📋 Understanding Our Terms and Processes
What do the terms "Showroom Special" and "Call to Order" mean for puppies listed on your website?
"Showroom Special" means the puppy is currently at our physical location, allowing you to meet them in person before making your purchase. These puppies are well-socialized with both other breeds and humans, ensuring a smooth transition to their new homes.
"Call to Order" means the puppy is still with the breeder and its litter. Our philosophy is to avoid unnecessarily separating puppies from their families until a committed buyer is ready. These puppies are often more affordable because we pass savings directly to you, offering pricing similar to the breeder—without the drive to Pennsylvania!
"Try & Buy" is a premium service offered on
select hypoallergenic toy and small breeds. It allows families to take a puppy home for up to 7 days before making a final decision. An
additional fee applies to cover potential rehoming needs if the puppy is returned. This option is designed to offer peace of mind while ensuring the well-being of each puppy.
Read more...
What does "Order by mm/dd to meet in store on mm/dd" mean?
The “Order by” date refers to the deadline set by the breeder for the puppy to arrive at the store by the “meet in store” date, typically a Tuesday.
By law, we quarantine and monitor the puppy’s health for 48 hours upon arrival. The puppy then attends a pre-scheduled veterinary appointment on the Thursday following the meet-in-store date.
Once the puppy arrives, we’ll notify you via text with pictures for visual confirmation. You’re welcome to visit the puppy daily until the vet appointment. After receiving the vet’s sign-off and Pet Health Report Card, the puppy will be ready to go home with you.
Please Note: These dates are subject to change due to weather, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances. Dates must be reconfirmed at the time of purchase to ensure accuracy.
What does "Estimated Adult Weight" mean for puppies labeled as "Call to Order"?
The "Estimated Adult Weight" shown under a puppy's picture is generated by an algorithm and should be used as a general guideline only.
When available, the actual weights of the puppy’s sire and dam are also displayed directly under the puppy’s picture. Parent weights can provide additional guidance, but they do not guarantee the puppy’s final adult weight.
Please review all information displayed with the puppy’s listing before requesting additional information. If you would like us to contact the breeder for information beyond what is already available, please see “Can I request additional photos, videos, or information about a puppy?” below.
Can I request additional photos, videos, or information about a puppy?
Absolutely! 🐶📸 Before requesting additional information, please first check everything already shown with the puppy’s listing.
When available, additional photos can be viewed by clicking
“More Pictures”, located in the bottom-right corner of the puppy’s picture.
Additional information may also appear directly below the puppy’s picture, including:
- Breed, gender, and current age
- Puppy ID number and current price
- Estimated Adult Weight
- Sire and dam breed and weights, when available
- “Order by” and estimated “Meet in Store” dates
We post all of the puppy-specific photos and breeder-provided information we already have available, so please check the listing and
“More Pictures” first.
We intentionally do things a little differently. Rather than building the cost of puppy photo shoots, endless poses, and marketing into every puppy’s price, our mission is to keep prices as close to breeder pricing as possible and pass those savings on to our families.
Your puppy needs a loving home—not a modeling contract. 🐾❤️
If you would like additional information, photos, or videos beyond what is already available, we’re happy to contact the breeder and coordinate the request.
Additional Request Service:
- Service Fee: $50 per puppy/breeder request.
- Purchase Credit: If you purchase that same puppy, the $50 will be credited toward the puppy’s purchase price.
- Non-Refundable: The service fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Puppy Specific: The fee applies only to the specific puppy and breeder for whom the request was made.
- No Reservation: Paying the service fee does not hold or reserve the puppy and does not give the requester priority over another buyer.
- Reservation: Puppies are reserved only once the required deposit has been received.
- Availability: If another family places a deposit first, the service fee remains non-refundable.
This allows us to spend extra time on serious requests while continuing to keep our puppy prices focused on what matters most:
the puppy—not the marketing budget. 🐶🏡
How does the “Try & Buy” program work?
The Try & Buy option is designed for families who want additional reassurance before making a lifelong commitment. It is available only for select hypoallergenic toy and small-sized breeds, as these puppies typically adjust more easily and can be rehomed more successfully if needed.
With prior approval, you may take an eligible puppy home for up to 7 calendar days to see how the puppy fits with your home, lifestyle, children, and other pets.
The full puppy price is paid upfront, which secures your puppy and the trial period. An additional Try & Buy fee of $500 or 30% of the total price (whichever is greater) is applied.
