Our Policies
Policies for Healthy Puppies and Happy Homes
Our policies are crafted with the utmost care and responsibility, reflecting our commitment to the welfare of our puppies and the satisfaction of our adopting families. Our comprehensive policies are centered on the health and happiness of our puppies and the peace of mind of our adopters. We provide detailed guidelines on health care, adoption, payments, and our ongoing support to ensure a smooth and joyful transition for every puppy into their forever home.
Breeders Guarantee
In our commitment to your peace of mind and the well-being of your newest family member, we proudly present our Breeders Guarantee. As dedicated members of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA), we place your pup’s health and happiness at the forefront of our priorities.
For more information on our health testing practices, please visit our Health Testing page, and to understand our commitment to ethical breeding, explore our Code of Ethics page.
Dog Registration
We take pride in registering our dogs with the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA) as Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles.
Health Guarantee
We prioritize the well-being of your new furry family member. In the unfortunate event that your chosen veterinarian detects a previously undiagnosed life-threatening medical condition within the first 7 days following the pickup or delivery of your dog, and they provide us with a written report within 14 days of diagnosis, we are committed to ensuring your satisfaction. We will gladly accept the pup back into our care and refund you the full purchase price, minus the deposit, in two payments. The initial payment of $1,575.00 will be issued upon the dog’s return, and the second payment of $1,575.00 will follow after a 10-day quarantine period to ensure your dog’s health and safety. Your dog’s health and happiness are of utmost importance to us.
Warranty Specifications
Breeder provides a health guarantee relating to severe or life-threatening genetic diseases up to the age of three years under the following conditions:
- Genetic Condition Confirmation: The genetic condition must be confirmed as severe or life-threatening by two independent veterinarians. All diagnostic data, including x-rays, must be provided to the Breeder, and the findings must be reviewed and agreed upon by a vet selected by the Breeder.
- Scope of Guarantee: This guarantee covers severe or life-threatening genetic diseases up to the age of 3 years (defined as conditions causing severe pain or suffering or that are untreatable).
- Specific Conditions (Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, or Life-Threatening Genetic Disease): In the case of Hip Dysplasia (HD), Elbow Dysplasia (ED), or Life-Threatening Genetic Disease, purchasers are advised on proper diet and exercise. Kibble diets are not allowed — only balanced raw diets with Kelp powder are acceptable. Exercise is limited before 1 year of age.
- Compliance: Buyers must adhere to Breeder’s guidelines on diet, exercise, and care for the guarantee to remain valid.
- Remedies: If all conditions are met, the Breeder may offer a replacement from the next available litter or a refund of ½ of the purchase price at the Breeder’s discretion. If the Buyer chooses to keep the Dog, the Breeder will pay up to $2,000.00 in veterinary bills upon receipt of invoices for treatment of HD confirmed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Void Conditions: The guarantee becomes void if the Dog has been sold to another party, has not followed the Breeder’s vaccination protocol, or has not been maintained on an appropriate diet.
- Spaying/Neutering: Dogs spayed/neutered before 18 months are not covered by this warranty. Failure to spay/neuter by 20 months may result in legal action and voids the warranty.
- Training: Buyers are strongly advised to attend puppy and basic obedience classes. Any temperament issues should be addressed with proof of training provided to the Breeder.
- Wellness Exam: Buyers must have the puppy examined by their chosen veterinarian within 7 days of possession at their expense. A copy of the Dog’s wellness exam, issued by the veterinarian, must be retained along with health records to maintain the guarantee’s validity.
Spay/Neuter Agreement
Responsible Timing for Spaying or Neutering
We send each puppy to their new home as intact dogs. In line with our commitment to their health and well-being, we adhere to a policy against early spaying and neutering.
Based on extensive research, we’ve concluded that it’s in the best interest of the puppies to wait until they reach 18 months before being sterilized. As part of our adoption agreement, owners are required to have their dogs spayed or neutered at this age, at their own expense. For more details on our holistic approach to neutering, please visit Our Holistic Approach to Neutering.
