSD determines the Seller is not honoring their own posted terms, FMSD may issue a refund or credit to the Buyer and may impose penalties on the Seller, including listing removal or account suspension.

5.12 Stud Death, Injury, or Infertility

If a stud dog dies, is injured, or is confirmed infertile between booking and fulfillment, the booking will be deemed non-fulfillable. The Buyer will receive a full refund of all amounts paid, including the stud fee, collection cost, shipping, Buyer Protection Fee, and Transaction Fee. The Seller is required to notify FMSD promptly upon learning of the stud’s unavailability. Failure to notify FMSD in a timely manner may result in penalties or account action.

5.13 Live Breeding Disputes

Live breeding is not currently offered through the Platform. If FMSD enables live breeding in the future, the following applies.

Disputes arising from live breedings, including injury to either animal, disease transmission, facility conditions, or disagreements about the breeding process, are the responsibility of the Buyer and Seller to resolve between themselves. FMSD does not supervise or participate in live breedings and is not liable for outcomes arising from them. FMSD may, at its discretion, review disputes involving live breedings where there is evidence of misrepresentation or fraud by either party.

6. Dispute Process

The dispute process proceeds as follows:

Buyer submits a claim within the applicable timeframe
FMSD reviews initial details
FMSD requests documentation if needed
Seller is notified and has seven (7) days to respond
FMSD evaluates all information
Final decision is issued

Where a dispute is filed before payout, FMSD will hold the payout for the duration of the review. FMSD aims to complete an initial review within five business days of receiving a complete claim.

FMSD is not obligated to investigate every claim but retains authority when it does.

7. Platform Authority

FMSD may approve or deny claims, issue refunds or credits, penalize users, and withhold payouts. All decisions are made at FMSD’s sole discretion.

8. Policy Updates

FMSD may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated in accordance with the notice provisions in the Terms of Service. Continued use of the Platform after any changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.