Stokeshire Designer Doodles
The Stokeshire Experience
A clear, step-by-step guide to reserving, selecting, and bringing home your Stokeshire puppy.
What to Expect
As a Wisconsin state-licensed breeder, Stokeshire provides a structured, transparent adoption experience — from initial inquiry through puppy placement. Selection priority is determined by deposit date, and every family follows the same documented pathway.
How does the Stokeshire adoption process work?
Stokeshire operates a structured, nine-step process — from initial waitlist enrollment through puppy placement — designed for clarity at every stage.
Every family follows the same transparent pathway, with selection priority determined by deposit date. Reservation fees secure your position on a litter-specific waitlist but do not guarantee a specific puppy.
Final placements are guided by Stokeshire's evaluation of temperament, family fit, and puppy welfare.
What commitments does Stokeshire make to each family?
Every Stokeshire family receives structured support, transparent communication, and access to a dedicated team from application through placement.
Puppy selection follows a first-come, first-served deposit order to ensure fairness. Stokeshire maintains quality-first breeding standards — including comprehensive genetic testing, temperament evaluation, and veterinary oversight — as non-negotiable program requirements.
Families are encouraged to review the Deposit & Return Policy in full before applying.
The Process
Step 1 of 9
Join the email waitlist
Subscribe to receive priority notifications when new litters are confirmed.
Stokeshire sends updates based on your stated preferences — including breed, size, and timing. Waitlist enrollment is free and does not obligate you to place a deposit.
Step 2 of 9
Submit your application and schedule a meeting
Complete the Puppy Application and schedule a virtual Application Meeting with the Stokeshire team.
The application helps Stokeshire understand your household, lifestyle, and expectations so the team can guide you toward the most suitable litter and pairing. Applications are reviewed individually — approval is not automatic.
Step 3 of 9
Review and bookmark your litter page
After approval, visit the Upcoming Litters page and bookmark your chosen litter — this is your primary hub for all updates.
Each litter page is updated in real time with photos, heat cycles, breeding dates, pregnancy confirmation, selection schedules, and go-home information. Stokeshire does not send emails for every timeline shift — because dates change based on biology, the litter page is always the most current source.
Major-milestone emails (confirmed pregnancy, birth announcements) are sent separately, but families are responsible for checking their litter page regularly.
Step 4 of 9
Secure your spot with a deposit
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your place on a litter-specific waitlist, with selection order determined by deposit receipt date.
Deposits apply toward the total puppy purchase price. You may place deposits on multiple litters of interest ($500 each). All deposits are subject to a 10% refund fee and non-refundable taxes.
| Timing | Refund Status |
|---|---|
| Before breeding | 90% refundable ($450, excluding tax) |
| After breeding | Non-refundable; transferable within 24 months |
| No pregnancy | Reservation transfers to a future litter |
| POL fees | Always non-refundable; does not apply toward price |
"Breeding" is defined as the completion of artificial insemination or live cover — not pregnancy confirmation.
Step 5 of 9
Puppy selection process
Puppy picks take place at approximately 6+ weeks of age, after temperament testing, in deposit-priority order via private virtual Google Meet.
Once breeding has occurred (AI or live cover), your deposit becomes non-refundable but may be transferred to another litter within 24 months. Final puppy placements are at Stokeshire's discretion to ensure the best match for each puppy's temperament and your family's needs.
| Fee | Purpose | Applied to Price? |
|---|---|---|
| $500 Deposit | Secures your waitlist position | Yes — applied toward total |
| $500 POL Fee | Grants early or first pick | No — separate & non-refundable |
Step 6 of 9
Stay connected with updates
Your bookmarked litter page is the primary source for all updates — including new photos, milestones, vet visits, and important dates.
Stokeshire sends occasional emails for major milestones such as confirmed pregnancies and birth announcements. For behind-the-scenes content, follow Stokeshire on Instagram Stories & Reels.
Add hello@wisconsindesignerdoodles.com and stokeshire@wisconsindesignerdoodles.com to your contacts to ensure delivery.
Step 7 of 9
Final selection and payment
After your virtual puppy selection meeting, you have 72 hours to complete your purchase before the spot moves to the next family.
Upon selection, you will gain access to the Available Puppies page, complete full payment, indicate your pickup date, sign your online contract, and receive invoices for any additional services including transport and training.
Step 8 of 9
Training and pickup
Puppies enrolled in Stokeshire Doodle School begin training at 6–8 weeks and graduate at 10–12 weeks. Non-training puppies are available for pickup at the Stokeshire facility.
Training packages are optional and purchased separately. All pickup and transport arrangements are confirmed after final payment is received.
