The Yorkie CO-OP Puppy Purchase Process: Local Pickup & Meetings
Bringing home a new Yorkshire Terrier puppy is an exciting and life-changing decision. At the Yorkie CO-OP, we strive to make the adoption process as smooth, transparent, and enjoyable as possible. From the initial inquiry to the final adoption, every step is designed to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of both the puppies and their prospective families. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works once you’ve scheduled a phone call and appointment to meet a puppy listed on our website.
Step 1: The Phone Interview
After you’ve expressed interest in a specific puppy and scheduled a phone call, you’ll have a one-on-one conversation with the breeder. This phone interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you better, understand your lifestyle, and ensure that you’re fully prepared to welcome a Yorkie puppy into your home. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the puppy, the breed, or the adoption process.
Once the breeder approves your application, you’ll receive an Official Invitation via email. This invitation will include the date, time, and location of your meet-and-greet appointment, along with other important details about the process. To confirm your attendance, you’ll need to RSVP on the booking page provided in the email.
Step 2: Preparing for the Meet-and-Greet
At the Yorkie CO-OP, we prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies. All puppies available for meet-and-greets are microchipped, vaccinated, and at least 8 weeks old. These measures ensure that your future furry family member is healthy and ready to transition to their new home.
The meet-and-greet takes place in a public location chosen by the breeder, such as a hotel lobby, cafe patio, or public space. This approach not only ensures a safe and neutral environment but also allows the puppy to experience a new setting, which can reveal their natural temperament. The puppy will likely arrive in a stroller or carrier, and the breeder (or a nanny) will be in communication with you via text or phone call to coordinate the meeting.
Why We Don’t Host Home Visits (at this time)
We understand that some prospective puppy owners may want to visit the puppy’s residence. However, for the safety of our breeders, families, and puppies, we have made the collective decision to temporarily suspend home visits. This decision is based on several factors:
- Safety Concerns: Unfortunately, there have been instances of dog breeders being targeted or harmed (cite news sources). By meeting in public spaces, we can ensure a secure environment for everyone involved.
- Health Concerns: Limiting access to the puppies’ living space helps prevent the spread of diseases or parasites that could be introduced by visitors.
To provide transparency, we offer in-depth videos and written content about each puppy and their parents on their profile pages. You can also request additional videos or a virtual tour of the home. Additionally, we encourage you to:
- Read reviews from families who have completed the adoption process.
- Attend CO-OP events to meet the parents of future litters or past puppies and their families.
We are actively working on establishing a vetting system and securing a dual space with a Pet Partner to eventually reintroduce home visits for Puppy Pickups, Puppy Therapy, and other CO-OP events.
The Benefits of Meeting Outside the Home
Meeting a puppy in a new environment offers unique advantages. Much like temperament tests used for service dogs, introducing a puppy to a brand-new setting with new people and experiences can reveal their true personality. This helps ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and lifestyle.
Step 3: Finalizing the Adoption
Once you’ve decided to move forward with your chosen puppy, you have two options:
- Full Payment and Immediate Take-Home: If you’re ready to bring your puppy home right away, you can complete the full payment. Your puppy will be prepared for pickup, and you’ll receive all necessary documentation, including health records and care instructions.
- $250 Deposit for Later Pickup: If you need a little more time to prepare, you can place a $250 deposit to reserve your puppy. Pickup must occur within 7 days of the deposit. If you require a longer pickup window, a $25 per day boarding fee will apply, paid upfront to cover the additional care your puppy will receive.
Payment Methods
If the meet-and-greet goes well and you decide to move forward with the adoption, the breeder will guide you through the final steps. This includes reviewing the puppy’s health records, discussing care instructions, and signing the adoption agreement. Once everything is finalized, your new Yorkie puppy is ready to go home with you!
