FAQ

Clear Creek Pets is a small family operated full service canine breeding program. We are not a puppy mill. Special time, love, care, and attention is given to all our pets. They all recieve the best of veterinary care from us under the care of our veterinary program. We do not sell to brokers or wholesalers or puppy mills. All our puppies are placed directly to loving owners. Our whole family is instrumental in the care of our pets and in the socialization process of all our puppies. The children never grow tired of it, and are seemingly unaware of the crucial role they play in helping to develop the puppies into happy, outgoing, and playful little personalities.

Our mission goal is to provide a very healthy, happy, and well socialized pet of excellent quality to good homes. We are proud to see that our properly managed program is succeeding. We have never received a single complaint or had to replace a puppy because of a genetic deficiency or illness.

As an experienced, conscientious breeder with integrity, we have made every effort to ensure your new puppy is bred to standard for conformation and, equally important, disposition; they are sound in body and mind. Most of all, we deliver what we promise! We are confident you will be satisfied with your new puppy, and will enjoy him as much as we enjoyed raising him, for many years to come.

Who is Clear Creek Pets?

Clear Creek Pets is the Wilson family and all our beloved pets. We are extreme animal lovers and have been since childhood. It's satisfying to see that our children love animals as much as we do. They currently have a list of 10 different pets, from horses, goats, and rabbits to turtles, birds, and fish to name a few. Nothing gives us more joy that to see the smiles and the gleams in our many customers' eyes when they pick out, and ultimately adopt and leave with one of our little puppies. We know it is just as exciting for our out-of-area customers too. It is truly a rewarding experience. It is our way of bringing a little more happiness to the world.

How long have we been raising dogs?

We grew up on a farm where we raised all kinds of animals including dogs. Since then, we have been raising dogs on a very small scale (i.e. two or three females) since 1993. Since 2001 however, due to our love of animals, demand from our customers, and desire to provide people with the little bundles of joy we have enjoyed for so many years, we have gradually increased the size of our breeding program. So we have been raising them professionally since 2001.

Where are we located?

We are nestled in the beautiful hills of the Ozarks in North West Arkansas on our family farm of 130 acres on Clear Creek 5 minutes from the Fayetteville city limits. We live in the Savoy community in the Wedington area 1.5 miles off Highway 16 just west of Fayetteville. Life here is laid-back, peaceful, and you wave at your neighbor when you pass by. Here we often lose track of the time and even the day. Truly our idea of freedom and happiness. For driving directions see our Contact page or give us a call at 479-445-3638 anytime.

Can you come see the puppies?

Absolutely! We welcome you to come visit, if you can, spend a little time with the litter, and make a careful decision on which puppy you would like to adopt. Some customers like to make several visits at various stages of the puppy's development before making a decision. Others pick them out on the spot, and visit occasionally while waiting for him to reach 8 weeks old. Either way, we ask that you schedule a time for the visitation before you come. Someone is here all the time and would be happy to accommodate your schedule in most instances.

How many adult dogs do we have?

We currently have 19 female and 5 male Yorkshire terriers; although, we only breed about eight of them. We have 4 female and 2 male Coton's, and 1 female English bulldog Maddie who spends all her time sleeping by the fireplace.

How are our dogs raised?

Our dogs are raised in a state of the art, environmentally controlled indoor/outdoor kennel system. We have 32 runs specifically designed for comfort and safety of small dogs. Special attention is paid to their comfort and well being. We give each adult dog over 5 times the USDA requirement for space per dog to exercise and play. Each kennel is equipped with a doggie door so the dogs can go and come as they please. The indoor section of the kennel is heated and cooled and the dogs receive fresh water and food 24/7 automatically. Inside, each dog has their own clean soft bed, toys, and adequate space for whelping. Most of the time the mommies are brought in the house for the first week so we can keep a very close eye on the newborns. The outside is covered for protection from the elements and is spacious enough for the dogs to run, jump, and play. The kennels are easily maintained and are cleaned on a daily basis and sterilized once a week.

Our dogs receive all the best of health care as per the veterinary program established by our attending veterinarian Dr. Alan Thompson of Farmington, AR. (479-267-3276.)

We interact with each and every dog in my kennel on a daily basis. We know each and every one of them by name and personality- their likes, dislikes, compatibility with other dogs, the sounds of their barks- need I go on? They are our pets, not just a bunch of kenneled dogs. We love and care for them, and spend an exuberant amount of time with them. They are our passion.

