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Guardianship
Program

A Guardian is a person who is fully committed to giving compassionate, lifelong loving care for a dog, for the duration of the dog’s life, on behalf of its owner - Skarlotte Goldens, LLC.

:What is a Guardian Home

Guardianship is a great opportunity to love and raise a “pick of the litter” puppy for a reduced rate! Guardian Puppies/Dogs are raised in your home and cared for as your dog.

In exchange, the dog will remain incorporated in the Skarlotte Goldens, LLC. Breeding program with all breeding rights for up to 4 litters and/or the age of 6 for females. Male guardian dogs will remain in the program until 8-9 years old. Once their breeding career is complete, the dog may be fixed and full ownership papers will be signed over to you.

Becoming a Guardian isn’t for everyone. There are requirements to ensure safety and health. Being approved means you need to meet certain steps, be willing to adhere to the requirements, and remain connected with Skarlotte Goldens for many wonderful puppy years to come! We ask the Guardian Family to partner with us to ensure the dogs are happy, safe, and well taken care of as puppies and throughout the life of the dog. 

Expectations and Requirements

  • Own your home with a fenced backyard to contain the puppy with no plans to relocate in the next few years unless local and be willing to adequately supervise puppy at all times while outside.

  • A willingness to allow me to visit your home (on occasion) and be able to visit my home to build a relationship with the Guardian for the future and make sure they are comfortable in SKG environment.

  • Afford to provide required high-quality food that SKG approves.  All guardian moms are required to feed the same food we use until they are retired. And keep dog at a healthy weight (submit monthly pictures to SKG).

  • Afford heartworm/tick/flea prevention, as well as, regular vet checks, including vaccines. Willing to submit records to the breeder.

  • Must contact the breeder immediately in the event of illness or injury. Breeding dogs need different medical attention than non-breeding dogs, especially if pregnant.

  • Be willing to crate and house train the puppy, as well as, basic obedience – come, sit, stay, so forth.

  • Keep us updated regularly/monthly on the dog’s progress via email, text or call.

  • Be available to drive dog to and from our home or arrange pick up for breeding and whelping. (Most often breeder will arrange transportation.)

  • Live within an easy 3 hour driving distance to Skarlotte Goldens.

  • All non-SKG dogs in the home must be sterile. Your guardian must not be in any way able to be bred by/to an unapproved dog.

  • Female guardians must be willing to drop the dog off for 1-2 weeks for breeding and up to 10 weeks when whelping puppies. (You may visit often.)

  • Male guardians must be willing to drop the dog off for 1-6 days for breedings.

  • Understand that we are reducing the purchase price of the dog in exchange for a service- you must be willing to communicate, cooperate and coordinate with us during their time in our program and be dedicated to providing a safe, loving home for the lifetime of the dog.

Basic vetting as listed above, food, bedding, toys, crate, treats, and all supplies needed by the dog are at the entire expense of the Guardian Family. They are also responsible for any breeding supplies at the home such as diapers for females.  SKG will schedule and pay for all breeding related testing such as OFA hips/elbow, cardiac evaluation, pre-breeding screening, etc.

Guardians will be fully educated on timing and expectations. You dog will come to SKG on Day 5 of her heat cycle before breeding. After breeding, she will return to you until 3-7 days before her due date when she will return to SKG to whelp her litter and raise them until they are weaned (depending on litter size, between 6-8 weeks).

Skarlotte Goldens founder Kathryn holding a young english cream golden retriever puppy

Guardian dogs are chosen for the best qualities and closest to breed standard. Your dog will be fully health tested by 2 years of age at SKG expense. You’ll get to share in the joy of breeding precious pups for families across the country.

If you are interested in being considered for our Guardian Home Program, please complete our puppy application with a note of your interest in this program, and I will be in touch with you. Please know that not all applicants will be fulfilled as we only home a few Guardian Home puppies a year.  Thank you!!

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