Step 4: Taking Your Puppy Home
On the day of pickup, your breeder will the breeder will guide you through the final steps. This includes reviewing the puppy’s health records, discussing care instructions, and signing the adoption agreement. Once everything is finalized, your new Yorkie puppy is ready to go home with you! You will be provided with 1-3 small, easily digestible snack(s) (such as honey, baby food, or Nutri-Cal) for the ride home. This is especially important for small breed puppies, as they are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Keeping your puppy nourished and comfortable during the journey is a top priority.
Health and Safety
Keeping your puppy safe from diseases like parvo and distemper is crucial during their first few weeks at home. Even though your puppy has received initial vaccinations, they are not fully protected until they complete their vaccine series around 16 weeks old. These diseases spread through contact with infected pet waste (poop, saliva, vomit, blood) or infected dogs and can survive in soil for extended periods, though they are killed by direct sunlight. To minimize risks, keep your puppy in areas that receive direct sunlight when outside, and avoid shrubbery and dirt, avoid places with pet waste, dead animal carcasses, hiking trails, or heavily trafficked dog areas like parks or pet stores. When traveling or socializing, always keep your puppy inside a carrier or stroller to prevent contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or unknown dogs. By following these precautions, you’ll help protect your puppy from harmful diseases while they build their immunity through vaccinations.
Day 1: Take-Home and Decompression
When you bring your puppy home, it’s essential to have a dedicated space ready for them to decompress. A playpen is ideal, as it provides a safe and secure area for your puppy to explore. Open your puppy care bag, which includes:
- Dry food for their transition period.
- Wet food to stimulate their appetite if needed.
- A blanket that smells like their mother and siblings for comfort.
- Toys, chews, and treats to keep them entertained and engaged.
- Other essentials like a collar, leash, and puzzle toys.
Place these items in the playpen and allow your puppy to explore at their own pace. Stick to the breeder’s feeding and potty schedule to maintain consistency and reduce stress. Avoid overwhelming your puppy with too much attention or introducing them to too many new people or pets on the first day.
24 Hours After Take-Home: Breeder Check-In
Your breeder will reach out via text 24 hours after take-home to ensure your puppy is adjusting well. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share updates, or address any concerns about your puppy’s behavior, eating habits, or overall comfort.
Days 2-7: Establishing Routine and Bonding
Over the next few days, focus on establishing a routine that aligns with the breeder’s schedule. This includes:
- Feeding: Stick to the recommended times and portion sizes. Use the wet food if your puppy needs encouragement to eat.
- Potty Breaks: Take your puppy out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
- Playtime and Training: Use the toys and treats from the care bag to engage your puppy in short, positive training sessions and play.
- Naps: Puppies need plenty of rest, so ensure they have a quiet, cozy space to sleep.
Continue to let your puppy decompress in their playpen, gradually introducing them to other areas of your home. Avoid taking them to public places like pet stores or dog parks, as they are not yet fully vaccinated.
1 Week After Take-Home: Breeder Follow-Up Call
One week after bringing your puppy home, your breeder will call to check on their adjustment. This is an opportunity to discuss your puppy’s progress, address any challenges, and receive additional guidance. If you need further support, the CO-OP’s main line of communication (email, phone, or text) is always available to assist you.
Setting Up for Long-Term Success
During the first week, take the following steps to ensure your puppy’s health and well-being:
- Capture Memories: Take plenty of photos and videos of your puppy’s first week home. Share these moments on social media and tag the Yorkie CO-OP—we love seeing our puppies thrive in their new families!
- Schedule Their Next Vet Appointment: Follow the puppy protocols provided by your breeder to ensure your puppy receives their next round of vaccinations on time.
- Activate Pet Insurance: To activate the 8-year health warranty, enroll your puppy in pet insurance within the first 7 days of arriving home. We recommend FETCH pet insurance, but the health warranty is compatible with companies from Nationwide, Figo, Lemonade, Pumpkin, and Trupanion. If you want to utilize another pet insurance plan, please contact us and we will consider adding it to our Health Guarantee list.