Our Reservation Philosophy

At Prancing Pony Farm, we’ve developed a reservation system that balances fairness, transparency, and flexibility. Our goal is to match each puppy with the right family while respecting the chronological order of reservations. This comprehensive policy explains how our reservation system works and what to expect throughout the process.

Reservation Types & Waiting Lists

We maintain two distinct waiting lists to accommodate different client needs and timelines:

Master Waiting List

The Master Waiting List is our primary reservation system for clients interested in future puppies without committing to a specific litter.

Key Features:

• Join at any time with a $500 non-refundable reservation fee
• Secures your chronological place in line for any future litter
• No commitment to a specific litter or timeline
• Greater flexibility for your specific needs and preferences
• First priority when new litters are announced

How It Works:

1. Submit your application and complete the approval process
2. Pay the $500 non-refundable reservation fee through one of our approved payment methods
3. Receive confirmation of your place on the Master Waiting List
4. We’ll contact you when litters that match your preferences are announced
5. You can choose to move to a Specific Litter List or remain on the Master List

Specific Litter List

The Specific Litter List is for clients interested in a particular upcoming or current litter.

Key Features:

• For current (already born) or upcoming litters only
• Filled first from the Master Waiting List in chronological order
• Then opened to new reservations if space remains
• Commits you to a specific litter timeline
• Puppies are selected in reservation order once they reach 12 weeks of age

How It Works:

1. When a litter is announced, Master List clients are contacted in order
2. Master List clients can choose to move to the Specific Litter List or wait for a future litter
3. Any remaining spots are opened to new reservations
4. Pay the $500 reservation fee (if not already on the Master List)
5. We match you with your puppy in reservation order when puppies are 12 weeks old

Reservation Fee Policies

Our $500 reservation fee serves several important purposes:

Purpose of the Fee:

• Demonstrates serious commitment from potential puppy owners
• Covers time spent with each client during the reservation and selection process
• Supports our breeding program administration
• Reserves your place in line for a puppy
• This applies to the total purchase price

Fee Policies:

• Non-refundable: The reservation fee is non-refundable for any reason
• Transferability: The fee may be transferred to a future litter at Prancing Pony Farm’s discretion
• Application: The fee is applied toward the total purchase price
• Payment Methods: Must be paid through one of our approved payment methods (see Payment Policy)

Reservation Priority & Selection Process

We maintain a strict chronological order for all reservations to ensure fairness.

Reservation Order:

• Reservations are fulfilled strictly in the order they are received
• No puppy or dog will be held without a paid reservation fee
• We do not accept “soft holds” or unpaid reservations

Selection Process:

• Puppy selection occurs when puppies are approximately 12 weeks of age
• Puppy selections are made in the order reservations were made
• We guide each family to puppies that best match their needs and situation
• We reserve the right to hold back any puppy for our breeding program

Transferring Reservations

We understand that circumstances and timelines can change, so we offer flexibility in transferring reservations.

Transfer Options:

• Transfer from the Master List to a Specific Litter List
• Transfer from one Specific Litter List to another
• Transfer from a puppy reservation to an available older puppy or adult dog
• Transfer to a future unspecified litter

Transfer Policies:

• All transfers are at Prancing Pony Farm’s discretion
• When transferring to a future litter, the price will reflect the current advertised puppy price of the new litter, not the price of the previous litter.
• Your place in line may change if transferring between lists.
• Multiple transfers may affect your priority status.
• If you are offered a puppy from a litter and pass it on, it will be made available to the next person in line.
• Once all reservation holders have been offered and passed on available puppies, they will be available to new applicants.

Final Payment & Pickup Policies

Clarity about final payment and pickup helps ensure a smooth transition for your new puppy.

Final Payment Timing:

• Due when puppies reach 12 weeks of age
• Must be received before pickup or shipping arrangements are finalized
• For adult dogs or puppies over 12 weeks, full payment is required to hold

Payment Policies:

• No refunds once final payment is made (except for health issues covered in our guarantee)
• The payment may be credited toward another dog or puppy at our discretion
• All sales are final unless the dog has a health issue covered under the health guarantee or the 72-hour vet exam

Pickup/Delivery Timing:

• Puppies are typically ready to go home at 12-14 weeks
• Specific pickup/delivery date arranged after final payment
• Failure to pick up your puppy at the arranged time may result in boarding fees or cancellation

Contract Process

Our puppy contract protects all parties involved and ensures clarity about expectations.

Contract Timeline:

• Sample contracts are available on our website for review at any time
• Final contract sent via Breeder Cloud Pro for digital signature
• The contract must be signed before pickup/shipping arrangements are finalized

Contract Content:

• Health guarantees and warranties
• Spay/neuter requirements
• Return policies
• Registration details
• Care guidelines
• Other mutual obligations

Special Scenarios

We understand that special circumstances can arise in the puppy reservation process.

Breeding/Show Prospect Puppies:

• Additional evaluation time may be required
• Different pricing structure applies
• Additional contract terms apply

International Clients:

• Additional documentation required
• Special shipping arrangements needed
• Payment processes may differ

Reservation Cancellations:

• Reservation fee remains non-refundable
• Please notify us promptly if your plans change
• Early notification allows us to offer the puppy to others on our waiting list

Passing on Available Puppies

We understand that timing and specific preferences are important when adding a Maremma to your family. Our policy for clients who choose to wait for future litters is as follows:

Declining Offered Puppies:

• If you are offered a puppy from a current litter and decide to decline, you are giving us permission to offer that puppy to the next person in line
• You will maintain your position on the Master Waiting List for future litters
• There is no penalty for passing on a litter if it doesn’t meet your needs or timing
• We will contact you about future litters as they become available

Puppy Allocation Process:

• When puppies are available, we contact clients in order of reservation
• If a client declines, we move to the next client on the list
• If all waiting list clients decline, we offer puppies to new buyers
• This ensures all puppies find homes in a timely manner

Communication Expectations:

• Please respond promptly when notified about available puppies
• Clear communication about your decision helps us manage the waiting list efficiently
• We appreciate knowing why a particular litter doesn’t work for you, as it helps us better match you with future puppies

Reservation FAQ

Q: How long might I wait on the Master Waiting List? A: Wait times vary based on your preferences and our breeding schedule. Clients may wait anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on their timing, age and gender preferences, and other specific needs.

Q: Can I specify gender, age, or other traits? A: Yes. We consider your preferences and will contact you when a litter with potential matches becomes available. However, more specific preferences may result in longer wait times.

Q: What happens if none of the puppies in a current litter meet my needs? A: You can decline the current litter and remain on the Master Waiting List for a future litter, maintaining your original position in line. By declining, you understand that the puppy will be offered to others.

Q: If I’m on a Specific Litter List but change my mind, can I get a refund? A: No. The reservation fee is non-refundable, but we may allow you to transfer to another litter or back to the Master Waiting List at our discretion.

Q: How will I know where I stand on the waiting list? A: We will let you know your position on the list when you place your reservation and provide updates as needed. You’re always welcome to contact us for a status update.

Q: Can I visit the puppies before they are ready to go home? A: Yes, we encourage visits once puppies are at an appropriate age. These visits must be scheduled in advance and are only available to those who have paid reservations for a puppy from a current litter.