Step 9 of 9
Bringing your puppy home
Every Stokeshire puppy goes home with a complete documentation packet, health records, and exclusive Stokeshire materials.
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Training & Care Packet | Branded folder with training guide, socialization checklist, and care instructions |
| Health Records | Vet health record, vaccination details, and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection |
| Contract | Signed online for convenience — print a copy for your records |
| Stokeshire Goodies | Scented bandannas, toys, treats, and food to ease the transition home |
Puppy Pricing
How are Stokeshire puppies priced?
Each puppy is individually priced based on size, coat type, color, eye color, and furnishings. Most puppies range from $3,500 to $5,500.
Unfurnished and toy-sized puppies may carry an additional premium based on rarity and demand. A $500 deposit secures your reservation and is applied toward the final purchase price.
Deposits & Refunds
Is my deposit refundable?
Deposits are 90% refundable only if cancellation is requested before breeding has been confirmed. Once breeding has occurred, deposits become fully non-refundable.
What if the breeding doesn't result in puppies, or the female miscarries?
Your deposit remains non-refundable but will be automatically transferred to the next available litter of equal or higher quality, ensuring you keep your place in line.
What if my preferred gender, coat, or color isn't available?
Preferences are not guaranteed. If your ideal match is not available at Selection Day, you may transfer your deposit one time within 24 months to another Stokeshire litter.
What if my family's timing changes or we can't take a puppy right now?
Deposits remain non-refundable after breeding. You may transfer your deposit one time within 24 months to a different litter if you notify Stokeshire in writing before Selection Day.
What if I don't respond by Puppy Selection Day?
If Stokeshire does not receive a response within 7 days of your scheduled Selection Day, your deposit is forfeited and your waitlist spot may be reassigned.
What if I place deposits with multiple breeders?
Dual reservations with other breeders are not grounds for a refund. Your Stokeshire deposit remains non-refundable once breeding has occurred, even if you choose another breeder's puppy.
What if I want to cancel after puppies are born?
Once breeding has occurred, deposits are non-refundable — whether puppies are available or not. If you choose not to select from a litter, your only option is a one-time transfer to another litter within 24 months.
What if I find another breeder and decide to go elsewhere?
You are free to choose another breeder, but your Stokeshire deposit remains non-refundable after breeding. You may transfer your spot to another litter within the 24-month window.
Can I roll my deposit forward more than once?
Deposits may be transferred one time within 24 months of the original payment date. Any additional transfers beyond that are at Stokeshire's sole discretion.
What happens if Stokeshire cancels a breeding?
If Stokeshire cancels a breeding for program or ethical reasons — for example, if fewer than 3 families are committed — your deposit will be transferred to another upcoming litter or refunded in full upon request.
Do you send email updates for every step of the process?
Stokeshire sends emails only for major milestones, such as confirmed pregnancy or birth announcements.
Because breeding timelines can shift quickly based on biology, families are responsible for checking their bookmarked litter page regularly. The litter page is updated in real time and always reflects the most accurate information.
What does "breeding has occurred" actually mean?
Breeding refers to the completion of artificial insemination or live cover, documented in Stokeshire's reproductive logs. It does not depend on pregnancy confirmation.
Once breeding has occurred, your reservation fee becomes non-refundable — even if the female does not become pregnant.
If I transfer my reservation, do I keep my place in line?
Not necessarily. Each litter has its own independent reservation list based on a first-come, first-paid system.
If you transfer your reservation to another litter, you are added to that litter's list based on the date your transfer is processed — not your original deposit date. Many families place deposits on multiple litters for this reason. Every deposit serves as a credit toward your future puppy, and unused deposits can be transferred within 24 months.
What happens if a female skips her cycle or runs late?
This is normal canine biology. Your reservation moves forward to the next cycle, or you may transfer to a different litter. No refund is issued, but your spot and priority remain protected.
What happens if the stud changes?
Reproductive timing or veterinary recommendations may occasionally require a stud adjustment for the best outcome. Your reservation remains valid for the litter, and your priority does not change.
Why are deposits non-refundable after breeding?
Once Stokeshire proceeds with a breeding, significant time, expense, and planning have already been committed — including progesterone testing, stud fees, reproductive management, and litter scheduling.
Reservation fees become non-refundable after breeding to reflect the costs and commitments already undertaken by the program.
Quality-first breeding standards — ethical breeding, temperament testing, and premium care are non-negotiable requirements of the Stokeshire program. Selection follows deposit order to ensure fairness for every family.
Ready to begin?
Start your journey with a Stokeshire puppy today.