If you decide not to keep the puppy, it must be returned within the 7-day period. After return, the puppy undergoes a standard health and behavior observation period (typically about one week).
Once cleared, a refund is issued for the purchase amount minus the non-refundable Try & Buy fee. This fee helps cover the puppy’s care, stress, reintegration, and potential rehoming process.
Please note: Try & Buy is offered on a case-by-case basis and is not available for all puppies.
🐶💕 About Smart Puppies and the Humans Behind It
Why Choose Smart Puppies? What is the philosophy behind the store?
Smart Puppies is a small, family-owned business run by a passionate team dedicated to connecting people with their lifelong companions—a compatible, loving puppy.
Oleg brings his experience from the corporate world to pursue his passion for dogs. Having grown up raising many dogs, Oleg saw an opportunity to combine his love for animals with his professional expertise to create a store centered on ethical practices, socialization, and education for first-time puppy owners.
Eve leverages her extensive experience in business, marketing, and operations across healthcare and reinsurance to continually refine and elevate the customer and puppy experience. Her maternal instincts, coupled with her background in customer service and sales, foster a loving, caring environment for both puppies and customers, who quickly become part of the Smart Puppies family.
At Smart Puppies, our puppies live and play in spacious, open playpens, free from cages. This environment promotes healthy growth and learning during the most critical phase of their development. Regular socialization with other puppies and people helps build their adaptability and confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in their forever homes.
Some notable points:
- USDA-Certified Breeders: We work exclusively with reputable USDA-certified breeders who meet high standards of care and ethics.
- Comprehensive Health Checks: Every puppy comes with a Pet Health Report Card, up-to-date vaccinations, and a health guarantee.
- Transparent Practices: Breeder information is displayed for all puppies in our store to ensure complete transparency.
- Support and Guidance: Our team is here to help you every step of the way, from selecting your puppy to answering questions after you bring your puppy home.
- Mutually Suitable Matches: We never push, bully, or pressure anyone into purchasing. Instead, we counsel every customer to ensure their needs, lifestyle, and expectations align with the puppy’s personality and requirements.
Should I adopt or purchase a puppy?
We respect all viewpoints and encourage families to make the decision that best suits them. Both adoption and purchasing a puppy offer unique benefits:
Adoption: Adopting a dog is a noble choice, especially for those open to providing a loving home to an older dog or a dog with a unique background. It’s important to understand that some adopted dogs may have unknown histories or require extra time, patience, and resources to adjust.
Purchasing a Puppy: Purchasing a puppy offers the opportunity to raise a dog from an early age. Puppies are a "blank slate," allowing families to shape their behavior, temperament, and training.
We do not sway customers toward one option over the other. Instead, we’re here to provide guidance tailored to your preferences, lifestyle, and needs.
Can I visit the store to play with the puppies?
Yes, we welcome visitors, and the puppies love meeting new friends!
Families with small children should ensure children are supervised at all times. Puppies are delicate, and we ask that visitors move slowly, avoid running or sudden movements, and handle the puppies with extreme care.
For the puppies’ safety and health, personal items other than phones are not permitted in the play areas.
We do not charge a fee for playing with the puppies. Feel free to share your positive experiences with friends and family to help the puppies make even more friends!
What are your business hours?
As a small, family-run business, our hours may vary slightly depending on the day. While we strive to maintain consistent hours, there may be occasions when appointments such as home visits, veterinary care, or grooming require adjustments.
We encourage you to call or text us at 719-642-6176 before visiting to confirm our availability.
📋 Pricing and Policies
Is the deposit refundable?
The deposit is refundable only if the puppy is not delivered to the store or if the puppy is deemed unhealthy by our veterinarian.
If for any reason you decide not to proceed with purchasing the puppy, the deposit will be forfeited. However, it will be applied as a discount to help the puppy find a loving home faster.
What is included in the total price?
The total price includes:
- A Pet Health Report Card signed by our veterinarian
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- A complete record of all medications and vaccinations
- A pre-installed microchip
- A health guarantee for congenital diseases
- Certificate of origin (includes breeder information)
What is your return policy?
We do not offer returns, refunds, or exchanges, except as required by Connecticut state law for pet stores selling puppies.
On a case-by-case basis, we may assist in finding a new home for a puppy if the original owner is unable to continue care. However, the primary responsibility for the puppy remains with the purchaser.
