How much does it cost?

Puppy Applications are always FREE. We will make every effort to review your application within 2 business days. If you don't hear from us, please feel free to reach out on Facebook/Text/Call because sometimes our replies can go to spam.  Our applications are processed in the order they are received. If your home is a good fit, we will notify you. Approved applications will be kept on file and will be notified when a litter is born.

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We only take down payments once a litter is born.  Once a litter is born we will notify approved applicants in the order of application. We will give each person 24 hours to respond. People are usually very anxious to choose their puppy so if we do not get a response then we will move on down the waiting list. You will choose your puppy from the pictures/videos provided and place your deposit on the puppy of your choice. We can also do a live video, talk, and answer any questions on the phone.  We have references for anyone that wants us to provide them, vet and puppy families.

 

We have a Non-Refundable Puppy Deposit Agreement. Deposits are only taken AFTER puppies are born and you have chosen your puppy. A $300 non-refundable deposit will then be needed to hold your puppy until 8 weeks of age. This is generally done through Zelle or Venmo. The remaining $1,600 is due in cash at pick-up or can also be done through Zelle or Venmo as long as payment is completed at least one day prior to pick-up.

 

Wait time/colors:

Wait times vary depending on color/gender preferences and the number of puppies in each litter. Our waiting list for merles is approximately 1-2 years. A lot of people have also inquired about red puppies. Our breeding program has been expanded and ALL COLORS are possible in Kya and Tundra's upcoming litters! We are also excited about the possibility to have a rare Harlequin Merle occasionally!

 

Tails - Dewclaws - Microchipping:

All of our puppies will keep their tails and dew claws. Scientific research has shown that both are important and have a purpose. (We will never dock a tail) We have also read research on microchipping and have seen studies of the potential cancer risks associated with the procedure. Because of that and other factors, we have decided that microchipping should be a personal choice and we leave that decision up to the future owner.

 

Puppy Personality:

Some people have asked about choosing their puppy on personality between 6-8 weeks. We here at MilkyWay do think that puppy testing may be useful as a diagnostic, but scientific research (and our experience) have shown us that is it not a very good predictive tool. In our opinion, we tend to agree that Puppy Testing does not predict adult personality, but experience in the first year of life does. By using Puppy Culture protocols here at MilkyWay we make an effort to provide that safe space of: people, places, and dog interactions so our puppies can have a great start. A lot will depend on you their new owner to take things from there and this is why we recommend learning as much as you can about your new family member and how best to raise them. Although we usually have puppies spoken for before 6 weeks, we do give people the option to come and meet the puppy before placing a deposit but we cannot guarantee that there will be puppies available at that time. On rare occasions there have been and if puppies are unspoken for after their first set of vaccinations then we are willing to plan a day where you can meet the puppies.

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A dog’s personality and behaviors are shaped by genes as well as life experiences. The experiences and training that you give your dog can help mold them into the perfect dog for you! Make sure to check out our training page. If you are not sure where to start a great place would be here:

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With Open Arms and a Level Head: How to bring a puppy into your life.

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When you can meet your puppy?

At 6-7 weeks of age (after puppies have received their first round of vaccines) we encourage nearby families to come and spend time with their puppy. In the summertime, we plan an outside Puppy Party where we have mini agility equipment, a kiddy pool, and toys available. This is a time to meet your puppy, us, and other families that you might want to connect with for future play dates. Families of winter litters may also see your puppy in our home by individual appointment. We just ask that everyone removes their shoes, wash their hands, and young children are closely monitored. Our puppies should remain at floor level to avoid any puppy injuries. 

 

Puppy Pick-Up

Puppies will be ready to leave at 8 weeks of age. We plan each pick-up visit about 30-60 minutes apart so we have time to spend with each family and answer any questions you may have. We do not hold puppies for extended times as this is a critical time for their social development and bonding with their new families. It would not be good timing for your puppy If you have a big vacation planned or have events that would conflict with early puppy rearing. Occasionally we can hold your puppy for a reasonable amount of time past the pick-up date but arrangements for the final payment must be made by 8 weeks of age and there will be an additional $50 boarding fee per day that the puppy is boarded past 8 weeks of age. Arrangements for boarding need to be requested in advance and are approved on a case by case basis.

 

Transportation Options

Our puppies have gone to homes all over the U.S. but we are sorry that we do not ship internationally. If you are from out of state and plan to fly to us and take your puppy back with you in cabin, we will help you get set up with what you will need and meet you at the following airports near us:
 

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Bangor International Airport (BIA) Preferred Airport
Portland International Jetport (PWM)

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Also, If you need help with planning your visit or overnight stay then we are more than willing to help with local suggestions. We don't ship puppies with airlines via cargo. Despite the assurance of airlines promising the moon when transporting puppies in cargo, we know firsthand the negative effects of this during such a sensitive time in their lives.

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Transportation Services: We have, on occasion, provided our own puppy delivery service if the need arises. Travel location would need to be within reason and able to fit into our schedule. We have also teamed up with Pups on a Plane, LLC so we can now offer flight nanny services. Just let us know what your needs are and we will work with you to accommodate. Puppy prices do not include transportation fees.

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A Lifetime of Support!

We are not only here to find loving homes for our puppies but we will be there to support you through this entire lifelong journey.  We're here whenever you have questions or concerns about health, training issues, food, etc.  If your question is something new that we haven't encountered before then we will do our best to research and ask other breeders who may have the answers...so we can get you the answer(s) that you need.  Feel free to reach out at any time if you need help!

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We LOVE to watch our puppies grow into adulthood! One of the many ways that we enjoy checking in with them is our annual giveaway exclusive to MilkyWay families and followers! Make sure to check Facebook and Instagram for your chance to enter and win!