Why We Require a Reservation Fee Before Puppy Visits
We get it. In today’s world, the idea of paying a reservation fee before even seeing the puppies can feel a little… icky. Especially with the rise in scams, it’s natural to feel cautious.
But hear us out.
We’ve actually created a video on spotting puppy scams—(YOUTUBE Doodle Heaven Texas - How to Spot a Puppy Scam, link coming) and while it needs an update to include some new tricks we’ve seen, it still holds up. COVID brought a wave of both outright scams and inexperienced breeders who skipped the research and ethics, simply pairing two dogs and hoping for the best. That’s not who you want to trust with your future family member.
Now, let’s talk about why we require a reservation fee.
We are a small, intentional breeder. Our time and energy are focused on raising healthy, well-socialized puppies—not managing casual inquiries from “looky-loos” who are still unsure or just browsing multiple litters with no intention to follow through.
We’re looking for families who’ve done their homework, know what they’re looking for, and are committed to the process. These are the people who ask thoughtful questions, respect our time, and understand the level of care we pour into every puppy.
Before we began requiring reservations, we experienced the downside firsthand: with one litter, we were in regular contact with potential families every week. But when pickup week arrived, two ghosted us completely and two backed out. That was heartbreaking—not only from a business perspective but also for the well-being of our puppies, who were ready for their forever homes.
With a reservation system, families know exactly where they are in the selection process (we have a video on that too! Reservations on YOUTUBE Doodle Heaven Texas, link coming) reserved, we’ll happily refer others to trusted breeders we know personally—which also means lost income for us if people aren’t serious.
We may not focus on collecting Google reviews, but we do have a private Owner Page filled with happy families who are more than willing to speak to you directly about their experience with us. Our vet recommends us without hesitation, and we’re transparent in all we do. We wouldn’t have an Owner Page if we weren’t confident in the relationships we’ve built and the care we provide.
If you’re truly ready to find your furever companion and you value a breeder who prioritizes both health and non-shedding/proper dander pairing (yes, we’ve made mistakes in the past—and we’ve learned and grown from them!), plus someone who deeply understands the critical importance of real, intentional socialization (which goes way beyond just letting kids pet puppies), then we encourage you to do your research.
Call us. Ask questions. Look around.
We’re confident that when you do, you’ll find we’re worth it.
