Before You Apply

We know bringing home a puppy is a big decision, so we want you to know what to expect before you apply. Below you’ll find an overview of our reservation process, puppy selection, pickup, and the policies we ask all Valley Goldens families to understand.

Our application is not about finding a “perfect” home on paper. Every family and household looks a little different. It simply helps us get to know you, understand what you’re hoping for in a Golden, and make sure we are a good fit for one another.

The first step is completing our puppy application.

We’ll ask a few questions about your household, pets, experience with dogs, daily routine, and what you’re hoping for in your new Golden. Honest answers help us understand whether one of our puppies is likely to be a good match for your family.

There isn’t necessarily one “right” answer to every question. If something on your application gives us questions, we may simply reach out to learn a little more before moving forward.

Once your application is approved, a $250 deposit reserves your place on our reservation list.

Puppy selection is offered in the order deposits are received.

If a litter does not have enough puppies of your reserved gender to fulfill all reservations, your deposit may be refunded or transferred to a future litter of your choice while maintaining your place in line.

One of the best parts is getting to watch the litter grow!

We share regular photos and updates as the puppies develop so families can begin getting to know them.

You may select your puppy earlier if you prefer, but we generally recommend waiting until around 4 weeks old before making your final choice. At that age, personality differences are beginning to emerge and we can give you more information about each puppy.

We are always happy to talk through what you’re looking for and help you think about which puppy may be the best fit.

Puppies remain with their mother and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old.

Before your puppy goes home, you will review and sign our Puppy Purchase Agreement and Health Guarantee.

Payment must be made in full at or before pickup. We currently accept cash, Cash App, and PayPal.

Your puppy will go home with:

• AKC Limited Registration paperwork
• vaccination and deworming records
• microchip information
• a blanket and toy with familiar scents
• puppy food to help with the transition
• a copy of your signed Purchase Agreement and Health Guarantee

We recommend that you establish care with your veterinarian and have your puppy examined within three business days of pickup.

Golden Retrievers are social, people-oriented dogs. They are happiest when they are included in everyday life and have regular companionship, activity, training, and interaction with their family.

We look for homes that can provide:

• Life as part of the household. A Golden should live primarily with their family rather than being maintained as an outdoor, kennel, or isolated dog.
• Regular companionship. Normal work, errands, and time away from home are part of life, but Goldens are not well suited to spending most of their days alone or separated from their people.
• Physical activity and mental engagement. Goldens are active Sporting dogs and need regular opportunities to walk, play, retrieve, explore, train, or participate in other activities with their family. A yard alone is not a substitute for interaction and exercise.
• Training and socialization. Puppies need time, patience, and exposure to everyday people, places, sounds, handling, and experiences as they grow.
• Routine health and grooming care. Goldens need regular veterinary care, preventative care, grooming, and attention to their changing needs throughout their lives.
• A safe and stable environment. Most importantly, they need a home where their physical and social needs can continue to be met as they mature.

There is no single “perfect” Golden Retriever household. Our families have different schedules, homes, activity levels, and routines. What matters to us is that a Golden will be treated as a companion and active member of the family, with the time, care, and interaction this social breed needs.

Valley Goldens is committed to the lifelong welfare of the dogs we produce.

If you are ever unable or unwilling to keep your Valley Goldens dog, you must contact us before selling, surrendering, giving away, or otherwise rehoming the dog.

We will work with you to determine the most appropriate next step. Depending on the circumstances, this may include returning the dog to Valley Goldens, working together to find a suitable new home, or approving another placement.

Our puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming before going home, and families receive the available health records for their puppy.

Valley Goldens provides a written health guarantee covering qualifying congenital or hereditary conditions and certain infectious illnesses that can reasonably be shown to have originated before the puppy left our care.

Because young puppies are still completing their vaccination series, we also ask applicants to tell us about any recent history of parvovirus or another serious contagious canine disease in the home or on the property where the puppy will live.

By submitting an application, you are confirming that you have reviewed these policies and understand the basic terms under which Valley Goldens puppies are placed.

If Valley Goldens sounds like a good fit for your family, we’d love to learn a little more about you!