Getting started
Ready to take the first step?
Bringing home a Van Dalen puppy should feel exciting, clear, and comfortable. This page explains how our process works, what is included with each puppy, and how to begin when you are ready. You are welcome to contact me first with questions, or complete the puppy application if you already know you are interested in a Van Dalen Labrador.
Not quite ready yet? You are welcome to join our mailing list and simply stay in the loop. We share litter announcements, puppy updates, and the occasional glimpse into life at van Dalen.
Get in touch
Puppy price
Companion Puppy
$4,500
Final payment due at pickup
What's included with every puppy
- AKC limited registration
- Microchip implanted
- Age-appropriate vaccines & deworming
- Natural potty substrate conditioning on organic materials
- 10-day supplement starter supply
- Written health warranty
- 5-generation pedigree
Optional: Stay a Little Longer
Your puppy may remain with us beyond 8 weeks if your family needs additional time or would like a more structured start. Choose simple extended boarding when you only need us to care for your puppy a little longer, or choose the Easy Transition Program for focused potty training, crate conditioning, socialization, and age-appropriate preparation—especially if you would prefer not to manage the early potty-training stage yourself.
Families may request either option at any time. Because availability is limited, we recommend reserving the desired option and number of weeks when confirming the puppy reservation. We keep enrollment small so every puppy receives the individual time and attention they deserve.
Extended Boarding
$300
per week · maximum two weeks
Need a little more time?
For companion families who simply need more time before bringing their puppy home. This option includes boarding and routine daily care for a maximum of two weeks, but it does not include the individualized potty training and structured preparation provided through the Easy Transition Program. Any stay longer than two weeks must be arranged through the Easy Transition Program.
Structured Program
2–4 Week Easy Transition
+$1,000
per week · two-week minimum
Begins at 8 weeks · Puppy goes home between 10 and 12 weeks
Most puppies are potty trained and comfortable with their crate by 10 weeks. Families who would like additional repetition and reinforcement of the potty and crate routines may choose for their puppy to remain for a third or fourth week.
- Crate conditioning
- Structured potty training and a consistent potty routine
- Continued grooming and gentle handling exercises
- Nail trimming and calm body handling
- Confidence-building household exposure
- Daily routine, mealtimes, rest periods, and age-appropriate structure
- Age-appropriate socialization
- Leash and collar introduction
- Beginning leash walking
- Bite inhibition foundation
- Exposure to common household sounds, including vacuums and storms
- Environmental desensitization and confidence building
Age-appropriate vaccinations and preventative care are included throughout your puppy’s stay.
The weekly program fee includes boarding and routine daily care. The puppy balance remains due at 8 weeks, and the Easy Transition program fee is paid separately at actual pickup.
Learn moreWhat Comes Home With Your Puppy
Every Van Dalen puppy goes home with thoughtful preparation, important records, and the essentials needed for a smooth start in their new home.
AKC Limited Registration
Your puppy is registered with the American Kennel Club.
OFA Clearances & DNA Testing on Parents
Both parents are health tested to the highest standard before breeding.
Microchip Implanted
Your puppy goes home permanently identified.
Age-Appropriate Vaccines & Deworming
Your puppy's health protocol is current at the time of pickup.
Natural Potty Substrate Conditioning
Puppies are guided from their earliest weeks to prefer organic materials.
Supplement Starter Supply
Your puppy goes home with enough product to begin their supplement routine right away.
Written Health Warranty
Our health guarantee is provided in writing at the time of pickup.
5-Generation Pedigree
A full record of your puppy's champion lineage.
Puppy Instruction Book
A custom guide written by us, built from over 25 years of experience raising Labradors.
Scented Toy with Mother's Scent
A familiar comfort for your puppy during the first nights in their new home.
Lifetime Breeder Support
We remain a resource for you long after your puppy comes home.
The process
How it works
A quick look at every step from first contact to bringing your puppy home.
At a glance
1
Reach out & apply
Contact us or fill out the puppy application. We'll share availability and upcoming litters.
2
Application review
We carefully review every application and get to know your family before approving.
