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How Placement Works at Thistle Hill
From planned pairings to puppy evaluations to matching and go-home - here’s what to expect.
Our Placement Process
At Thistle Hill, puppy placement is a thoughtful, relationship-based process. Our primary goal is to place each puppy in the home where they are most likely to thrive long-term emotionally, physically, and temperamentally.
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As part of that responsibility, we also carefully evaluate each litter to determine whether there is a puppy we will retain for our own program. Occasionally, keeping a puppy to continue our show and breeding program is the most responsible choice for the future of the Siberian Husky and the goals of Thistle Hill.
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Because of this, formal placement decisions are typically not finalized until we’ve completed our evaluations and made any decisions about puppies we may retain. This ensures that placements are made thoughtfully and in the best interest of both the puppies and the families involved.
We believe transparency leads to better outcomes and lasting relationships and we appreciate the patience and understanding of all our puppy families.
How the Placement Process Works
1. Start With an Application
Our application helps us learn about you; your lifestyle, experience with dogs, and what you’re hoping for in a Siberian Husky. There are no right answers; the goal is understanding and alignment on your expectations in a new addition and the best fit for your family.
2. A Conversation, Not an Interview
Every prospective family is invited to a phone or video call. This is a chance for us to connect, talk through expectations, answer questions, and make sure the process feels comfortable and transparent on both sides.
3. Planning & Timing
If puppies are not immediately available, families may be placed on our waitlist and will receive email updates as breeding plans progress and litters arrive. If puppies are already on the ground, we’ll keep you informed as development and evaluations unfold.
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There is no deposit required to join the waitlist.
4. Matching & Deposits
Deposits are accepted only after puppies are born, with rare exceptions for specific service or show prospects. Deposits are fully refundable up until puppies are matched and the puppy contract is signed. Puppies are matched based on temperament, lifestyle fit, and long-term success - never on a first-come basis.
We rely on ongoing observation and, when appropriate, formal evaluations to guide these decisions.
5. Weekly Updates & Preparation
From birth through go-home, families receive regular updates, photos, and guidance. We’ll also walk you through scheduling, preparation, and next steps so there are no surprises along the way.
6. Go-Home Day
​Puppies typically go home around 9 - 12 weeks of age, with health records, starter supplies, and continued breeder support. This marks the beginning of your life together, not the end of our involvement.
Getting Your Puppy Home
We want your puppy’s transition home to be safe, thoughtful, and low-stress.
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Most families choose to pick up in person, and we always enjoy meeting puppy families. Our nearest airport is Sacramento (SMF), though in some cases we can coordinate pickup through Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO), or Reno (RNO).
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For families traveling with puppies in-cabin, we recommend planning travel close to the 9-week mark to align with airline age requirements.
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If needed, we can also help coordinate trusted transport options, including experienced ground transporters or limited flight nanny services. Additional costs apply, and we’re happy to talk through options that best suit your needs and timeline.
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No matter how your puppy arrives, their care and safety remain our top priority.
Our Matching Philosophy
We do not place puppies on a first-come basis. Our goal is to match each puppy with the home where they are most likely to thrive long-term.
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Whether you’re hoping for a steady companion, an active partner, or a puppy with future working/show potential, we’ll guide the process using our experience, evaluations, and deep familiarity with each puppy as they grow.
What We Ask of Our Families
A successful placement is a shared responsibility. We ask families to come into the process with:
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Thoughtful research and readiness (especially for first-time Siberian Husky homes)
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Openness to our guidance and recommendations
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Clear, ongoing communication before and after placement
We remain available long after go-home day and value lasting relationships with our puppy families.
Important Notes
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No deposit is required to join the waitlist
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Breeding and show rights are offered by separate approval only
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Puppies may always return to us, at any age, if circumstances change