Our Process.
Buying a puppy from McKenzie's Doodles is an easy process. We post the upcoming litters on our site so you can plan ahead for your new puppy. We always advise getting on a list as soon as you know you want a puppy, as our lists fill up quickly. We answer every email and are happy to help you select the best list for your family.
After you've selected the litter you'd like to be on, you can make your deposit. We will place your name on that list in deposit order. We do not take deposits based on gender or markings. When the puppies are born, we will send you an email letting you know that your litter has been born. If there are not enough puppies in the litter, we will take immediate steps to transfer your deposit to another list of your choosing, or to refund your deposit if that is your choice.
Individual photos are posted when the puppies are 5-6 weeks old. In addition, we post a few videos of the litter along the way.
Selections are made in person on the day of pick-up. We will schedule your pick-up time a week in advance. So you will have plenty of time to make your travel arrangements. Feel free to email me when the birth announcement has been received. Your puppy goes home with health records, our health guarantee, some toys, food and, of course, a bandana!
Picking out your new puppy.
We begin by posting a group photo of the puppies within a week after they're born. This will give you a general sense of the colors that are available in the litter.
Along the way there will be at least one video.
Finally, when they reach 5-6 weeks old, we post their final individual pictures. This is the closest they will look to the day you arrive to pick out your puppy.
We prefer that if there is any way to come in person that you do this. We like to have families meet the personality before choosing a puppy since it is far more important than looks!
Pick-out Pick-up Day.
Shortly after birth, we announce online the date for pickup. This will help you make plans to come pick them up! At the weekend closest to the puppies turning 8 weeks old we schedule everyone to come out to select and pick up their puppies in half-hour increments, in order of deposit. This allows you to see what the puppies look like and what their coats and personalities will be like at 8 weeks.
Your Appointment.
Appointments are scheduled in the order the deposits are received. We schedule everyone so that you have 30 minutes to play with and choose your puppy with no interference. Kids and friends are always welcome! Once you have chosen, you will receive your paperwork and we can answer any further questions you might have. You are then able to take your puppy home!
Shipping your puppy.
We no longer ship due to the dangers that have increased for the pup and how stressful it can be for them.
Pet Nanny
We always prefer that you make arrangements to come here to pick out and pick up your puppy. Meeting the future families of our puppies means a great deal to us! If this is not possible we are open to meeting a pet nanny that you have chosen and arranged for an additional fee. The flight nanny must be willing to have clear communication with us throughout the process as to the timing. We will not meet them at all hours of the day or night but will consider meeting at our airport (IAD) from late morning to early evening. Arrangements must be made by you and we must be kept in the loop to make sure we can do it.
Ground Transport
On occasion we do have a ground transporter that can deliver straight to your doorstep. This requires a fair amount of flexibility due to the nature of this work and is not always available. We do charge a $30 a day boarding fee for the puppy for the days past the official take home day, and we do not hold puppies past 7 days. This is a very important time for the puppy to be bonding and acclimating to their new family and home!
Both of these options are open to delays and inconvenient timing due to the nature of the job. If you are coming from a distance you might want to consider the option of flying with your pup back under your seat in your cabin.
Please discuss your plans with us so we can make it happen if it is possible.
Both of these options are open to delays and inconvenient timing due to the nature of the job. If you are coming for a distance you might want to consider the option of flying with your pup back under your seat in your cabin.
Please discuss your plans with us so we can make it happen if it is possible.
Come for a visit.
We love to welcome people to our home to check out the parents of the puppies and visit with each little pup they may be looking at. You are welcome to come and choose a new addition to your home, we only ask that you make an appointment ahead of time. We normally schedule visits on days when other puppies are going home so you can see how the whole process works.
We’re here to help.
A deposit will secure a puppy that you have chosen online or in person, and any advice you need in choosing as well as raising your pup is available anytime by phone, email or in person. We will help you in any way that we can and always try to make this big decision a wonderful experience for all. Kids are always welcome. We look forward to meeting you!