Step 1: Starting the Conversation
Choosing the breeder of your future dog is a big undertaking and we want to make sure you feel confident in your decision. Feel free to contact us via email (preferred) or phone with any questions that you have. We will make every effort to answer your questions promptly and truthfully! During busy times, such as when there are several litters of puppies to care for or Mom in Labor, email is much easier. The puppies are housed in a metal insulated AC/heated building and the phone reception is very weak to none; by the time I finish chores and playing with puppies I need to take a break and rest, eat, sleep, take a shower, etc. Plus with emails I may be able to answer questions more accurately with reading material, pictures for examples, etc. Same with voice messages; they seem to pile up and I do not always get a chance to listen to them promptly, but I never miss an email. If you do leave me a voice message and I do not get back with you promptly please email me. Of course, we would love to speak to you, so call 812-630-9653 and if available I will be pleased to speak with you.
Step 2: Completing Your Application
If you have settled on Hilltop Pups as your breeder, please fill out our application form, located under the “Adoption Information” header. The application will inform us of your puppy preferences and the type of environment in which your pup will be raised. If you have any questions about the application, let us know and we will be happy to assist!
Once we have reviewed your application, we will notify you via email that your application has been approved and that you are cleared to submit a deposit. Please note that, as the breeder, we reserve the right to refuse any sale at any time and to retain a puppy for the betterment of our program. In this case, you will be refunded any money paid to Hilltop Pups. If you are submitting a deposit for a litter that has not been born yet; please check the website around the due date for the birth announcement. As soon as possible after the puppies are born we will post the pictures, do not call around the due date asking if they have been born because if they have been born and we were up 24 hours with Mom delivering the puppies then we are exhausted. Wait for the pictures because they answer all your questions as to the coat types, colors, and sexes of the puppies.
Step 3: Reserving a Spot on the Waiting List
In order to reserve a spot on your litter’s waiting list, a $400 deposit is required. If the litter does not produce a desirable puppy, a refund of the deposit will be honored if the request is made within 24 hours of the first pictures being posted; otherwise, deposits are non-refundable. However, you do have the option of using the deposit in the future or transferring it to another litter; which must be done by the time the puppies are 6 weeks old.
If you have not predetermined whether you want a male or female puppy, you are required to do so by the time the litter is one week old. Your gender preference will be posted by your last name on the website, though we can post a name as a surprise, if needed! Male puppies are suggested for large families if you want the puppy to be friendly with all family members and acquaintances. Females are thinkers and are more cautious; they tend to cling to the person that provides food, water, and potty breaks.
The quickest and most convenient way to submit a deposit is via the PayPal link on the “Payment Info” page of our website. Alternatively, you can mail us a deposit check; just email us when you mail the check so that your name can be immediately added to the waiting list.
Step 4: Visiting Your Litter
- are both welcome and encouraged to visit our home and our dogs, for you have the right to see where your beloved companion is coming from. Bev stays home full-time to run our breeding program and will gladly show you the puppies and dogs. With that being said, please be respectful of our property by scheduling a visitation appointment. Please visit a restroom prior to visitation if required, there is not a public restroom in the Visitation Area. More information on visitation scheduling is available on our “Visits & Pick-up” page.
Step 5: Picking Your Puppy
Picks for our litters are honored in the order in which the deposits are received. Picking begins when the puppies turn 5 weeks old; after the set of pictures for each puppy is posted and videos. You may visit in person or pick from the pictures and videos along with my assistance. As people chose their puppy the puppy's name is posted next to the families name, so everyone can watch the pick process. When it is your turn to pick please pick in a timely manner In respect for the individuals and families listed below you on the waiting list. We will send out an email notifying you when it is your turn to pick. From that time, you will have 24 hours to inform us of your pick, otherwise a puppy will be designated for you based on your known preferences.
Step 6: Paying for Your Puppy
Full payment is required when you take your puppy home, one week prior to transportation service pick up or flight . The purchasing price for our puppies start at $2,500 up to $3,500 for rare color puppies and pocket Goldendoodles. You are required to pay Indiana Sales Tax, which is 7%, when taking possession of your puppy within the state of Indiana. If you choose to have your puppy shipped, no sales tax is charged when the puppies fly out of Louisville, Kentucky. A $450 shipping fee is applied, however.
Cash is always the preferred method of payment, however you may also use PayPal, personal checks, cashier checks, or postal money orders. Personal checks should be submitted two weeks in advance of your puppy going home to ensure that the check clears. Similarly, cashier checks will need to be verified before they are accepted. Please refer to the “Payment Info” page for more information.
Step 7: Preparing for Your Puppy
To prepare for the arrival of your new puppy, you will need to buy a crate or playpen, food and feeding supplies (buy stainless steel bowls for bacteria control), grooming supplies, cleaning supplies, and a variety of toys. Please click on this link for valuable information on raising your new puppy. /sites/hilltoppups.com/files/files/1%20welcome%20letter%202018.docx
Step 8: Taking Your Puppy Home
Once the puppies are 8 weeks old, you may choose to either pick up your puppy in person or to have it shipped to you. Puppies are usually flown using United Airlines Pet Safe program, though we occasionally use Delta and American Airlines as well which also have Pet Safe programs in place. We have always had positive experiences shipping our puppies, with them arriving safe, well rested, and ready to meet their new families. You retain the shipping train which is a good size to use for the first few weeks or months depending on how fast they grow. We put shredded paper in the crate with the puppy so if they have to potty they do not get nervous and can potty and stay clean. We also put their baby blanket in the crate with them to emotionally comfort them. The puppy food sample is attached to the top of the crate and the rest of the puppy supplies from us along with the paperwork is mailed in a USPS Priority mail package prior to shipping. If you have a different address to receive your mail please inform us as the puppies registration paper and Veterinarian Chart will be in the package.
On pick-up day, you will receive the following:
- Clean, micro chipped puppy, with dewclaws removed
- Prepaid application to transfer your contact information for the microchip
- Gift Bag
- Signed copy of the Health Warranty and Purchase Agreement
- Veterinarian record of your puppy’s vaccinations and deworming schedule
- Application for 30-days of free health insurance
- CKC registration application
- Sample of Eukanuba Puppy Growth dry puppy food
- Sample of NuVet immune builder supplements
- Leash/collar combination
- Blanket, stuffed animal, potty training bell, and various toys
- All the baby pictures ever taken of your puppy, emailed upon request
More information is available on the “Visits & Pick-up” page.
Step 9: Raising Your Puppy
- stipulated in the Hilltop Pups Warranty and Purchase Agreement, you are expected to maintain your dog in good health, provide preventative health care, spay or neuter your dog, and provide your dog with obedience training. Please refer to the “Raising Your Pup” section of the FAQ for additional information and resources on raising the perfect companion! Same as above, please download this link for valuable information on bringing home your new puppy. /sites/hilltoppups.com/files/files/1%20welcome%20letter%202018.docx