Buyer references are the easiest part of the screening process to skip and one of the most useful when you do them right. Most breeders feel awkward calling a stranger to ask about another stranger, run out of questions in the first three minutes, and end up with a vague sense of whether the buyer was good without anything specific written down.

The Reference Check Form solves both problems. It is a structured call script with prompts customized for each type of reference, so you walk into the call knowing exactly what to ask and walk out with a written record of what you learned.

What the document does

It runs each reference call through the same structure: applicant identification, reference contact info, branch-specific questions for the type of reference being called (veterinary, personal, or previous breeder), breeder impressions and red flags, and a decision recommendation based on this reference.

The form is built around the principle that what a reference does not say is often more telling than what they do. Hesitation, vague answers, and reluctance to elaborate get noted explicitly so you can revisit them later when you are deciding whether to approve the placement.

What is included

• Cover section capturing applicant, reference, and call metadata (call length, time, who called)
• Veterinary reference section with five prompts including a note about written authorization for patient history
• Personal reference section with six prompts about home visits, observed style with animals, and any hesitations
• Previous breeder reference section with five prompts about the prior placement and ongoing relationship
• Breeder's Notes and Impressions section that explicitly invites you to write down what felt off and why
• Decision section with five-option recommendation scale (strongly supports placement to recommends against) plus follow-up questions for the applicant

Format and how it works

Includes a Word version for digital editing and a PDF version for printing. Most breeders print one copy per reference call and fill it in by hand during or right after the call. You can also type into the Word version if you prefer to take notes on a laptop.

The veterinary reference section includes a note about written authorization. Some practices will not discuss patient history without a release from the client, so the applicant should send one before the call if needed.

Why this version is different

Most reference forms are checklists that a reference could fill out alone. This one assumes the breeder is on the phone, listening, and trusting their gut. The Breeder's Notes section invites you to write down vague gut feelings as data instead of dismissing them. That is the difference between reference calls that catch problems and reference calls that confirm what you already wanted to believe.

Who this is for

For breeders who already use a buyer application and want to add structured reference calls before approving placements. Pairs with the Buyer Application's reference capture section, which collects the contact information you call from. Especially valuable for breeders who place into multiple homes per year and want consistent screening across every applicant.

Buy this document on its own, or pair it with the Buyer Application and the rest of the Operations Kit using the bundle discounts.