Puppy Reservation Process

Please read the information below carefully, as it explains how the puppy reservation process works at Fairview Park Groodles. We kindly ask that you only apply for a puppy if you have read and are comfortable with the process outlined here, as well as on our Puppy Allocations, Suitability & Placement Policy, and Puppy Purchase & Pricing pages.

Timing & Expectations

From the time you apply to the moment you welcome your puppy home, the journey is typically 6–12 months. Occasionally, a place may become available sooner, but most families experience a wait before their puppy arrives.

This structured approach allows us to focus on raising healthy, well-adjusted puppies and making thoughtful, temperament-based matches. While waiting can feel hard, we truly believe that when your Fairview Park puppy comes home, you’ll feel confident that the timing – and the match – were right.

Step 1: Application

Once you have reviewed all relevant information and feel that our program is a good fit for you, you can apply to join our waiting list by completing our online application form.

Using an application form ensures:

• all applications are stored securely in one place

• we have the information needed to assess suitability

• we can make informed decisions during puppy allocations

We aim to review and respond to applications within 72 hours.

Step 2: Initial Call

If your application is approved, you will be invited to book a 30-minute video/phone call. This call allows us to:

• get to know you and your lifestyle

• explain our process in more detail

• answer any questions

• ensure expectations are well aligned

Following this conversation, suitable applicants will be added to our waiting list.

Step 3: Waiting List

Approved families are placed on our waiting list in order of application date.

To keep our waiting list accurate, we send quarterly check-ins. At these times, you’ll be invited to update:

• your timing

• any changes in circumstances

• preferences or flexibility

Failure to respond to a check-in may result in removal from the waiting list. If this occurs inadvertently, you are welcome to contact us and we will reinstate your application using your original application date.

Step 4: Expression of Interest (After Puppies Are Born)

Once puppies are born and we have a clear understanding of the litter, we will send an Expression of Interest (EOI) email to our entire waiting list.

This EOI will include:

• basic information about the litter

• general expectations around size, coats, and timing

• any relevant notes about the litter as a whole

Families are invited to respond if they would like to be considered for a puppy from that specific litter.

Importantly:

• families are not required to respond to an EOI

• families may respond to let us know they prefer to wait for a future litter

• choosing to wait does not affect your waiting list position

We understand that not every litter will suit every family, and we fully support families waiting for the right fit.

Step 5: Reservation Offers

Reservation spots are offered only after puppies are born.

Reservation offers are made in waiting list order, based on responses received to the EOI. You are advised of your pick order at time of the offer.

If a family chooses not to proceed with that litter, the offer moves to the next family on the waiting list.

To secure a reservation:

• a 20% reservation fee is required

• the fee is applied toward the total purchase price of the puppy

If a litter does not progress or cannot accommodate all reservation spots, families may choose to:

• remain on the waiting list for a future litter, or

• receive a refund of the reservation fee

This is the only circumstance in which a refund is issued.

In all other situations:

• the reservation fee is non-refundable

• the fee is transferable to another litter within 12 months

• reservations are not transferable to another family

Step 6: Program Priorities

Please note:

• the first two placements of every litter are reserved for our breeding program and for a special-needs placement

• we reserve the right to withdraw a puppy from the allocation process if we believe it is only suitable for a limited environment, based on the puppy’s or family’s specific needs

Step 7: Updates, Visits & Communication

We provide regular litter updates throughout the puppies’ developmental stages. When offered a reservation spot you are given a link to the puppy and parent information dossier, puppy photo album and youtube playlist.

Step 8: Puppy Evaluations & Allocations

When puppies are approximately 7–7.5 weeks old, we conduct formal puppy evaluations.

Using these evaluations, we guide families toward the puppy we believe is the best match for their home, lifestyle, and experience. Families then make their final selection in pick order.

For full details, please see our Puppy Allocations Page.

Step 9: Go-Home Day

Puppies go home at 8–9 weeks of age.

The remaining balance is due on or before go-home day and can be paid:

• in cash on the day

• via RightPaw Secure Payments or Direct Deposit at least 72 hours prior

• through an approved payment plan with Love My Dog Club

Travel can be arranged for families outside the Canberra region. Please refer to our Pricing & Purchase Information Page for further details.

A Final Note

Our process is intentionally structured and designed to support thoughtful, temperament-based matching. We value trust, patience, and shared expectations, and we encourage families to carefully consider whether our approach feels right for them before applying