Are our puppies socialized?

Each and every litter of newborn puppies is touched by human hands from the day it is born until it leaves us to go to its new home. That is why our puppies have such playful and outgoing personalities. They begin from day 1 with us caring for them, checking on them daily, handling them, listening to them breath, stimulating them with gentle rubs, making sure each puppy is receiving adequate nursing time and not getting pushed aside by litter mates.

When they are about 2- 3 weeks old we allow the kids to handle them and play with them for short periods at a time until they are older- then for longer periods. The children feel so lucky to have a fresh supply of new puppies to play with. As we said before, they never seem to tire of it. Not surprisingly, each litter today is as much fun as the first. And we completely understand because its the same for us.

By the time they are 6 weeks old, the litter is allowed to run around the house interacting with the family and each other in a family household environment. That is why our puppies are so well adjusted, friendly, bubbly, and playful; they are not shy, nervous, or shocked by a household environment. Their faces light up when they see you.

This is done with each of our litters of newborn puppies. Although it is a lot of fun for us, fun is not the solely intended purpose for this treatment. It is an important and crucial constituent in the proper development of the emotional and social aspect of the puppy's personality. And last but not least, and perhaps more importantly, each newborn puppy, here and everywhere, deserves to be loved and held by gentle warm hands... Ours are, and the difference shows in how our puppies respond to your presence, voice and touch. Come see for yourself.

Do We Show my dogs?

We plan to begin showing our dogs in the Fall of 2010. It wasn't until recently that we have had the time and opportunity to travel to all the necessary shows and seminars. So, Clear Creek... coming soon to a show near you!

Will your puppy be show quality?

Although we are not currently showing our dogs, many of our puppies are possibly show quality. Many of our adult dogs have champions in their pedigrees. Over the past nine years, we have selected dogs for breeding that are true to the breeds' standard, meaning they look and act like they are supposed to according to the AKC standard. We have had time to select for breeding those that reflect positively on the breed, or to eliminate from breeding those that we felt were not fit for breeding because they did not meet proper standards in conformation and disposition. As a result we have lines that produce healthy, beautiful, calm, and intelligent offspring. That is the purpose of a well managed breeding program - to improve, maintain, and protect the breed.

Although we can make a good educated guess as to which puppies might be show quality, no breeder can predict with certainty or guarantee the outcome of their puppies due to the many uncontrolled variables in raising the puppy.

Are our puppies registered? and What registry are they registered with?

All of my adult dogs are purebred and are registered with either AKC, ACA, or APRI. In many cases they are dual or even triple registered, meaning all of our puppies are purebred and are entitled to registration with the submission of their registration application to the appropriate agency. I register most of my puppies with APRI because they are a for-profit organization allowing them to lobby for certain legislations concerning animal and pet welfare; such as, stricter laws and penalties agains "puppy mills" and other inhumane treatment of animals.

What is the difference between registries?

There are many registries available to register your dog. The top three, or most recognized, are the three that I have mentioned above. There are several technical differences between the registries; such as, policies, mission statements, breed recognition, just to name a few. But they all share one primary and common function. That is to establish and maintain a pedigree base or documented purebred ancestory for purebred dogs and certify their pure breeding.

Have the puppies had their shots?

The puppies have had all their required vaccinations when you receive them. They start at 4 weeks where they receive Progard KC, an intranasal vaccine to guard against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, or commonly know as "kennel cough." Then at 6 weeks they receive their first set of puppy shots, High Titer DA2Ppv (Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus). They get another booster of of the latter at 8 weeks of age. That completes the puppies initial set of vaccinations prior to leaving for his new home.

Have the puppies been de-wormed?

Starting a at 2 weeks of age the puppies are de-wormed regularly every two weeks according to our program of veterinary care. In, addition, they receive Albon (5days), and Panacur (3days) to treat for intestinal protozoan and bacteria (coccida and giardia). Panacur is also another form of de-wormer. When you receive your new pet, he will be healthy, clean, and free from both internal and external parasites.

Have the puppies been checked by a veterinarian?

If we are shipping our puppies across state line, federal law requires them to be vet checked and be accompanied by an official health certificate stating the the dog was checked by a licensed vet and that there were no noticeable illnesses. So in the cases where the dog is going to be taken across state lines we do have them checked at the vet; otherwise, we do not because our vet does not recommend we bring every puppy in for a check. He and I are both aware that my breeding colony is extremely healthy and free from any disease, illness, or life threatening genetic defects. Note: To activate your health grantee you are required to have your puppy vet checked with in 72 hours after pick-up/shipment.

