The following is a typical adoption procedure/sequence for a first time Hannibal Newf puppy adopter. Priority is given to families that have previously successfully adopted a Hannibal Newf, to families with a child with special needs and to people who have a special purpose for their Newf such as Search and Rescue.
Initial Contact
- Prospective adopter contacts breeder by phone and/or e-mail
- Key documents e-mailed by breeder for review by prospective adopter
- If still interested, prospective adopter phones breeder for brief interview and to set up a FIRST KENNEL VISIT
First Kennel Visit
- Normally includes all adult members of the family
- Takes three or more hours
- Made on understanding that there is no obligation on either party
- Involves physical contact with adult Newfoundlands including dam
- May include a courtesy visit with pups (if on ground)
- Additional documentation made available
Request to Go on Waiting List
- After a First Kennel Visit (and preferably after visiting at least two or three other Newf kennels) a prospective adopter may ask to go on the waiting list for the next litter
- Breeder will add adopter to Hannibal Kennels Update List
- Breeder will add adopter to Hannibal Family E-mail List
- Adopter is asked to maintain contact through visits and/or phone calls and/or e-mail
Whelping / First Week
- Visits are encouraged in first week, including during whelping (please phone first)
- After whelps are 48 hours old, deposits will be accepted for whelps that are apparently sound
- Breeder negotiates facilities that adopter is to have ready before pup leaves for new home
- Breeder sends details of weights and other info to Hannibal Family List
Post Whelping / 1 to 7 Weeks
- Weekly visits are encouraged
- Adopters can commence selection process
- Adopters start preparation of facilities for new fur baby
- Adopter may request a preliminary home visit by breeder
- Breeder posts weights and milestones to Hannibal Family List
- Breeder registers litter with Canadian Kennel Club
Post Whelping / 7 to 8 Weeks
- Breeder selects “comparison pup”
- Adopters, in consultation with breeder, select their new family member
Post Whelping / 8 to 12 Weeks
- Weekly visits are encouraged
- First shots, micro chipping and vet examination around 8 weeks
- Adopters finalize set up of facilities for new fur baby
- Adopters book puppy pick up appointment
- Adopters arrange for first training courses
- Adopters select a veterinarian
- Adopters locate feed supplier
- Adopters choose registered name for pup
- Breeder makes HOME VISITS to all first time adopters
- Second shots and vet examination around 12 weeks
- Breeder posts weights and milestones to Hannibal Family List
Post Whelping / 12 to 13 Weeks
- Pups start going to new homes within a five hour drive start to leave (normally one per day)
- Puppy pick up appointments takes two to three hours and includes detailed care instruction, initial training session with puppy/umbilical/bonding leash/collar provided by breeder plus a grooming lesson with tools provided by breeder
- Follow up phone call from breeder within 24 to 48 hours
Post Whelping / 13 Weeks to 8 Months
- Adopters post weights and daily amount/type of food eaten on Hannibal Family List
- Breeder assembles weekly info and publishes a comparative summary on Hannibal Family List
- Questions and answers shared on Hannibal Family List
- Pups going afar get preliminary certification of hearts and hips between four and five months
- Pups going afar start going to new homes after preliminary certifications
- Breeder registers pups individually with Canadian Kennel Club, records vital information and sends registration certificate within six months of date of sale as required by federal law in Canada
- Adopters arrange appointment for a 6 – 8 month check up with the breeder which includes a grooming lesson with additional tools supplied by the breeder to cope with the adult coat along with a brief introduction to training with a fur saver collar and a double handled obedience length leash (both supplied by the breeder)