🚗 Services We Offer
Do you provide breeder information for the puppies?
Yes, we provide breeder identification and origin information as required by Connecticut law for all puppies physically present in our store. This information is prominently displayed in the area where the puppy is located, ensuring transparency for our customers.
For puppies listed on our website and labeled as “Call to Order,” breeder identification and origin information becomes available when the puppy arrives at the store and is provided to the customer upon purchase.
Please note that breeder identification information is different from requesting additional puppy-specific photos, videos, parent information, or other information from the breeder. For those requests, please see “Can I request additional photos, videos, or information about a puppy?” above.
We work exclusively with USDA-certified breeders who meet applicable state and federal requirements.
Do you offer home visits to meet puppies?
Yes, we offer supervised home visits for puppies labeled as “Showroom Special” on our website.
• Within Stamford: $25 for a one-hour visit.
• Beyond Stamford: Fees are based on the distance from our store at 501 Summer Street, Stamford, CT, and will be confirmed during scheduling.
Home visits allow you to see how the puppy interacts in your home environment. For safety reasons, all visits are supervised by a team member.
To schedule a home visit, please contact us at 719-642-6176 or email smartpups4sale@gmail.com.
Do you offer nationwide puppy delivery across the United States?
Yes! Smart Puppies offers puppy delivery throughout the contiguous United States (lower 48 states). 🐶🚗🇺🇸
Whether you are looking for a puppy in Connecticut or purchasing a puppy from another state, we can help coordinate safe and convenient transportation to get your new puppy home.
Local & Regional Puppy Delivery – Instant Estimate
For destinations requiring up to
500 round-trip driving miles from our location at
501 Summer Street, Stamford, Connecticut, delivery pricing is based on actual driving distance using the quickest practical route, plus applicable tolls.
Our current delivery rates are:
- 0–10 round-trip miles: $25 base fee + $1.50 per mile
- 11–50 round-trip miles: $50 base fee + $1.75 per mile
- 51–100 round-trip miles: $75 base fee + $2.00 per mile
- 101–300 round-trip miles: $100 base fee + $2.25 per mile
- 301–500 round-trip miles: $150 base fee + $3.00 per mile
Applicable tolls are added to the delivery fee.
Nationwide Puppy Delivery – Longer Distances
More than 500 round-trip miles? No problem. We also arrange
long-distance puppy delivery throughout the contiguous United States.
Longer-distance transportation may involve specialized puppy transport and is quoted individually based on the puppy's location, your delivery address, available transportation routes, and scheduling.
For a custom nationwide puppy delivery quote, text us at
719-642-6176 or email
smartpups4sale@gmail.com and include your delivery address.
Please Note:
- Standard delivery estimates apply only to destinations within 500 round-trip driving miles.
- Destinations beyond 500 round-trip miles require a custom delivery quote.
- Estimated tolls are added when applicable.
- Connecticut sales tax is calculated when applicable.
- For deliveries outside Connecticut, any applicable sales tax will be confirmed with the final delivery quote.
- Delivery availability and timing must be confirmed before purchase.
- Delivery is currently available within the contiguous United States only.
Our goal is simple:
make buying a puppy from outside your local area easier, transparent, and affordable without hiding transportation costs inside the puppy's advertised price. 🐾🏡
🐶 You Got Your Puppy—Now What?
What essentials do first-time puppy owners need, and what are the costs?
Here’s a list of essential items every first-time puppy owner should have, along with approximate price ranges:
- Crate/Carrier: $40–$120
- Food and Water Bowls: $10–$50
- High-Quality Puppy Food: $30–$150 per month (see FAQ 7 for examples)
- Leash and Collar: $15–$50
- Chew Toys and Training Treats: $20–$80
- Puppy Bed: $20–$100
- Grooming Supplies: $15–$75 (brushes, nail clippers, puppy shampoo)
- Potty Pads or Cleanup Supplies: $10–$40
- Vaccinations and Vet Visits: $50–$200 per visit
We can guide you in selecting the right supplies during your visit and provide specific recommendations based on your puppy’s needs.
How much does puppy food cost?
The cost of puppy food depends on the brand, quality, and the puppy’s size. Here’s an estimated monthly breakdown:
- Low Budget: $25–$35 (e.g., Purina Puppy Chow, Pedigree Puppy Food)
- Medium Budget: $50–$75 (e.g., Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, Royal Canin Puppy)
- High Budget (Premium/Specialty Diets): $100–$150 (e.g., Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy, Orijen Puppy, FreshPet)
What do we feed our puppies? At Smart Puppies, we provide NutriSource Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula, a high-quality food designed to support growth, energy, and overall health.
