Puppy Adoption Process

We are grateful you found us on your puppy journey.

With careful thought and intention, we have updated our process for 2025 and beyond. As we continue to enhance our breeding program, we have made minor adjustments based on our experience, the preferences of adoptive families, and valuable feedback from past puppy families. Additionally, our firsthand experiences with the unpredictability of Mother Nature have led us to refine our approach. Our goal is to minimize disappointment for families when plans change beyond our control. Below, we outline our updated method for adopting one of our puppies.

Step 1: Submit an Adoption Form

The first step in adopting a Golden Acres puppy is to complete the puppy adoption form at the bottom of this page.

Step 2: Application Review & Deposit

Once we review your application and feel confident that one of our puppies would be a good fit for your home, we will request a nonrefundable $500 deposit via Venmo. This deposit is transferable once but remains nonrefundable, as we plan breedings based on committed families.

The $500 deposit places you on our general master list for a puppy (by gender, as requested), rather than for a specific mother/father pairing. The general master list is categorized into “female” and “male” groups. You may express a preference for a particular mother or timeline and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.

Step 3: Puppy Birth Announcement

After the puppies are born and we confirm they are thriving, all families on the general master list will receive a Puppy Birth Announcement via email. Families are notified in the order deposits are received.

This update will include details such as:

• The mother and father of the litter

• Your position/pick in line for your selected gender

• The estimated go-home date

Step 4: Confirming Your Interest

After receiving the Puppy Birth Announcement, you will have 24 hours to confirm if you wish to proceed with adopting a puppy from that specific litter.

• If you choose to pass, you will remain on the general master list and keep your position in line.

• If we do not hear from you within 24 hours, we will assume you are passing on the opportunity.

Step 5: Placement & Updates

Once you confirm that you would like to proceed with adopting an available puppy, you will be added to our official master list for that litter. From there, you will receive regular updates on the puppies, including:

• Photos and videos

• Important information to help you prepare for adoption day

Pricing and Inclusions

The total investment for a Golden Acres puppy is $3300.

Over the years, our family has continually invested in our breeding program to provide the healthiest puppies possible. As we have made these improvements, we have adjusted the cost of our puppies to reflect the quality, care, and best practices embedded in our program.

Additionally, our tax accountant has informed us of the legal requirement to include sales tax. Tax requirements set by the State of Minnesota within Todd County will be discussed when we review the final investment.

Families will receive detailed investment options several weeks before their puppy goes home, outlining the cost breakdown, tax requirements, final balance, and accepted payment methods. The nonrefundable $500 Venmo deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your puppy.

Included in the cost

• Limited registration with the AKC

• Official Litter Certificate

• Microchipping

• Genetic and OFA certifications of the Dam and Sire

• Going home basket including Life’s Abundance Puppy Food, starter collar, blanket with mother’s scent, and some of our favorite things

• Two vet checks, first vaccine(s), and three rounds of deworming

• Veterinarian verification and vaccination record

• Health Guarantee

• Phone support if needed after going home

Puppy Selection

Puppy selection will take place on the day they go home. We receive veterinary clearance to send puppies home based on their health and development after birth. Each family will have a scheduled time on going-home day to select their puppy, following the order on the master list. If a family cannot attend at their assigned time—which is communicated a few days after the puppies are born—they will forfeit their place in line and be moved to the bottom of the pick list for that specific litter. Families will have one hour to select their puppy and to review the paperwork and address any questions. Going-home day is typically scheduled on a Friday or Saturday, and the exact date will be shared within a few days after the puppies’ arrival to allow for planning.

We appreciate your understanding of our structured process. This approach has worked well, ensuring an organized, enjoyable, and smooth experience while respecting everyone's time.

Our Commitment

At Golden Acres, our core mission is to serve others wherever there is a need. Raising puppies has been a gift to our family, and we strongly believe in sharing this blessing. We are committed to donating a portion of each puppy sale towards causes that support children.