Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM

Detailed Reservation & Wait List Policy

At Prancing Pony Farm, we maintain a transparent, fair reservation system built around one simple principle: first to pay is first in line. This page explains exactly how that works.

Payment Policies →

Reserve My Maremma!

Our Reservation Philosophy

At Prancing Pony Farm, our reservation system is designed to be transparent, fair, and built around long-term fit — not just who gets there first. Every policy here exists for a reason, and I'm happy to explain any of it. What you'll find below is the complete picture of how reservations work, what your money does, and what to expect throughout the process.

Two Ways to Reserve: Master List vs. Litter Commitment

We maintain two reservation pathways depending on where you are in the process.

The Master Waiting List — $500 Non-Refundable Reservation Fee

The Master Waiting List is your entry point. It holds your place in line for any future litter without locking you into a specific breeding or timeline.

What your $500 reservation fee does:

Secures your chronological spot in line across all future litters
Demonstrates genuine commitment to our program (we don't hold spots without it)
Applies toward the total purchase price of your puppy
Gives you first notification priority when litters are announced

How it works:

Submit your application and complete the approval process
Complete your discovery call
Pay the $500 non-refundable Master Reservation Fee — this officially places you on the list
When a litter is born and puppies are confirmed healthy, I'll reach out to Master List clients in order
At that point, you'll have the option to commit to that litter or hold your place for a future one

What it doesn't do: The Master Reservation Fee holds your place in line. It does not commit you to a specific litter or guarantee a puppy from a particular breeding. When a litter is announced, you'll decide whether that litter is the right fit.

Committing to a Litter — Additional $500 (Total Investment: $1,000)

When a litter is born and you're ready to commit, you'll make a second $500 payment — bringing your total reservation investment to $1,000. This is the Litter Commitment Payment.

What this payment does:

Locks your spot on a specific, confirmed litter
Signals to us that this is your litter and we should plan accordingly
Applies toward your total purchase price along with your initial $500

Refund policy: This payment is non-refundable. If a puppy becomes unavailable due to litter loss or health issues on our end, your full $1,000 transfers to the next available litter — you don't lose it.

Who pays this: Existing Master List clients only. I'll reach out to you directly with payment instructions when the time comes — you won't need to find this on your own.

Joining a Live Litter as a New Buyer — $1,000 Litter Reservation

If a litter has already been announced, Master List clients have been offered spots, and space remains — those spots open to new buyers. In this case, new buyers pay a single $1,000 Litter Reservation fee (no two-step process).

This isn't a price increase — it's the same total investment that Master List clients reach across two payments, consolidated into one. The $1,000 applies in full toward your puppy's purchase price.

The Full Payment Timeline

Stage	Amount	When
Master Reservation Fee	$500	After approval and discovery call
Litter Commitment Payment (Master List clients)	$500	When litter is announced and you confirm
— OR — Litter Reservation (new buyers joining open litter)	$1,000	When open litter spots are made available
Final Balance	Remaining purchase price	When puppies reach 12 weeks

Reservation Priority and Selection

Reservations are fulfilled strictly in the order they are received — no exceptions. No puppy or dog is held without a paid reservation fee, and we don't accept soft holds or informal commitments.

Puppy selection happens when puppies are approximately 12 weeks old. We guide each family toward puppies that best match their situation — your property setup, livestock, experience level, and goals all factor in. We reserve the right to hold back any puppy for our breeding program.

Passing on a Litter

There's no penalty for passing on a litter that isn't the right fit. If I reach out about a litter and you decide to wait, your spot on the Master Waiting List is preserved. The puppy will be offered to the next person in line.

However, clients who have passed on multiple consecutive litter notifications may need to reach out to confirm continued interest before being notified of future availability. Clear communication from both sides keeps this process running smoothly for everyone.

Transferring Reservations

Life changes. If you've reserved a spot but circumstances shift, here are your options:

Transfer from a puppy reservation to an available older puppy or adult dog
Transfer to a future unspecified litter (price reflects current advertised puppy price at time of transfer, not original price)
Transfer from one litter to another

All transfers are at Prancing Pony Farm's discretion. Your position in line may change depending on the transfer type.

One Application Per Owner

Each reservation must be submitted by the person who will be the dog's primary owner. We are unable to hold spots on behalf of friends, family members, or business partners. Each owner must complete their own application and submit their own reservation fee.

Spouses or partners sharing a household may submit a single joint application.

This policy protects the dogs. Every Prancing Pony Farm placement comes with lifetime breeder support, training guidance, and a contract — and that contract is with the person who applied. We screen for training philosophy, property setup, and experience level. When someone else reserves on your behalf, that screening never happens for the person who actually owns the dog. It's not a formality — it's how we make sure every dog ends up in the right home.

Sales Policies

Reservation FAQ

How long might I wait on the Master List? Wait times depend on your preferences and our breeding schedule — anywhere from a few months to a year or more. More specific preferences (particular gender, specific pairing or timing) may mean a longer wait.

Can I specify gender or other preferences? Yes. I'll note your preferences and reach out when a litter looks like a potential match. Keep in mind that more specific requests may extend your wait.

What if a litter doesn't meet my needs? You can pass and remain on the Master Waiting List for a future litter. Your place in line is preserved. Just let me know promptly so I can offer that spot to the next family.

Can I get a refund if my plans change? No. The reservation fee is non-refundable for any reason. It may be transferable to a future litter or available dog at our discretion.

Can I reserve a puppy for someone else? No. Each owner must submit their own application. See the One Application Per Owner section above.

How will I know my position on the list? I'll confirm your position when you reserve and provide updates as needed. You're always welcome to reach out for a status update.

Can I visit before the puppies are ready? Yes — visits are encouraged and must be scheduled in advance. Farm visits are available to families who have a paid reservation on a current litter. Visiting does not hold a dog — payment does.

Does the reservation fee cover two dogs? No. The fee is per dog. Two reservations require two fees. You can pay for both at the same time by changing the quantity to 2 at checkout.

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:

Pay $500 Reservation Fee →

Not quite there yet? Start with the application below and we'll take it from there.

Apply for a Maremma →