📋 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. Puppies labeled as “Call to Order” are often more affordable because we pass savings directly to you, offering pricing similar to the breeder—without the drive to Pennsylvania!
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" listed under a puppy's picture is generated by an algorithm and serves as a very general guideline.
For more precise information, email us at smartpups4sale@gmail.com with the subject line including the ID of the puppy of interest (found under the puppy's picture). If available, we will provide details on the parents’ weights to help you make an informed decision.
🐶💕 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 203-349-3127 before visiting to confirm our availability.
📋 Pricing and Policies
Is the $500 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 after meeting, the $500 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 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 full transparency for our customers.
For puppies listed on our website and labeled as “Call to Order,” breeder information becomes available when the puppy arrives at the store. This information is provided to the customer upon purchase.
We work exclusively with USDA-certified breeders who meet stringent state and federal requirements to ensure the highest standards of care.
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 203-349-3127 or email smartpups4sale@gmail.com.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we provide delivery services to make it convenient for you to bring your new puppy home.
• Delivery Radius: Up to 500 miles from our store at 501 Summer Street, Stamford, CT. For distances beyond 500 miles, delivery may be available on a case-by-case basis.
• Delivery Fees: Based on round-trip mileage, including applicable tolls.
Estimated Delivery Costs Based on Round-Trip Mileage:
- 0–10 Miles: $25 base fee + $1.50/mile (approx. $40–$55)
- 11–50 Miles: $50 base fee + $1.75/mile (approx. $60–$175)
- 51–100 Miles: $75 base fee + $2.00/mile (approx. $200–$350)
- 101–300 Miles: $100 base fee + $2.25/mile (approx. $325–$875)
- 301–500 Miles: $150 base fee + $3.00/mile (approx. $900–$1,650)
To schedule delivery or request a personalized quote for longer distances, contact us at 203-349-3127 or email smartpups4sale@gmail.com.
🐶 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.groomingdayspa.com or contact us via:
Phone or Text: 203-349-3127
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)