Adoption Process

The Process

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)