Last Updated on May 23, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Payment Methods & Sales Policies
How Payment Works at Prancing Pony Farm
We keep our payment process simple and secure. All payments are processed through our website using Stripe, one of the most trusted payment processors in the world. You'll always know exactly what you're paying before you confirm.
Payment Timeline
How payment works depends on where you are in the process and what type of dog you're looking for.
Path 1 — Master Reservation List (Future Litters or Dogs)
Not ready to commit to a specific litter or dog yet? The Master Reservation List holds your spot in line for any future puppy or dog from Prancing Pony Farm — with no commitment to a specific litter or timeline.
A $500 non-refundable reservation fee secures your chronological place on the list. Reservations are filled strictly in the order they are received — the earlier you reserve, the higher your priority when litters and available dogs are announced. Your $500 applies toward your purchase price when the time comes.
This is the right path if you're planning ahead, not quite ready for your dog, or want flexibility on timing.
Path 2 — Specific Litter (Puppies Under 12 Weeks)
Master List clients: Your initial $500 Master Reservation Fee is already paid. When a litter is confirmed and you're ready to commit, I'll send you a Litter Commitment Payment link for an additional $500 — bringing your total reservation investment to $1,000, all applied toward your purchase price. Your final balance of $2,500 is due when puppies reach 12 weeks.
New buyers joining an open litter: If Master List clients have been offered spots and space remains, new buyers can reserve directly with a single $1,000 Litter Reservation. Your final balance of $2,500 is due when puppies reach 12 weeks.
Pickup and shipping are arranged after final payment is made and your signed contract is complete — typically within one to two weeks of the payment date, once final health preparations are finished. There is a specific 2 week Go-Home Window for each litter.Â
Learn how the Go-Home window works here.
Path 3 — Available Dogs (12 Weeks and Older)
Dogs who are already 12 weeks or older — including adolescents and adults — require full payment to hold. No deposit option is available for these dogs. They remain available to other buyers until payment in full is received. Prices start at $3,500 and vary by age, training, and experience. Each dog's price is listed on their individual profile page.
How to Reserve Your Maremma
You master reservation fee can be paid here. Once you're ready to pay a litter commitment fee, final or full balance I'll send you a direct payment link by email for that. Click the link, review your order summary, and complete checkout securely with any major credit or debit card. You do not need to create an account or log in to complete your payment.
A 2.9% + $0.30 card processing fee is added to dog reservations and final or full payments automatically at checkout. This fee covers the cost of secure payment processing and is shown as a separate line item so you always see the exact total before paying. *Other products and services already have processing fees figured into the price.
Typical totals including the processing fee:
| Payment | Base Price | Processing Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reservation fee | $500 | $16.00 | $516.00 |
| Final balance | $3,000 | $90.00 | $3,090.00 |
| Single full payment | $3,500 | $105.00 | $3,605.00 |
Available dog prices vary — your processing fee will be calculated automatically.
California Sales Tax
California residents are charged sales tax on puppy purchases in accordance with California law. Tax is calculated automatically at checkout based on your address and shown as a separate line item.
Out-of-state buyers are not charged sales tax.
How to Pay
When you're ready to pay, I'll send you a direct link to the correct payment product on our website. Click the link, add the item to your cart, and complete checkout securely with any major credit or debit card. You do not need to create an account to check out.
If you are purchasing two dogs at the same time, simply change the quantity to 2 in your cart before checking out.
Shipping & Additional Fees
If your dog is being shipped, additional fees apply for shipping coordination, airline fees, health certificates, and travel crates. These are quoted individually based on your location and your dog's size and are due with your final balance. See our Shipping page for full details.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable for any reason. They may be transferred to a future litter or available dog at Prancing Pony Farm's discretion.
If you have paid both your $500 Master Reservation Fee and your $500 Litter Commitment Payment and choose to transfer to a future litter, the full $1,000 transfers — no portion is refunded. All fees paid are non-refundable under any circumstances and transfer in full at Prancing Pony Farm's discretion.
Final payments are non-refundable once made, except for health issues covered under our two-year health guarantee or a failed 72-hour veterinary examination.
Shipping coordination fees ($100) are non-refundable once work has begun.
Airport delivery fees ($100) are 70% refundable if canceled before the CVI veterinary appointment and non-refundable after.