Will I get a shot record to take to my vet?

You will receive an chronologically itemized copy of all vaccinations, de-wormings, and medication your puppy has received up until he leaves for his new home. It is a standard health care program for puppies established by our attending veterinarian, and will be familiar to your vet thereby giving him/her a guideline for what and when they should administer next to properly and safely continue your puppies health care.

When will your puppies next shots be due?

Your puppies next shots will be due at 11 weeks and then again at 14 weeks. From then on follow your vet's recommendation. Using your puppies shot record as a guideline he will know exactly what he needs next and when.

What is a microchip?

The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. Once installed, it sits safely under the skin between the shoulder blades of the pet. Once your pet is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this unique ID number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed

When a scanner is passed over the back of the pet, the chip receives a signal and quickly sends its ID number back to the scanner where it is displayed in the viewing window. The scanning process takes only seconds and the pet feels nothing.

Once an animal is injected with the chip, he can be identified throughout his life by this unique ID number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

To insure that the microchip can do its job, the owner must register with a Pet Recovery Service, so that contact information for the lost pet can be supplied when a shelter or vet calls.

Should I microchip my pet?

One of every three pets will become lost in their lifetime. Every puppy should be microchipped to protect it against loss, theft or separation from its owner.

The microchip is widely accepted as the BEST way to prove the identity of a pet...and to get him home fast if he is ever lost. Over 20 million pets are lost every year. Pet owners say: The # 1 Benefit of the chip is Peace of Mind.

Microchip protection almost guarantees that the pet will not be euthanized or put up for adoption if he is taken into a shelter.

It is essential that the owner of the pet activate the pet's chip by registering with the appropriate 24 hour Recovery Center. If the owner does not register - and the pet is lost - the recovery center will not be able to reunite pet and owner. Today millions of pets are microchipped, so a microchip alone is no longer enough to insure a safe return. However, if the owner has activated the chip by providing contact information, the pet will be returned to his owner almost immediately.

How is the microchip installed?

The microchip goes into the pet by way of standard injection. It is inserted under the skin with an applicator that looks much like a larger version of a vaccine syringe and needle. In most cases the puppy feels nothing or very little, and the whole process takes only a few seconds.

How do you purchase a puppy?

To purchase a puppy you can either come here and pay, mail a check, or you can pay online with a credit or debit card using pay-pal. I have a purchase agreement you are required to sign if you are placing a partial payment, or deposit to hold a puppy that is younger than 8 weeks, which states you promise to pay the remaining balance before the puppy will be released, or you may forfeit your deposit and rights to the puppy (thus far, I have not had a problem of this nature).

Do you need to place a deposit?

A deposit is required to hold a specific puppy which is unable to leave at the time of purchase due to his young age. The vast majority of the time our entire litters are spoken for before they reach 8 weeks of age. Waiting for a puppy to become old enough to go home before you buy it will almost assuredly result in the puppy being sold to someone else. I advise everyone to place a deposit on the puppy they would like to guarantee he will be theirs when he is old enough to leave.

How much is the deposit?

The standard deposit is 50% of the total purchase price for the puppy. The balance must be paid in full before the puppy will be allowed to leave.

What method of payments do we accept?

Cash, check, or credit card. If you are not paying in person, or you prefer to use a credit or debit cared, we prefer pay-pal. It is safe, secure, and instantaneous. Also checks sent through regular mail are another common means which is acceptable. Otherwise, cash or personal check are the only options. Money orders and cashiers check are no longer accepted due to an increaing number of scam artists printing them.

To pay using pay-pal, I will send you an e-invoice in the proper amount. Then you simply follow the directions it gives you.

When can the puppies go to their new homes?

Typically the puppies are ready for their new homes at 8 weeks of age and not sooner. Although the puppies are drinking and eating dry food by 4-5 weeks, they have to complete their sets of vaccinations and medications; in addition, they receive important litter socialization up until this time which is important in determining how they interact with other animals as they grow older.

In some cases, especially with tiny Yorkies, I may not allow a puppy to leave until 12 weeks of age or later. Some are so small and helpless I don't feel comfortable letting them go from its mother's and my care until they are a bit older. And absolutely no shipping until after 12 weeks for tiny Yorkies.

How are the puppies shipped?

The puppies are booked and shipped via airllines in a standard crate shown above.