What to Expect
APPLICATION PROCESS
Completing an application is the first step toward acquiring a puppy from Shih Tzu Lovins. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement of a puppy. Shih Tzu Lovins reserves the right to refuse any placement at any time and for any reason. Applicants who are determined to be a good fit will be notified.
DEPOSITS
We accept a $500 non-refundable deposit based on gender and color preference. Deposits may be placed on upcoming litter waitlists to secure your position.
Accepted deposit payment methods: Money order
All deposits are non-refundable, no exceptions.
CHOOSING YOUR PUPPY
The selection process begins with a deposit on a litter. Our puppies are in high demand, and waiting until photos are posted may result in missing the opportunity to select from a litter.
Deposits are accepted once a pregnancy is announced. Puppy selection is based strictly on the order deposits are received (first-come, first-served). Selection proceeds in the following order:
1.Gender
2.Color
Once it is your turn, you will have 24 hours to select your puppy before the opportunity moves to the next person on the list.
Shih Tzu Lovins reserves the right to retain first pick of any litter if a puppy is deemed an asset to our breeding program. While awaiting the birth of the puppies, a deposit secures your pick order within that litter.
GOTCHA DAY
Pickup appointments are scheduled according to deposit order. Each family will be assigned a designated pickup time on Gotcha Day.
All puppies receive a veterinary examination and health screening prior to pickup. Puppies may not leave until they are a minimum of 8 weeks old, in accordance with the law. No exceptions.
FINAL PAYMENT & PICKUP POLICIES
Final Balance
The remaining balance for your puppy is CASH ONLY and is due at the time of pickup.
PUPPY PICKUP & SELECTION
Puppy pickups take place at our residence, where you will meet your puppy and make your final selection. A specific date and time will be assigned by the breeder.
To ensure a calm, private, and stress-free experience for every family:
•Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early
•Please remain in your vehicle until the previous family has departed
•Each scheduled time is reserved exclusively for your family
If you arrive late, you will forfeit your allotted time to visit, interact with the puppy, and ask questions.
If we are unable to reach you at the time of your scheduled pickup, you will forfeit your position in the picking order, and selection will move to the next family
VETERINARY CARE & HEALTH
•Puppies receive a veterinary health check at 8 weeks of age
•Puppies will receive their first immunization
•Puppies are picked up only on the date and time selected by the breeder
•Puppies may not leave prior to 8 weeks of age (no exceptions)
All puppies will retain the dew claws they are born with.
CONTRACT & PLACEMENT
We require a signed contract prior to placing any puppy. No puppy will leave our care without a completed and signed agreement. This contract clearly outlines expectations and responsibilities for both the breeder and the pet owner or guardian home.
NUTRITION
Puppies are weaned onto Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy food.
SPAY / NEUTER & BREEDING POLICY
All puppies are required to be spayed or neutered once fully grown, typically no earlier than 10 months of age.
If a puppy is sold with full AKC registration, breeding is permitted only under those terms. This is the only circumstance in which a puppy may be bred.
LIFETIME TAKE-BACK POLICY
We maintain a cradle-to-grave responsibility for every puppy we produce. Any dog born in our home will always have a home here if needed.
Our puppies and dogs are not to be rehomed, surrendered to rescues, shelters, or transferred to unknown homes under any circumstances. If a situation arises, the dog must be returned to Shih Tzu Lovins.