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Bringing Home a Thistle Hill Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy is exciting — and we’re here to make the transition as smooth and joyful as possible.
When Do Puppies Go Home?
Puppies usually go home at 9 weeks, after they've received their first vaccinations and we’ve observed them for a few days post-vet visit.
We'll coordinate pickup windows about a week ahead of time — or earlier for families arranging transport.
Some specialized placements (e.g. service or show) may stay longer for training or evaluation.
Pickup, Transport, and Travel Options
Bringing a puppy home doesn’t have to be stressful — we’ll help you find the right option to get your new family member to you safely.
Pick-Up at Our Home
We always welcome families to pick up directly from us! It’s a great opportunity to meet in person, ask final questions, and see where your puppy was raised.
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Air Travel (In-Cabin)
Flying in to pick up your puppy? We’re located near Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and can also arrange meetups at SFO, OAK, or RNO with advance notice. Most airlines allow puppies under 20 lbs to travel in-cabin with you — we’ll help you navigate the process.
Flight Nanny (Us!)
In some cases, we’re able to accompany your puppy and hand-deliver them ourselves. Availability is limited and depends on scheduling, but it’s an option we’re happy to explore for the right situation.
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Ground Transport
We work with a trusted, experienced and USDA licensed transporter who has safely delivered many of our puppies across the U.S. Whether you’re a few hours away or across the country, we can help coordinate reliable ground transport.
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For Families in Hawaii or Alaska
We’ve placed puppies in more difficult to travel to locations and understand the extra logistics involved. In rare cases — and only when no in-cabin or escort option is viable — we may approve air cargo transport using specific airlines and with strict protocols in place to ensure safety.