Puppy Adoption Process
We take careful thought and consideration to ensure that our puppies are going to the most loving homes. The Dachshund adoption process first starts with filling out an application. Once we review your application and feel that you are a good fit, we will contact you with instructions to make a deposit, and then your puppy will be ready to go home at 12 weeks old. We’ve broken down a few more details below to help you understand how this process works.
Step 1: Apply and Deposit
Puppies are only available to approved depositors. Start by filling out a Puppy Application. We will usually review your application and give you a response within 1 business day.
Once you are approved and have placed a $700 deposit, you have a few options:
You can adopt any available puppy. It is not very often we have puppies immediately available, but if existing depositors choose to pass on a puppy, we will list them as available to new depositors.
You can place your name on our Master List of Depositors. Once we receive your deposit, your name will be added to the depositor master list and you will be able to choose from future litters based on your seniority on the list.
Please note, deposits are always refundable (minus an 8% processing fee) up until you choose a puppy. If you are on our master list of depositors and you find your furry family member elsewhere, just send us an email and we will process the refund within 2 business days.
Step 2: Wait for Litter Announcement
Each time a new litter arrives, we will email all depositors announcing the news. This email will include a link with more information including a form where you can apply to be added to the picking list of this litter. Applying to be added to the picking spot of a litter does not guarantee you a spot. We award these positions based on the Master List seniority.
If you do not want a puppy from the litter that we announce and you would rather wait for a future litter, you can ignore the email and wait for the next litter announcement.
Keep in mind that some of our depositors are waiting for specific litters, colors, genders, etc. So even if you are Position #20 on our master list you could still have a chance at getting on any litter that we announce if the people ahead of you are not interested in choosing a puppy from that litter.
Each time you pass on a current litter and those ahead of you choose from that litter, your name moves up on the Master List giving you a greater chance at a higher pick in future litters.
For example, if a litter has 4 puppies and depositor number 2, 6, 8, 11, and 15 apply, then 2, 6, 8, and 11 will all be added to the picking list in position 1, 2, 3, and 4 for that litter but depositor number 15 will have to wait for future litters and will be moved 4 spots up on the master list which will place them at position number 11 when applying for the next litter.
Step 3: Review 6 Week Pictures, Video, and Aptitude Test
It’s important not only to consider the looks and gender of your new Dachshund puppy but also the traits and personality. This is why at 6-weeks of age, when your puppy’s brain is fully developed, we offer a Puppy Aptitude Test Result for each puppy to help aid you in making your decision. We will email those on this litter list with new 6 week pictures, a video, and the aptitude test report to review before you make your decision the following day.
Please review the test results and use our helpful video to guide you in your decision to choose the best puppy for you.
Step 4: Puppy Pick Day at 6 Weeks and 1 Day
Our committed depositors will choose their puppies once they reach 6 weeks and 1 day of age. We ask that the first person picking their pup give us their choice by 10:00 am (Mountain Time Zone), then we’ll proceed to the #2 depositor and so on. Usually most of our depositors are ready to give us their choice right away, so the process is usually done within a few hours. We require that all picks be confirmed by email so that there is no confusion.
So, once it’s your turn to pick, please email us your puppy pick and we will immediately post your choice on the litter page. If the puppy you were hoping for gets chosen, you have the option of either choosing another puppy from that litter or placing your name back on our waitlist.
Please keep in mind that once you choose a puppy, we assume you are fully committed and your deposit becomes non-refundable. If you do choose a puppy and then change your mind, we can put you back on the waitlist for a $700 transfer fee.
Step 5: Final Payment
After everyone chooses their puppy, it’s time to pay your final balance. We will email you the puppy agreement as well as the invoice. This invoice will include the price of your puppy minus the deposit you already placed, and any other costs for optional puppy obedience training and/or puppy transportation.
You can pay the remaining balance via Bank Transfer, Credit Card (we add 3% to cover processing fees charged by our online merchant – Paypal, Zelle, CashApp or Venmo), Cash, or Check. When sending a check, please mail the check right away so that we can receive and process your check prior to shipping if applicable. Please note, all payments must be made before your puppy is ready to go home or begin training.
Step 6: Puppies go Home or Begin Training at 8 Weeks
Our sweet little puppies are ready to go home or begin obedience training at 8 weeks of age. Please keep in mind that we are not able to let our puppies go home sooner than 8 weeks of age. It is important that all puppies have the opportunity to spend the first 8 weeks of their life with their mom and siblings and that they have a chance to be properly weaned between 7-8 weeks of age.
We do try to send our puppies to their new homes within 7 days of the “go-home” or graduation date and we are happy to continue boarding your puppy past that date. However, we do charge a $50/day boarding fee after those first 7 days of boarding.