Step One: Research

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Before reaching out, take time to ensure a Golden Retriever (and specifically a golden from field lines)  is the right fit for your home and your lifestyle.  The dogs in my program are bred to be active, intelligent, and eager to work alongside their people. While they have a great off switch, they also typically have higher energy and more drive than the average Golden Retriever. They really thrive with regular exercise, consistent training, mental stimulation, and plenty of time with their families. 

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Take time to consider your daily routine, activity level, training goals, and the financial responsibility of owning a dog.  If you're unsure whether one of my puppies is the right fit for your family, I'm always happy to answer questions and help you make an informed decision.  My goal is to place every puppy in a home where both the puppy and the family can thrive. 

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Step Two: Application

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Once you've decided a Pawmetto Goldens puppy is the right fit, the next step is completing my puppy application.

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This application allows me to get to know you, your family, your lifestyle, and what you're looking for in a puppy.  As part of the application, you'll also have the opportunity to review a sample contract.  I believe it's important for prospective families to understand my policies before moving forward.  Because this is a sample, and likely provided before specific litters are determined, it does not include litter specific information such as pricing or details.

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The application is thorough, please make sure you have time to answer it in full, incomplete applications are not considered.  I try to review applications on a weekly basis.  They do take a considerable amount of time to go over so I review them in batches.  If your application is approved,  I'll reach out to discuss the next step.

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Step Three: Join The Waitlist

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As my program continues to grow, I am making a few changes to my process to ensure I can continue providing the time, communication, and individual attention that each family and puppy deserves. 

 

Moving forward, families who are approved to join the waitlist will submit a $100 waitlist fee to reserve their place on the list.  This is a new step in my process and is designed to help ensure the families being added to the list are committed to welcoming a puppy and not just window shopping.  The waitlist fee is not an additional cost, it is simply a portion of the $500 holding fee paid early and will be credited toward the total if you chose to move forward with a future litter. 

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The waitlist fee is non- refundable and reserves your place on the waitlist, not a guaranteed puppy or specific litter.  If you are contacted about a litter and decide the timing is not right, you are welcome to pass on that litter and reach back out when you are ready.  If you are contacted about a litter and do not respond within 24 hours, your spot for that litter will be released so that I can continue reaching out to other families on my list  Your waitlist fee may be applied toward a future litter, at my discretion. 

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This change allows me to better manage my waitlist, dedicate my time to families who are ready to move forward, and continue maintaining the level of care and communication that is important to my program.

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Step Four: Puppies Arrive

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When puppies arrive, one of the most exciting parts of the process begins!  Once I have confirmed the number of puppies and genders available and I feel puppies are thriving, I will begin reaching out to families on the waitlist in order.  

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Families will have 24 hours to respond and confirm whether they would like to move forward with that litter. 

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Step Five: Reserve Your Puppy 

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Once you have confirmed that you would like to move forward with a litter, the next step is reserving your place in that litter.

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At this time, you will receive your contract with litter specific details to review.  The contract will be signed at pickup and a copy provided for your records.

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The remaining $400 of your holding fee will be due at this time, bringing your total holding fee to $500.  This holding fee reserves your place with that litter and will be applied toward the final purchase price of your puppy.

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Once your holding fee has been received, your puppy spot is officially reserved.  From there, we begin the exciting process of watching your puppy grow!

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Step Six: Watch Them Grow

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Once your puppy spot is reserved, the waiting becomes one of the most exciting parts of the journey!  Families who have reserved a puppy are invited to a private litter update group where they can follow along through the first weeks of life through regular photos, videos, and updates.

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During this time, you'll get to watch your puppy grow, reach important milestones, and begin experiencing the world around them.  From the very beginning, each litter is raised with intention.  This is such a fun, meaningful part of the process and I love sharing the journey as these puppies grow from tiny potatoes into the companions they are meant to become.  

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Step Seven: Puppy Selection

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Around 7 weeks of age, puppies will begin the evaluation process to help guide families in making the best choice for their lifestyle and goals.  

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While families will make their own puppy selection in waitlist order, I will provide insight into each puppy's developing personality and temperament based on my observations throughout the weeks they have been with me. 

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By this stage, I have spent countless hours with these puppies, watching how they interact, learn, recover from new experiences, and navigate the world around them.  These observations, combined with information on what you are looking for in your future companion, help make the selection process thoughtful and intentional.

Once your puppy has been chosen, I will begin calling them by their name, if they have one.

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Step Eight: Schedule Pickups

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As your puppy's go home date approaches, we will begin coordinating pickup details.  I'll reach out to each family to learn where they'll be traveling from, see what works best for them and then I'll put together a pickup schedule.

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For families traveling from the Summerville / Charleston area: I typically plan a day and bring a group of puppies to the area.  For families traveling from other locations, I am more than happy to meet you within reason!  We are a bit out of the way

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Step Nine: Go Home Day!

The day you've been waiting or has finally arrived!  After weeks of watching your puppy grow, it's time for them to begin their next chapter with you.

At pickup, you'll receive your puppy's go home folder with important information including veterinary records, health information, microchip details, and resources to help you get started.  You'll also sign the contract and a receive a copy signed by me for your records.  We'll take time to answer any final questions and go over anything you need to know before heading home.

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Final payment information was included in the contract packet sent before submitting your holding fee.  If you plan to use Venmo or Zelle for your remaining balance due at pickup, Please consider making arrangements ahead of pickup, if possible.  Some payment platforms have limits that may prevent the full balance from being completed at the time of pickup.  

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Bringing home a puppy is an exciting transition, but it is also a big change for them.  Even puppies who are confident and thriving here may need a few days to adjust to their new surroundings.  I want you to feel supported beyond pickup day so I am always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and help as you and your puppy settle into this new chapter together.

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Step Ten: Establish Veterinary Care

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After bringing you puppy home, your next step will be scheduling a visit with a veterinarian.   This visit should be completed within 72 hours of pickup and allows your veterinarian to meet your puppy, establish care, review health records, and perform a wellness exam.

Your puppy will go home having already received age appropriate veterinary care.  Your veterinarian will be able to review your puppy's vaccine history, discuss the timing of future vaccines and preventative care, and answer questions you may have as your get started.

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Your puppy will also leave my care with a microchip already placed.  After pickup, you will need to complete the microchip registration process using the information provided in your go home folder to ensure your contact information is associated with your puppy's microchip.  

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