FAQs

Compassion & Integrity

Breeders must be in it for the right reasons: a genuine love for dogs and a commitment to
always put their well-being first.

Healthcare Oversight

Every breeder we work with partners with licensed veterinarians, who manage vaccination
schedules and perform thorough exams before puppies can ever travel to us.

Exercise & Enrichment
Dogs should have room to move, play, and explore. We look for facilities that provide safe,
clean environments with daily exercise, structured socialization, and enrichment opportunities
that nurture both body and mind.

Early Socialization
The earliest weeks of life are critical. Many of our breeders are family-run operations where
children and other family members help gently expose puppies to everyday experiences, setting
them up for a confident, happy future.

Safe, Comfortable Living

Clean water, quality food, daily sanitation, indoor/outdoor runs, and comfortable housing are
non-negotiables.

This blend of medical care, compassion, and enrichment is what creates the happy, healthy
puppies we’re proud to place with families.

Hobby breeders are small-scale breeders; by federal definition, they have four or fewer breeding females in their care. Because of their size, they are considered “exempt” from federal licensing.

But don’t let the word exempt fool you. Our standards remain exactly the same: whether a breeder has four dogs or forty, they must demonstrate a genuine love for animals and a commitment to responsible, ethical breeding.

Many of our hobby breeders are family-run, where dogs live as part of the household and puppies are lovingly socialized by every member of the family. We’re proud to partner with some of the very best in the country, knowing they raise puppies with the same compassion and care we would demand for our own.

[Read more about our breeders and see their facilities here]

Absolutely. We have a full-time Breeder Support Team dedicated to thoroughly researching and scrutinizing every breeder we work with. Before any partnership begins, breeders must prove they meet both the law and our own high standards. But it doesn’t stop there. We also inspect breeder records with every single transaction, and our team personally visits many breeders each year. These in-person inspections allow us to check facilities firsthand, build strong relationships, and confirm the dogs are not only healthy but happy and well cared for.

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to violations. We will not accept any breeder with a U.S.D.A. direct violation for at least two years, and even indirect violations (like untrimmed grass) are carefully reviewed. If there is any violation that could affect the health or welfare of the animals, we won’t work with them, period.

We do not accept dogs from puppy mills. Their practices are cruel and unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring they are eliminated for good.

According to American Humane, a puppy mill is any breeding operation where profit comes before the health and wellbeing of the dogs, with little or no effort to address welfare issues. These facilities are not only inhumane — they are illegal.

We strongly oppose puppy mills and everything they represent. For us, the welfare of the dogs always comes first. That’s why we only work with compassionate breeders who share our values and are committed to raising happy, healthy puppies with love and respect.

Yes. Every puppy comes with a microchip that is automatically registered with your information at the time of purchase. Each family also receives a lifetime PetKey membership, which securely houses medical records and provides ongoing support.

Absolutely. Your new puppy is protected with a 15-Day Primary Medical Warranty, covering reimbursement of veterinary expenses for infectious or contagious conditions (up to the purchase price). Beyond that, every puppy also comes with a 2-Year Hereditary and Congenital Warranty, far exceeding the 60 days required by law.

Families who continue feeding Earthblend dog food can extend this warranty free of charge to 5 years. In addition, we offer an optional Major Medical Surgery Warranty and an Animal Replacement Policy—unique protections rarely available through standard pet insurance.

Our warranties are designed to protect you and, most importantly, ensure your puppy thrives long after they leave our care.

We see puppy matching as both an art and a responsibility. Our Puppy Specialists take time to learn about you—your lifestyle, allergies, type of home, family setup, work schedule, and commitment to training and exercise. This helps us recommend a breed that will flourish in your care.

We’re also honest about the demands of certain breeds. When a family is interested in a dog with higher needs, we walk through pros and cons in detail, making sure you know exactly what to expect. That way, your puppy isn’t just a good fit for you, but you’re a safe, supportive fit for them.

For a fun first step, try our free Puppy Matchmaker Quiz—a lighthearted way to start narrowing down the breeds that might suit you best.

Yes! Most puppies meet their new families within days or weeks of arriving at our stores. Those who take a bit longer are reduced in price to ensure they all go home to loving families in a timely manner.

Yes! You can browse the breeds we regularly have available here. If you’re set on something specific—such as breed, gender, or coloration—we also offer special orders. These require a small deposit, refundable after three unsuccessful attempts to find the puppy you’re seeking.