Adoption Info & Fees

The Process Overview

 

Reserving Your Puppy: Once we receive your Puppy Interest Form, we've had our initial phone conversation, and  you're ready to move forward, we'll email you our Reservation List Agreement for review and signature. After the signed agreement is returned, a nonrefundable $250 reservation Fee is required to officially join our waitlist. The total reservation fee is $500, but only the first $250 is due to secure your place on the list. The remaining $250 is due once the puppies are born. If you are joining after a litter has already arrived, the full $500 will be due at that time to secure your spot. Families are added to the waitlist in the order the reservation fees are received.  While we cannot guarantee exact timing or availability, we regularly update our waitlist families on upcoming breedings and expected litters. We also understand that timing doesn't always align perfectly-if needed, you may defer your place on the waitlist up to two times before your deposit is forfeited. 

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From Birth to Selection Day: Once the puppies arrive, a birth announcement will be emailed, to potential families, including details regarding litter size, gender and color. Puppy selection begins between 5-7 weeks of age, at the breeder's discretion, and follows the order in which reservation fees were received. Local families are welcome to make their selection in person, while distant families can choose their puppy through Zoom, FaceTime, photos, or videos. We work hard to include our families in the process by providing weekly updates on Instagram (OakKnollDoodles) and through direct communication. At the time of final payment, both the Breeder and Buyer will sign the Health Guarantee Contract. All puppies are sold on a spay/neuter agreement, and must be spayed or neutered by 18 months of age. We support a variety of sterilization methods, including traditional spay/neuter, ovary-sparing spay and vasectomy. To review our two-year Health Guarantee, please request a copy.

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Puppy Visitation Guidelines: We understand that many families are eager to meet their future puppy, see where they're being raised & start the bonding process early - but for the health and safety of our dogs, we do not allow visits to our home before puppy selection day, which typically takes place between 5-7 weeks of age. This decision is not made lightly. Puppies are born with fragile immune systems and are especially vulnerable to illnesses like parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis, which can unknowingly be carried in on shoes, clothing, and hands. By limiting foot traffic, we significantly reduce the risk of exposing our puppies to life-threatening diseases. In addition to protecting their health, we also prioritize the emotional well-being of our puppies and parent dogs. Visitors can cause unnecessary stress for new moms, potentially impacting milk production or behavior. Routine is vital in these early weeks, and disruptions can interfere with feeding schedules, training and social development. We maintain a calm, clean and controlled environment to give every puppy the best start in life. While we don't allow in-person visits, we keep our families involved with frequent posts on Instagram, FaceTime calls, photos, videos, and regular updates, so they feel confident and connected every step of the way. 

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Final Payment Policy: For local pickup, we prefer cash at the time of pickup. For families choosing to pay their final balance via Zelle, payment must be received by the time the puppy is seven weeks old, to allow adequate time for funds to clear before pick up or travel/delivery. We've experienced delays with fund transfers in the past, which can push back pickup by several days - something we want to avoid, especially when flights are involved. Please note: Your Reservation Fee is applied toward the total purchase price of your puppy. 

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Puppy Pick Up

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We look forward to meeting you! Pickup dates and times are scheduled shortly after birth announcements are sent out, giving you plenty of time to make travel plans or coordinate with a Flight Nanny if needed. Please note, we DO NOT ship puppies via cargo or ground transport. However, we work with trusted Flight Nannies who can hand-deliver your puppy to your nearest major airport. If you chose this option, you will be responsible for the puppy's airfare, the Flight Nanny's travel costs, and all related arrangements. We're happy to recommend reliable Flight Nannies that we've worked with in the past. Please be aware that Nannies book quickly, so we strongly encourage scheduling early. All Flight Nanny Services are arranged independently from Oak Knoll Doodles. 

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