How It Works
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, and we want the process to feel as simple as possible. Here’s what you can expect from application to go-home day!
1. Fill Out an Application
The first step is completing our Puppy Application.
You can let us know which upcoming litter(s) you’re interested in, or tell us if you’re open to any of our litters. Your preferences can always be changed while you’re on the waiting list.
We’ll usually let you know within 1–2 days if your application has been approved, and we’re happy to schedule a phone call if you’d like to chat or have questions.
Please wait until your application is approved before sending a deposit.
Complete the Puppy Application Now
2. Place Your Deposit
Once your application has been approved, you can place your deposit to reserve a spot on our waiting list or an available litter.
Before sending your deposit, please read and sign our Non-Refundable Deposit Agreement.
You can find current deposit information and payment options on our Pricing & Payment page.
Once you’re on our waiting list, you’re also welcome to join our private McClelland Doodle Family Facebook group.
Good to Know
Being flexible with gender, color, size, and litter preferences can help your wait move more quickly.
Waiting-list deposits are valid for up to 2 years.
Once you accept a spot on a specific litter’s pick list, your name is removed from the general waiting list. If you later decide to leave that litter, a new deposit is required to return to the end of the waiting list. Both deposits will still be applied toward the purchase price of a future puppy.
3. A Litter Arrives!
This is when the fun really begins!
After puppies are born, we’ll share pictures and updates on our website and Facebook.
At around 3 weeks old, we’ll begin forming the litter’s pick list. By then, the puppies’ eyes are open and we have a better idea of colors, markings, and coat types.
We’ll email families on our waiting list who are interested in that litter. When it’s your turn, you’ll usually have about 24 hours to decide whether you’d like to join the pick list.
If you accept a spot, you’ll also be asked to review and sign our Puppy Contract & Health Guarantee.
Beginning around 4 weeks, families on the litter will receive weekly “pupdates” as the puppies grow.
Before Joining a Pick List
Please make sure:
● The expected go-home timing works for your family.
● You are comfortable with your pick position and the puppies available within the litter.
● You understand that you may only be on one pick list at a time.
If you’re hoping for something very specific, such as a certain color, marking, or gender, and your pick position makes that unlikely, we recommend waiting for another litter rather than accepting a spot you may not be comfortable with.
The breeder reserves the right to the first two pick positions of each litter.
4. Choose Your Puppy
Puppy selections are typically made around 6–8 weeks of age, depending on the litter and our schedule.
For some litters, we’ll have a separate Puppy Pick Day around 6 weeks old. For others, we may combine Puppy Pick Day and Go-Home Day at around 8 weeks.
Families choose in deposit/pick-list order and may select either in person or virtually.
In-Person Selection
Families will have a scheduled time to meet the puppies, ask questions, and make their selection.
Before selection day, we’ll share temperament assessment information along with videos and other observations we’ve gathered while raising the puppies.
Virtual Selection
Can’t make it in person? No problem.
We’ll send videos showing the puppies playing and interacting and share information about coat, coloring, temperament observations, and anything else we’ve noticed.
You’ll send us your choices in order before selection day. For example, if you have 5th pick, you’ll send us your top five choices.
Our temperament observations are simply another helpful piece of information as you make your selection. Puppies are still very young, and training, socialization, routine, and experiences in their new home will continue to shape their development.
5. Final Payment
Final payment arrangements are made when your puppy is around 6 weeks old.
Please visit our Pricing & Payment page for current payment methods and deadlines.
Cash may be paid at pickup.
6. Go-Home Day!
At around 8 weeks old, puppies are ready to begin heading home.
Before leaving us, puppies will have received age-appropriate dewormings, their first vaccinations, a microchip, and a thorough veterinary examination through:
Lineberger Veterinary Hospital
704-824-8451
Your puppy will also go home with a puppy bag containing important records and a few familiar goodies to help with the transition.
One Very Important Reminder
Your puppy must be examined by your veterinarian within 3 days of pickup for your health guarantee to remain valid.
Veterinary offices can book up quickly, so we strongly recommend scheduling this appointment before go-home day.
Then the Adventure Begins!
The first few weeks with a puppy can be exciting, exhausting, funny, messy, and incredibly sweet—all at the same time.
We hope this process helps you feel prepared for what to expect along the way, and we’re always excited to see our families finally head home with the puppy they’ve been waiting for!