Begin the puppy process

From application to homecoming

A thoughtful process for a lifelong match.

1. 1. Complete the application

   Tell us about your household, lifestyle, experience, expectations, and ability to meet an individual puppy’s needs.

2. 2. Provide references

   Five personal references and one veterinary reference are required. Notify your references that Ebonheart Kennel may contact them.

3. 3. Meet and get to know one another

   An initial meeting takes place in person or by video call so we can discuss expectations, answer questions, and consider the placement together. One thorough meeting is ordinarily sufficient. An additional meeting may be requested if the first was too brief or did not provide enough information. All in-person visits are by appointment.

4. 4. Application review and approval

   We consider your application, reference checks, meeting, and the home’s overall suitability. Applying does not guarantee approval. We may decline a placement if we believe it would not be appropriate for the puppy or prospective owner.

5. 5. Deposit and official waitlist

   Only after approval may a home place a $650 NONREFUNDABLE deposit, applied toward the puppy’s purchase price. Our official waitlist consists exclusively of approved homes whose deposits have been received. We do not maintain an informal interest list. Approved homes may place deposits for future litters that have not been born; specific puppy characteristics and exact delivery timeframes are not guaranteed.

6. 6. Private puppy-home group

   Once the deposit is received, approved homes receive access to our private puppy-home Facebook group for program updates and connection with other Ebonheart puppy families.

7. 7. Nursery nanny cameras

   After the intended litter is born, approved homes with deposits receive nursery camera access.

8. 8. Development and puppy selection

   Puppy selection begins at eight weeks or later, after DNA results are received, breeding-prospect evaluations are complete, and each puppy’s placement options are determined and clearly communicated. Breeding prospects may be placed through an appropriate Guardian Home or Co-ownership agreement. Approved families then choose eligible puppies in reservation-deposit order within their litter, with our candid, individualized temperament and suitability guidance.

9. 9. Prepare for go-home

   We help families prepare supplies, feeding, training, veterinary care, and their home. Go-home timing is determined individually for each litter. Arrange a veterinary examination within three days of pickup.