Where to Buy: NutriSource Puppy Food is available online.
How do I potty train my puppy?
Potty training requires consistency and patience. Here’s a basic process and resources for every budget:
- Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
- Reward Success: Use treats and praise when your puppy goes potty outside.
- Supervise Indoors: Prevent accidents by keeping your puppy in sight or in a crate.
Resources by Budget:
- Low Budget: Free Online Videos (e.g., Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution), Affordable Potty Pads
- Medium Budget: Books (e.g., Dog Training For Dummies), Puppy Potty Training Bells
- High Budget: Professional Training Sessions, Advanced Indoor Potty Solutions (e.g., Fresh Patch)
We’re happy to offer tips or recommend trainers during your visit!
What can I expect during the first night, day, and week with my puppy?
- First Night: Expect some whining or crying as your puppy adjusts to a new environment. Make sure they have a cozy space (crate or bed) and offer comfort without excessive attention.
- First Day: Establish a routine early by introducing feeding, potty, and play schedules. Keep the day calm to help the puppy adjust.
- First Week: Your puppy will begin to learn their new routine and feel more secure. Focus on bonding, basic training, and creating a positive environment. Expect occasional accidents and be patient—it’s part of the process!
We’ll provide a detailed guide on how to make this transition smooth during your visit.
What if I go on vacation or can’t care for my puppy temporarily?
We understand life gets busy! Smart Puppies offers a Day Spa Service with flexible options:
- Short Day Spa (4 Hours): Ideal for quick care and pampering.
- Extended Day Spa (Over 4 Hours): We allow for some flexibility if you are late to pick your puppy from the Spa.
- Recurring Spa (case by case basis): For those needing care over multiple days, we can accommodate longer durations including puppy sitting services via our service team.
You can schedule directly at
www.groomingdogwash.com or contact us via:
Phone or Text: 719-642-6176
Email: groomingdogwash@gmail.com
Let us help you ensure your puppy is pampered and cared for while you’re away!
Do you recommend puppy health insurance?
Yes, we recommend puppy health insurance to help cover routine and unexpected veterinary expenses. Puppies are curious and active, and insurance offers peace of mind for medical needs.
Our veterinarian recommends Trupanion, known for comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. Here’s an overview of estimated monthly costs for different plans:
- Low Budget: $20–$30 (e.g., Figo, ASPCA Pet Insurance)
- Medium Budget: $40–$50 (e.g., Nationwide, Healthy Paws)
- High Budget: $60–$80+ (e.g., Trupanion, Lemonade Pet Insurance)
📋 Smart Puppies for Sale – Customer Code of Conduct & Service Refusal Policy
Smart Puppies commitment and guidelines
At Smart Puppies for Sale, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and professional environment for our customers, employees, and pets. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we have established the following guidelines regarding customer behavior and our right to refuse service.
1. Respectful Behavior is Required
We expect all customers to interact respectfully with our staff, other customers, and the pets in our care. The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
Abusive or Harassing Conduct – This includes threats, insults, shouting, intimidation, or discriminatory remarks.
Disruptive Behavior – Any actions that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for others.
Physical Aggression – Any form of violence, including pushing, grabbing, or damaging property.
Animal Mistreatment – Rough handling, mistreatment, or inappropriate behavior toward any animals in our care.
2. Right to Refuse Service
We reserve the right to refuse service to any individual who:
Engages in abusive, harassing, or threatening behavior.
Repeatedly disregards our policies or staff instructions.
Poses a safety risk to our employees, customers, or pets.
Has been previously asked to leave or has been banned from our premises.
3. Consequences of Violating This Policy
A verbal warning may be issued at our discretion.
Persistent or severe violations may result in immediate refusal of service and removal from the premises.
In cases of threats, harassment, or illegal activity, law enforcement may be contacted.
Customers who are refused service may not return to our business location.
4. Enforcement & Final Decisions
Our management team has full discretion to enforce this policy as needed. If service is refused, it is a final decision and not subject to negotiation.
5. Reporting Concerns
If you witness any concerning behavior, please notify a staff member immediately. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for everyone.
By entering our store, customers agree to abide by this policy. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing excellent service to all respectful and responsible customers.
