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Adoption Process

Welcome to Salem's Finest Chihuahuas and Dachshunds!
We know our website is packed with information, and it can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide—to help you navigate the process and get to know us better. We truly hope you’ve found the right place to adopt your future Chihuahua or Dachshund puppy!

1. Start with Our Prices & Puppy Packages

Please review our pricing and deposit info as well as what’s included in our puppy packages. Each puppy is raised with care and attention, and our adult dogs receive the same high-level care. We also offer:

  • Discounts (see if you qualify)

  • Payment plans
    If you're planning to hold a puppy beyond 10 weeks and are not on a payment plan, please review our duration policy.

2. Need Shipping?

If you’ll need your puppy delivered, please read our shipping information. An additional fee applies for transportation.

3. Got Questions?

Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You may find answers to things you haven’t even thought of yet!

4. Submitting an Application

Once you've explored the website and don't see your perfect match on our available puppies page, you can:

🔺 Important Notes:

  • There’s a non-refundable $25 application fee

  • Incomplete applications will not be processed

  • Be sure to answer every question—even if it doesn't apply to you

5. Application Review Timeline

We screen each potential home thoroughly, which takes time. Please allow up to 7 business days for processing.

✅ You're encouraged to text or email us to confirm we received your application. Occasionally, forms don’t go through. We appreciate the follow-up!

🗓 Applications remain active for 14 days once reviewed. If you'd like more time, just stay in communication with us!

You can also connect with us on Facebook, via text, or directly through the chat feature on our website. We'd love to hear from you!

6. How Puppy Selection Works

We begin adoptions after the puppies turn 8 weeks old 
Approved applicants are contacted first before public availability.

📸 Puppy selection is done via photos and videos, not in person.

7. No In-Home Visits

For the safety of our family and dogs, we no longer offer home visits or puppy meet-and-greets.
There are no exceptions to this rule. If meeting your puppy in person beforehand is essential to you, we may not be the right fit.

🏞 We will arrange public meet-ups for puppy pickup day.

8. Personality & Eye Color

We do not hold puppies to wait for personalities or eye color to develop.

  • Most puppies are adopted early before full traits appear

  • Around 8 weeks, we begin noticing and sharing some personality traits

  • All puppies are born with blue eyes; Merle puppies may retain them, but this is never guaranteed

9. Waiting List Info

Once approved, you’ll be added to our public waiting list (with your preferences noted).
Only those with a non-refundable application fee on file will be added.

  • Your application is valid for one year 

  • Want to remain on the list? Just renew each year to keep receiving litter updates

10. What’s Included in Our Puppy Price

We’re proud of the quality, care, and ethics that go into every puppy we raise. Here's what you get:

🧬 Health Testing

  • All our parent dogs are genetically tested for 186+ potential health conditions

  • OFA certification for eyes, hearts, and patellas (or pending if underage)

  • Results are publicly available—we encourage you to verify!

🍽 Nutrition & Wellness

  • High-protein, fresh food supplements, vitamins, and special pregnancy/nursing diets

  • All moms are assisted through delivery by us personally

📸 Photo & Video Updates

  • Biweekly photos + videos

  • Social media group access for frequent updates

Please note: I can't fulfill special photo requests outside of the regular schedule. If you're not on social media, you may miss some of the extra content.

🛡 Health & Socialization

  • Biweekly parasite prevention

  • Daily family interaction

  • Raised with Puppy Culture Curriculum

  • Full vet exam at 7–9 weeks

  • Microchipped

  • AKC registered

🎁 Puppy Go-Home Kit

  • Age-appropriate vaccines & records

  • Free 30-day pet insurance

  • Generous goodie bag

  • Lifetime breeder support

We ask for periodic updates—not just because we care, but because your feedback helps us track and improve our bloodlines for future generations.

If you ever need advice, we’re here. But please remember—we’re not vets. In an emergency, always contact your local animal hospital.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know our program! We look forward to possibly welcoming you into the Salem’s Finest family 🐾

© 2012 by Salem's Finest AKC Chihuahuas. 

All pictures and written material on this website are subject to copyright.  They may not be used in any way shape or form without written consent from Salem's Finest Chihuahuas.

​This website includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend supplies I have personally used.

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