At Dachshund Love Connection, we understand that bringing your new Dachshund puppy home is an exciting milestone. Our comprehensive shipping policy is designed to ensure the absolute safety, comfort, and well-being of your puppy during transit while providing you with complete peace of mind. We offer multiple transportation options to accommodate your needs and location, all while maintaining the highest standards of care for our precious puppies.

Available Transportation Options:
We provide four primary methods for getting your puppy home safely. Personal pickup at our facility in [City, State] is always encouraged and allows you to meet us, see where your puppy was raised, and receive hands-on care instructions. For those within a 300-mile radius, we offer professional ground transportation via licensed pet transport services that use climate-controlled vehicles with experienced handlers who provide door-to-door delivery. For longer distances within the continental United States, we arrange air transportation through USDA-approved airlines, where puppies either travel in-cabin with a flight nanny (when available) or in climate-controlled cargo areas with specialized pet compartments. International shipping to approved countries can also be arranged, though this requires extensive additional documentation and compliance with import regulations.

Health and Safety Protocols:
Every puppy undergoes a thorough veterinary examination within 10 days prior to any transportation. We strictly adhere to weather restrictions, prohibiting transport when temperatures exceed 85°F or fall below 45°F at any point along the journey. All puppies must be at least 10 weeks old before traveling and have received their first round of vaccinations. We provide an airline-approved travel crate sized appropriately for your puppy’s comfort, lined with absorbent padding and including a familiar blanket with the scent of their littermates. Each shipment includes a small bag of their current food, a comfort toy, and detailed care instructions for the transition period.

Documentation and Legal Requirements:
For all shipments, we provide a USDA-approved health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, complete vaccination records, and microchip information (if applicable). Air travel requires additional documentation that we handle completely, including airway bills and any necessary airline forms. International shipments demand more extensive paperwork, including import permits, additional health certifications, and sometimes quarantine arrangements, all of which we will guide you through step-by-step. Please note that international buyers are responsible for all customs fees, duties, and any required quarantine expenses in the destination country.

Pricing and Payment Structure:
Transportation costs vary based on method and distance. Ground transportation within our 300-mile service area typically ranges from $200-$500 depending on exact location. Domestic air shipping generally costs between $400-$800, which includes the health certificate, crate, and all airline fees. International shipping costs start at $1,200 plus all customs and import fees. A non-refundable transportation deposit of 50% is required when booking, with the balance due one week prior to shipment. We accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, or cashier’s checks for transportation payments.

Owner Responsibilities and Preparation:
As the new owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition. For air shipments, you must arrive at the airport promptly – most airlines charge substantial waiting fees if you’re late to pick up your puppy. Your home should be fully prepared with all necessary supplies (food, bowls, crate, toys) before your puppy’s arrival. Most importantly, you must schedule a veterinary examination within 72 hours of receiving your puppy to keep our health guarantee valid. We provide a detailed checklist of everything you’ll need to have ready for your puppy’s homecoming.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies:
In case of inclement weather or other safety concerns, we will reschedule transportation at no additional cost. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we require at least 72 hours notice for ground transport and 7 days notice for air shipments. Cancellation fees apply after these windows – 25% of the transport cost for ground, 50% for air shipments. In the rare event that we need to cancel transportation due to concerns about the puppy’s health or safety, you will receive a full refund of all transportation fees paid.

Post-Transportation Support:
Our care for your puppy doesn’t end with delivery. We provide 24/7 support during the transportation process and are available to answer any questions you have after your puppy arrives home. You’ll receive our comprehensive Puppy Care Guide and access to our private owner community for ongoing support. We follow up within 24 hours of delivery to ensure your puppy is settling in well and to address any immediate concerns you might have.

At Dachshund Love Connection, we treat every puppy’s journey to their new home with the same care and attention we would want for our own pets. Our extensive experience in safely transporting Dachshund puppies across the country and internationally means you can trust that every detail has been considered and every precaution taken. We’re happy to answer any specific questions you may have about the transportation process and will provide regular updates as your puppy’s travel date approaches.