Puppy Adoption Process

We are grateful you found us on your puppy journey.

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 to planning. 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 great fit for your home, we will request a nonrefundable $500 deposit via Venmo. Deposits are valid for 20–24 months from the date they are received. While we understand that life happens, we plan each litter based on families who are committed and ready within that timeframe. If a family chooses not to commit to a puppy when offered during their 20–24 month window, a new deposit will be required to renew their commitment. This policy helps us ensure that we are breeding responsibly and only for families who are certain of their readiness. Thank you for understanding our firmness on this — at our core, we believe this process honors both our mother dogs and their puppies.

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 on a puppy when offered, you will remain on our general master list. However, please note that you may lose your place in line if you pass on the opportunity as we move into a new year of planned breedings. This is because each year we start fresh with our breeding plans, and priority is given to families who are ready to commit within the current cycle.

• 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: Female: $3900 | Male: $3500

Over the years, our family has continually invested in our breeding program to provide the healthiest puppies possible, which is reflected in the total investment. Our total investment considers many factors, including the rising costs of raising quality, well-bred dogs.

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

Families will receive a detailed breakdown of their total investment several weeks before their puppy goes home. This will include the cost breakdown, applicable taxes, final balance, and accepted payment methods. Please note that the $500 nonrefundable 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.