Payment Policies
Puppy Deposits and Payments
Each of our Wonderful Woofies has the same adoption fee, regardless of color, pattern, or size. To reserve your spot on our waiting list, we ask for an initial non-refundable reservation fee. The remaining balance is then due following the 6-week virtual visit. For your convenience, we offer secure and straightforward email transfers for all payments within Canada. US pet families, please note that you will be invoiced via PayPal, and there are fees associated with that.
For a detailed understanding of our pricing, please visit our Puppy Pricing page. To get familiar with each step of bringing your puppy home, our Adoption Process page outlines everything you need to know.
Waiting List Policy
Big Rock Labradoodles Waiting List
We are thrilled that you are considering one of our Labradoodle puppies to become part of your family. To ensure fairness and transparency, we have a Waiting List Policy that outlines how potential owners can reserve a puppy.
- Application Submission: To join our waiting list, complete and submit our Adoption Application Form.
- Reservation Fee: After review, a non-refundable reservation fee is needed to secure your place on our waiting list. This fee contributes to your puppy’s final adoption cost. Learn more about the costs involved.
- Waiting List Order: The order of the waiting list will be based on the date and time the reservation fee is received.
- Notification of Litters: You’ll receive notifications about upcoming litters and an estimated timeframe for when you can expect to bring your puppy home, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the arrival.
- Flexible Timing: If the timing of a litter doesn’t suit you, you’ll have the option to be next in line for a subsequent litter.
Our waiting list policy is subject to change, but we will communicate any changes promptly to all families on the waiting list.
Visitation Policies
Visiting puppies is exciting!
We understand people want to meet our breeding dogs and puppies. Unfortunately, young puppies are vulnerable and at risk of getting sick. Some illnesses can lead to serious infections and even death! Viruses can (unwittingly) come in on a visitor’s clothing and shoes. Pups can become chilled, overstimulated, and moms can become stressed.
The dangers of exposing young puppies to these things are very serious and can be detrimental to a breeding program and the welfare of our dogs. To ensure our dogs and puppies stay healthy, we have specific rules for visitations.
- We do not allow in-person visits if we have puppies under 8 weeks of age.
- We set up a virtual visitation for six weeks using live video chat.
Virtual Visitations — Get Acquainted With the Entire Litter
We’ve been doing virtual visitations for a while now and feel that they not only work well, but they’re actually working better than the in-person visitations we used to do.
Our virtual visits occur when the puppies are six weeks old and include each pup’s future family. We schedule these live video chats for when the puppies are awake and active. This way, you can see them in action and ask any questions you may have. You’ll also hear questions from other future puppy owners, which can be really helpful. Plus, you can watch the video as many times as you like.
Temperament Testing
Fine-Tuning Your Match with Puppy Temperament Insights
Part of how we ensure that each puppy is a perfect fit for their new home is through temperament testing. Conducted at 8 weeks of age, this testing involves a series of carefully designed activities and observations that give us valuable insights into each puppy’s unique behavior, personality, and tendencies.
By integrating the results of these tests with the information from an initial application and the Puppy Personality Poll, we’re equipped to match you with an Australian Labradoodle that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Breeder Support
Exclusive Support and Community Access
We’ll be available to you and your family for the lifetime of your wonderful woofie. You will always have access to our private, Big Rock Family ONLY Facebook Group. The We Rock Facebook page gives you continued support, referrals, recommendations, and is a wonderful resource and place to share your successes and failures — should they arise. This page is a great place to share the daily fun that is having a Big Rock Baby in your life.
Breeding Rights
The Breeding of Our Dogs Without the Breeding Rights Is Strictly Prohibited
When you buy a dog from us, you agree to have the dog spayed or neutered within a set amount of time. Our Australian Labradoodle bloodlines are of great importance and have substantial monetary value to us, and we selectively breed for health, temperament, and conformation. We, therefore, require additional testing and breeding control over our lines. If you don’t follow this agreement, we’ll pursue all legal action available to us.
When you buy a dog from us, you agree to spay or neuter your dog when the dog is eighteen (18) months — not sooner, and not later. You’ll be required to provide us with a copy of the Spay/Neuter Certificate from your Veterinarian. If, after the dog is 20 months old, verification of Spay/Neuter has not been received, the WALA Registration will become void. Additionally, we reserve the right to take legal action to enforce the Agreement.