Physical products (harnesses, crates) are subject to a 15% restocking fee if unused and returned in original packaging within 30 days. Used items are non-refundable.
Our error: If we make a mistake we provide a full refund or replacement at no charge.
Our Non-Negotiable Policies
After nearly a decade of breeding and 200+ placements, these policies exist to protect every family on our list — including yours.
No holds without payment. Puppies under 12 weeks require a $1000 reservation fee. Dogs 12 weeks and older require full payment. We do not make exceptions, even for a day or two — other serious buyers are often waiting.
The reservation fee is per dog. If you are reserving two dogs, two reservation fees are required.
We only accept credit and debit cards processed through our secure website payment system. We do not accept checks, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, money orders, wire transfers, or any other payment method. No exceptions.
Final payment is due on your puppy's 12-week birthday — not approximately, not when it's convenient. Your payment link arrives well in advance. If payment is not received within 48 hours of the due date, your reservation may be cancelled at our discretion and your dog offered to other buyers. Your reservation fee is not refunded in this situation. Reserving a puppy takes that spot away from another waiting family — failing to pay on time is treated as an abandoned reservation, and the fee is forfeited accordingly.
We choose your puppy. We don't allow clients to choose but we take lots of feedback to make the selection for you. Read more about our matching process here.
Payment and a signed contract before pickup or shipping. Both must be complete before we schedule anything. Until then, the dog remains available.
These policies aren't arbitrary. They exist because every exception we've made has created complications — for other clients and for us. They ensure that every family is treated fairly and that every transaction goes smoothly.
A note on special requests
Every policy on this page applies to every client, without exception. I work with dozens of families every year, and I'm not able to make individual arrangements for payment methods, timing, or fees on a case-by-case basis — doing so would create an unmanageable system that ultimately serves no one well.
The processing fee, the payment timeline, the pickup window, the contract process — none of these are negotiable. They exist because experience taught me they need to. The vast majority of my clients understand and appreciate that clarity. If any of my policies feel like they won't work for your situation, I genuinely encourage you to reach out before reserving — I'd rather have that conversation early than have either of us frustrated later. And if after reading through everything you feel this program isn't the right fit, that's completely okay. I'm not the right breeder for everyone, and I'd rather you find the right fit than push forward on terms that don't work.
Questions?
I'm happy to explain anything and answer questions. These policies are firm, but I'm always willing to help you understand them and figure out which path makes the most sense for your situation.
Ready to Reserve Your Spot?
Before paying your reservation fee, please make sure you've completed our Maremma application and had a chance to connect with me. Reservations are most successful when we've already talked through your farm setup, your livestock, and what you're looking for — that conversation is what makes the matching process work.
If we've already connected and you're ready to move forward, you can pay your reservation fee directly here:
Not quite there yet? Start with the application below and we'll take it from there.
Payment FAQs
Does the $500 reservation fee cover two dogs?
No. The reservation fee is per dog. If you are reserving two dogs, you will need to pay two separate $500 fees — one for each dog. When you check out, simply change the quantity to 2, and both reservations will be processed together. Each fee applies toward the final purchase price of its respective dog.
Do I need an account on your website to pay?
No. You can pay as a guest with any major credit or debit card. No account needed.
Why is there a processing fee?
Stripe charges us 2.9% + $0.30 on every transaction to process your payment securely. Rather than building that cost invisibly into our puppy price, we show it transparently as a separate line item so you know exactly what you're paying and why.
When will I receive my payment link?
I'll send your payment link directly to you by email when it's time to pay. You don't need to find or navigate to it yourself.
Do you accept cash for payments?
Yes, cash is accepted in person at our farm in Lemoore, California — but only under specific conditions. Cash cannot be used to hold or secure a dog remotely, and it cannot be accepted in lieu of online payment once a final balance due date has been set.
Here's why this matters: final payment due dates are tied directly to the Go-Home Window timeline. That window — the two-week period during which pickup and shipping are coordinated — cannot open until payment is received, cleared, and contracts are signed. A promised cash payment that hasn't physically arrived is not a completed payment. If another buyer pays online while you're arranging a cash delivery, their payment takes priority.
For local clients who genuinely want to pay cash in person, contact Kim before your payment due date to discuss whether timing makes it workable. For clients outside the immediate area, online payment through our website is the only practical option — and it takes about three minutes.
