First I would like to state I do not believe all dog breeders should have to do all of the things mentioned below. I believe in personal responsibility. If a person brings a dog to a shelter/rescue, that is on them and not the breeder of the dog. However, I love the puppies I produce, and thinking of them being homeless is a terrible thought to me.
Applications and Screening
The process to get a Steel City Puppy is not as simple as “Meet me in the Walmart parking lot with cash, and I will give you the puppy.” Every potential owner must fill out an application on my website. This application lets me screen for any red flags. Anything I see that is not compatible with a brand new puppy or adult dog will be brought up to the applicant. Yes, there are plenty applicants that get rejected. If I am unsure what to do, but the applicant listed who referred them, I will reach out to the referee. My ultimate goal is happy dogs and owners!
Honesty and Transparency, Puppy-Matching
My priority will always be having a happy dog and owner relationship, not making a sale. If a puppy is high energy, low energy, bitey, barky, etc. I will let you know. If I think a certain puppy will not do well in your home, I will let you know. I believe this is one of the main reasons we have only ever had 5 puppies “Returned” over the past 5 years. Several of those were actually due to life changes and not because of the puppy.
Pricing
The funny thing is we get so much “hate” for high pricing, but it is actually one of the key factors in preventing dogs from being placed in a shelter/rescue. When you are paying several thousand dollars for a puppy, you are invested into that puppy. The average American does not spend that much money on a whim. They are showing they value what we have to offer. A $50 puppy is much much more likely to end up in a shelter than a $3500 puppy.
Contract
It is in our Sales Agreement that every puppy must be returned to Steel City Puppies, if they are ever no longer wanted. If they have a friend or family they would like the puppy/dog to go to, that friend/family does get priority, but I also require a new application from that friend/family.
Microchip
Every single Steel City Puppy is microchipped. If they are ever lost, they will be scanned at the Shelter/Rescue, and the owner and/or I will be reached out to.
Forever Home
Most of our buyers get to see how their puppy is raised here with daily pictures/videos. From the day they are born, to when their eyes open, to when they walk for the first time, bark for the first time, eat puppy food for the first time, etc. They know I love what I do. Why would they ever surrender their Steel City Puppy to a sad shelter when they know they have a forever home here? Unless they have no heart and do not want what is best for their puppy… However, we have amazing owners that would never do that and who know their dog always has a home here.