Puppy Info

Our Application & Waitlist Process

One of the first questions we’re asked is, “How do I get on your waitlist?” While we do maintain a list of interested families, it is not a simple first-come, first-served system. Instead, once a litter is planned, we thoughtfully review our list and consider which homes are the best match for that specific pairing, taking into account each family’s experience, lifestyle, and goals for their future toller. Timing can also play a role, as the right puppy and the right stage of life for a family do not always line up at the same moment.

Although we may begin conversations with prospective families early on, we do not accept deposits until we know we have a puppy for you. Breeding always involves some uncertainty, and moving carefully allows us to remain fair and responsible.

Our aim is to balance fairness with good decision-making for each puppy and family, which is why we focus less on “place in line” and more on making thoughtful, well-matched placements. We highly encourage visiting us and meeting our dogs.

Several factors determine the timeline of when we can give families definitive answers:

Litter Size & Puppy Health

Even with ultrasound confirmation, we cannot know the exact number of puppies. An x-ray provides an estimate, but it can still be imperfect. Occasionally, complications arise, a puppy may not thrive, or we may need to hold a puppy back longer for monitoring. These are some of the most difficult aspects of breeding, but they are important realities.

For these reasons, we typically wait until we have a clear understanding of litter size and until we’re confident the puppies are healthy and progressing well, usually several weeks after birth,  before notifying families and taking deposits.

Gender Preferences

If you have a strong preference for a specific gender, that can influence timing. If the litter does not include your preferred gender or includes only one, we will notify you early on. If there is just one puppy of your preferred gender, we’ll be transparent that availability may change as the litter develops.

Our “Keeper” Puppies

In some cases, Seastar or the stud owner may select a puppy to retain for their respective breeding programs. These decisions are rarely finalized before 7 - 8 weeks of age once we get a good feel for personalities, temperaments, and overall structure.

Matching Each Puppy With the Right Home

We do not assign individual puppies to families until they are close to 8 weeks old. Their personalities and temperaments continue to develop during this time, and we want to ensure each puppy is matched with the home that best suits them. Our goal is always to set every puppy, and every Seastar family, up for long-term success and joy.

We hope this provides a clearer picture of our process and the timing you can expect when being considered for a Seastar puppy. Please know that every decision we make is guided by responsibility, transparency, and the desire to do what is best for each pup and each family.

Puppies!  Puppies!  Puppies!

We are in the process of planning our 2026 breedings. For more information or an application, please email us at seastarkennel@gmail.com