The processing fee exists because secure, professional payment processing has a cost. That cost is real whether you pay $500 or $3,500, and it's significantly less than the cost of a bounced check, a disputed transaction, or a lost placement. We operate a licensed, professional breeding program — not a cash-at-the-door hobby operation — and our payment systems reflect that.
If you have concerns about the payment timeline or fees, the time to raise them is before you reserve — not after your due date arrives. Our prices and fees reflect the investment we make in every dog we produce: health testing, ethical breeding practices, professional training expertise, and lifetime support. They are not negotiable. If the total cost of purchasing a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma — including processing fees — is outside your budget, we understand, and we'd rather you know that now than be in a difficult position later. There are other breeders at other price points. We wish you well in finding the right fit.
When is the final balance due for my puppy?
Final balance is due when your puppy reaches 12 weeks of age. Your balance depends on your total reservation investment — $2,500 if you completed the full $1,000 reservation process, or $3,000 if you reserved under the original single-fee system (only for clients who reserved prior to May 2026) or are purchasing an older dog directly from the Master Reservation List. For dogs already 12 weeks or older, full payment is required to hold. I'll send your specific invoice directly when the time comes.
What if I can't pick up my dog right away?
Once full payment and your signed contract are complete, we'll work with you to coordinate pickup or shipping timing. We understand that travel and shipping arrangements sometimes take time, and we work with each family individually. If you need extra time beyond the go-home window, boarding is available at $30 per night, covering housing, daily care, and continued livestock exposure. Board arrangements are discussed and agreed upon in advance. We also offer Extended Stays (subject to availability) at a monthly rate for clients needing more than a few days to get their pups home, or wanting additional livestock exposure here at the farm.
Learn About Extended Farm Stays
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
The $500 reservation fee is non-refundable for any reason. However, it may be transferred to a future litter or available dog at Prancing Pony Farm's discretion. Please notify us promptly if your plans change — early communication helps us offer your spot to other waiting families.
Do you accept checks, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or Apple Pay?
No. We only accept credit and debit cards through our secure website checkout or our CRM. These payment methods don't provide the documentation and security protections that both you and we need for a transaction of this size. Online checkout through our website is fast, simple, and gives you an immediate confirmation of your purchase. We also do not accept wire transfers. Our only accepted payment method is credit or debit card through our secure website checkout.Â
Can I pay my reservation fee and final balance using different methods?
Both payments go through the same secure checkout on our website using a credit or debit card. There is no option to mix payment methods or pay with any other method besides on our website.
Board Rates & Policies
Grace Period for Pick-Up or Shipping We understand that coordinating travel and shipping arrangements can take time. We work with each client individually to coordinate their puppy's go-home date.
- Current litter puppies: Pickup and shipping are arranged after the 12-week payment date, once final health preparations are complete. We coordinate timing with each family individually.
- Older puppies and adult dogs: Pickup and shipping timing is arranged individually at the time of reservation.
Extended Board Rates If you need longer than the standard go-home window to pick up or ship your Maremma, we offer board at $30 per night. This covers:
- Safe, secure housing in our specialized facilities
- Premium nutrition and daily care
- Continued livestock exposure (passive training benefit)
- Health monitoring and basic grooming needs
What Board Does NOT Include Our board rate covers essential care only. It does not include:
- Formal training sessions (leash training, cues, behaviors, etc.)
- Intensive socialization programs beyond our standard protocols
- Specialized grooming services
- Extended handling or one-on-one training time
Additional Training Services As a certified professional dog trainer, I do offer enhanced training services for dogs staying beyond the grace period. These services are available at additional cost and must be arranged separately. Contact us to discuss specific training goals and pricing.
Payment & Arrangements Board charges must be paid before pickup/shipping. We accept the same payment methods as outlined in our sales policies above.
Extended Stay We now offer a monthly rate for people who need longer before bringing home their Maremma. This is offered on a case by case basis and subject to availability.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions about our payment options, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Ready to Protect What You Love?
Join scores of happy families who sleep peacefully knowing their beloved animals and family are protected by reliable Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas.
✅ Health-tested bloodlines ✅ Proven working genetics
✅ Lifetime breeder & professional trainer support included
