Option one: pick up in person
If you can make the drive, picking up your puppy yourself is the simplest option. You'll see where your puppy was raised, meet the mother, ask us questions face to face and take your puppy home on your own schedule.
We're on Archer Lodge Rd in Clayton, in Johnston County just east of Raleigh. Families come to us from Raleigh, Garner, Smithfield, Wake Forest, Cary, Durham and all over North Carolina, plus neighboring states. Pickups, like visits, are by appointment.
Option two: ground transport
Cost: $2 per mile, round trip from us.
With ground transport, we drive your puppy to you, hand to hand. Your puppy never leaves the care of someone who knows them, and you get to meet in person for the handoff.
Ground transport works well when:
- You're within a long day's drive of North Carolina
- You'd like a personal handoff and a chance to ask questions
- Your puppy is young or you'd prefer to avoid airports
To estimate the cost, take the one-way mileage from Archer Lodge to your home, double it, and multiply by $2. We'll confirm the exact route and cost with you.
Option three: air transport
Cost: $850 to $2,000, depending on the flight and distance.
For families farther away, flying is often the fastest and most practical choice. We arrange the flight together, based on the route and distance, and plan whatever is safest for your puppy.
One of our families in Colorado had their puppy flown from North Carolina to Denver, and they told us the whole process felt easy and comfortable. That's our goal for every trip.
Air transport works well when:
- You live across the country
- A multi-day drive would be harder on your puppy than a flight
- You need your puppy home by a specific date
Comparing the two
- Speed: Flying is usually faster for long distances. Driving is often simpler within a few hundred miles.
- Cost: For shorter trips, ground transport usually costs less. For cross-country trips, flying often makes more sense.
- Handoff: Ground transport is hand to hand at your door or a meeting spot. With air transport, you'll meet your puppy at the arrival point.
- Stress: Both can be gentle when planned well. We'll talk through timing, weather and your puppy's comfort.
Planning around weather and timing
Summer heat and winter storms can affect travel, especially flights. We watch the forecast closely and will adjust plans if conditions aren't safe. Flexibility of a day or two makes everything easier.
How to prepare for arrival
Whichever way your puppy travels, have these ready:
- A crate set up at home, with bedding
- Water and a small bowl
- The food your puppy has been eating
- A collar, ID tag and leash
- Towels and paper towels
Our new puppy checklist has the complete list.
The first hours after travel
Travel is a big day. When your puppy arrives:
- Offer a potty break right away.
- Give a little water, then a small meal once they've settled.
- Keep things quiet. Skip visitors for the first day or two.
- Let your puppy nap. They'll need it.
Our guide to your puppy's first week home covers what comes next.
Picking up from the airport
If your puppy is flying, we'll share the flight details and what to bring. Plan to arrive a little early, bring a leash and towels, and have a crate secured in your car for the ride home.
Staying in touch during the trip
We'll keep you updated from the moment your puppy leaves our home until they're in your arms. If you have any worries along the way, call or text. We answer ourselves.
Common questions
Do I pay transport separately? Yes. Transport is in addition to your puppy's price. See our pricing and transport page.
Can I meet you partway? Often, yes. Ask us about a meeting point between our home and yours. It can lower ground transport costs.
Is flying safe for puppies? When planned carefully with the right timing and conditions, yes. We only arrange flights we're comfortable with.
Can I fly in and pick up my puppy myself? Absolutely. Many families fly into Raleigh-Durham, visit us, and fly home with their puppy. Ask us about timing.
Let's plan your puppy's trip
Every trip is a little different. Call or text (919) 899-8917 with your city and preferred timing, and we'll recommend the safest option and give you an exact cost. You can also see who's available on our available puppies page or contact us.