Buyer Responsibilities
Your Responsibilities as a Dog Owner
When considering bringing a new furry family member into your home from our breeding program, it’s essential to understand your role and responsibilities as a responsible dog owner. Our shared commitment is to ensure the best possible life for your dog, and these guidelines help us maintain this commitment to their welfare.
- Health and Wellness: After receiving your new pup, you should schedule a health examination with a veterinarian of your choice within the first 7 days. This initial check ensures your dog’s well-being and allows you to address any health concerns early on.
- Medical Care: Throughout your dog’s life, you’ll be responsible for providing routine and emergency medical care. This includes vaccinations and titers as laid out in the Big Rock Labradoodle’s vaccination protocol. It’s important to not over-vaccinate your dog to maintain their overall health.
- Training and Socialization: Your dog’s behavior and socialization are essential for their well-being and the safety of others. You will need to commit to providing proper training and socialization throughout your dog’s lifetime.
- Diet and Nutrition: We require you to feed your dog a balanced raw diet for optimal health. Proper nutrition is crucial to your dog’s overall well-being.
Your Commitments as a Dog Owner
When you bring one of our dogs into your home, you commit to providing a loving and life-long home for your canine companion. This includes ensuring they have a comfortable living environment, prompt access to medical attention when needed, regular grooming, and responsible care.
In the event that circumstances arise where you can no longer keep your dog, you agree to notify us, and we’re given the first option of resuming ownership and rehoming your dog. Under no circumstances should your dog be transferred to a pet shop, research laboratory, animal shelter, or any similar facility.
These commitments are designed to safeguard the well-being of your dog and maintain our ethical breeding practices. By understanding and accepting these responsibilities, you’ll be better prepared to provide a loving and caring home for your new canine companion.
Return Policy
Transparent Return Policy with a Focus on Your Dog’s Well-being
We prioritize the well-being of your new furry family member. In the unfortunate event that your chosen veterinarian detects a previously undiagnosed life-threatening medical condition within the first 7 days following the pickup or delivery of your dog, and they provide us with a written report within 14 days of diagnosis, we are committed to ensuring your satisfaction. We will gladly accept the pup back into our care and refund you the full purchase price, minus the deposit, in two payments.
The initial payment of $1,575.00 will be issued upon the dog’s return, and the second payment of $1,575.00 will follow after a 10-day quarantine period to ensure your dog’s health and safety. Your dog’s health and happiness are of utmost importance to us.
If the dog is returned for any reason from 11 weeks to 6 months of age, we’ll refund based on the determination of whether the owner has followed our feeding and care guidelines.
Transfer of Ownership
Ensuring Your Dog’s Future Health and Security
In the event that circumstances arise where an owner can no longer keep a dog, the owner is required to give us the first option of resuming ownership and rehoming the dog. Under no circumstances should a dog be transferred to a pet shop, research laboratory, animal shelter, or any similar facility.
Next Steps
Ready for Your New Pup? Here’s What to Do Next
For more information on how to take the next steps in bringing a pup into your home, check out our Adoption Process page. If you’re ready to make it official, head over to the Adoption Application to get started. And if you have any questions about price or our policies, check out our Price & Policies FAQ’s. We want to make sure you have all the info you need for a smooth and happy adoption journey. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
About Us
When your pup comes from Big Rock Labradoodles, you're choosing a breeder who values ethics, health, and the well-being of every furry bundle we bring into the world. Get to know us and see why a pup from us means you're choosing a lifetime of love and quality care.
Our Code of Ethics
We aim to maintain the highest standards, blending science, top-tier veterinary care, and a whole lot of love to raise healthy, well-socialized pups. Learn more.
Health Testing
We consider our dogs as family members. That's why we put in time and effort to make sure your new furry family member stays healthy in the long term. Learn more.
Our Holistic Approach to Neutering
Our neutering policy prioritizes puppy health and is based on extensive research — balancing the benefits of mature neutering. Learn more.