3
Reservation deposit — $500
Secures your spot on the waiting list for an upcoming litter.
Fully refundable
4
Litter born — confirmation deposit $1,500
Once puppies are born and a puppy that meets your criteria is confirmed for you, a second deposit secures your puppy.
Deposit becomes non-refundable
5
Meet the puppies
Around 5 weeks, we invite families to come meet the litter in person — a special opportunity to connect before they come home.
6
Take your puppy home
Your puppy goes home at around 8 weeks, raised in our home and ready to become part of yours.
How to apply
Two ways to get started — both are welcome.
01
Want to talk first?
We prefer to connect with families before an application is submitted. It gives us a chance to get to know you, share what we have available, and make sure we are a good fit for each other — before anyone fills out a form.
Reach out, introduce your family, and ask anything you would like. We are real people here, and we are happy to answer questions with no obligation.
Get in touch
02
Ready to apply?
If you have already spoken with us and are ready to move forward, the next step is to fill out our puppy application. Once we receive it, we will follow up with availability, upcoming litters, and next steps.
Fill out the application onlineEither way, we carefully review every application and take the time to get to know the families behind them.
Reservations & Deposits
Securing your place on the waiting list.
A deposit allows me to reserve your place in line and plan responsibly for each litter. Puppy selection is done in reservation order, with my guidance, once the puppies are old enough for their personalities and temperaments to be more clear.
$500
Reservation deposit — before birth
Once approved, a $500 deposit secures your place on the waiting list for an upcoming litter. This deposit is fully refundable should we be unable to provide a puppy that meets your criteria.
Refundable
$1,500
Confirmation deposit — after birth
Once puppies are born and a puppy that meets your criteria is confirmed for you, a second deposit of $1,500 is due. At this point, the full deposit of $2,000 becomes non-refundable.
Confirms your puppy
Balance
Final payment — around 8 weeks
The remaining puppy balance is due around 8 weeks, at pickup time. For transition program families, the puppy balance is due at 8 weeks regardless of when pickup occurs. The program fee is paid separately at actual pickup.
Puppy balance due at 8 weeks · Program fee due at pickup- Joining our waiting list does not guarantee a puppy, as litter sizes vary.
- Deposits are accepted only after your application has been reviewed and approved.
We accept Zelle, Venmo, check, cash, and PayPal. PayPal transactions are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Visits
Visits are welcome.
In-person visits
When a litter arrives, we schedule a visitation weekend for the families who have a puppy reserved from that litter. This typically takes place when the puppies are around 5 weeks old. All visits are by appointment — please reach out to make an appointment.
Before coming, we ask that you avoid pet stores, shelters, veterinary clinics, or other kennels. Visitors can unknowingly carry illness on their clothing and shoes, and young puppies are more vulnerable than most people realize.
During certain periods, particularly when we have susceptible 6-8 weeks old puppies, we may temporarily suspend in-person visits entirely to protect the puppies.
Another option
Can't make it in person?
If you live far away, are unable to join us during the visitation weekend, or visits are temporarily closed, we are happy to arrange a video call instead. It is a wonderful way to see the puppies, meet the parents, get to know us, and get your questions answered from wherever you are.
Our promise to you
Health, commitment, and the way we do things.
Health Guarantee
Your puppy is covered.
Every van Dalen puppy comes with a written health guarantee covering the following:
- 3-day guarantee against contagious illness
- 1-year guarantee against congenital conditions, including but not limited to hips, elbows, heart, and eyes
Our Commitment
A van Dalen dog is never on their own.
Every dog that has ever left my home — puppy or adult, young or old — will always have a home here if they ever need one. Life is unpredictable. We understand that. Not one of our dogs will ever end up abandoned or in a shelter. If you can no longer keep your dog and have no one close to take them, we want them back. That is our promise. All we ask in return is yours.
Important Policies
A few things to know.
- We do not sell to pet shops, brokers, or non-reputable breeders
- We do not ship puppies — pickup in person is required
- We reserve the right to retain select puppies for our breeding program
We are happy to help you decide whether a van Dalen Labrador is the right fit for your family.