Completing this application is one step in the process to acquiring a puppy from McKenna Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but it does not guarantee that you will get a puppy from this or any future litter. While it's unlikely, the breeder reserves the right to refuse any placement at any time.
APPROVAL AND DEPOSIT: I will review applications within 2 business days of receipt. Applications are processed in the order they are received. If your home is a good fit, I'll notify you. We breed infrequently, so we will only accept deposits when puppies are expected or actually available. During pregnancy, approved homes will receive a link to make a nominal commitment deposit on a puppy, and links will be sent out in the order approved applications were received. Please make this deposit within 48 hours of the approval e-mail. If you make a deposit, you are committing to take a puppy from the litter, regardless of whether your gender/color preference is available.
YOUR PICK OF PUPPY: Puppies will be assigned in deposit order by the first or second preference of the depositor as indicated on the application unless a buyer has purchased the rights to first pick female. If that occurs, the additional puppies will be assigned by deposit order following the first pick buyer. If neither of your choices are available, you may elect another puppy from the litter. We ask that you make a choice within 24 hours of notification since there may be other families waiting for a chance to choose. Should you elect to not take a puppy from the litter, the deposit is forfeited and the deposit applied to the costs of finding the puppy another home. It is not forwarded to an upcoming litter as we do not have regular litters. First pick female is available for an additional deposit and at an increased price for the puppy. We will be keeping and selecting first pick male. Scheduled visits are allowed only with permission and after puppies are at least 5 weeks of age. Sanitation protocol will be required to protect our litter.
GOING HOME: We cannot hold puppies for extended times; it is critical for their social development that the litter departs within a reasonable timeframe. Our puppies will be available to go to their new homes at 9 weeks of age. If you have plans or events that would conflict with bringing home a young puppy, please know puppies cannot be boarded in a kennel until they have received their full immunizations and their rabies vaccination which cannot be done until 3 months of age.
CONTRACT: We have a contract and will not place a puppy without a signed contract and payment in full. We believe it's the professional thing to do to memorialize our obligations to each other on paper so there are no questions later, and for that reason it's a bit lengthy. If you have questions about specific terms, you need to contact us prior to picking up your puppy.
SPAY/NEUTER: We require spay/neuter by 18 months of age or if a female at the conclusion of her second heat unless preapproved by the owners of both the sire and dam. Additional details are included in our contract. If you are a breeder you should probably look elsewhere. This might seem hypocritical at first glance, but we have a take-back provision in our contract. Any puppy from our home always has a home here, and will never experience the fear and burden of life at a shelter. Because we take cradle-to-grave "original home" responsibility for the puppies we created, puppies must be de-sexed unless you are under a guardian home or other agreement.
REGISTRATION PAPERS: Our excellent family companions do not come with registration papers and are eligible only for Limited Registration unless otherwise authorized. "Full registration" is available at an additional cost to EXISTING AND ESTABLISHED BREEDERS ONLY and only with the authorization of both the stud and bitch owners. We recommend that you register your dog with the AKC within two weeks of taking possession.