Loving Loyal Labs Wisconsin Labrador Breeder
Bringing home a Labrador Retriever is more than just adding a dog to your family it’s the beginning of years of companionship, connection, and everyday moments that matter.
At Loving Loyal Labs, we’ve created a process that is thoughtful, transparent, and designed to support both our puppies and the families who welcome them home.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step look at what to expect from joining our waitlist to bringing your puppy home.
Have questions about our process? Visit our FAQ ↓
Start with Research
Before applying, we always encourage families to take time to thoughtfully consider whether a Labrador Retriever is the right fit for their home, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Labradors are incredibly loyal, social, and active companions but like any breed, they thrive in the right environment with proper time, structure, and commitment.
Application & Getting to Know You
The next step is completing our application.
This allows us to learn more about your family, lifestyle, past experience with dogs, and what you’re hoping for in your next companion.
As part of the application, you will be asked to indicate your preferred color and gender. Most families have a preference in one or both of these areas, and having this information upfront allows us to thoughtfully plan and communicate availability as litters arrive.
Our goal is to ensure that every puppy is placed in a home where they will truly thrive.
All puppies are sold with AKC Limited Registration (pet homes only) unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon prior to placing a deposit.
In select situations, full AKC registration (breeding rights) may be considered for an additional fee. Please reach out in advance if this is something you would like to discuss.
Our Placement Philosophy
Our puppies are raised inside our home as part of our everyday life, and we are intentional about placing them in environments that reflect that same level of connection.
We believe dogs thrive as part of the family living alongside their people, not apart from them and we prioritize homes where puppies will be raised as indoor companions with consistent interaction, structure, and care.
Health & Peace of Mind
Thoughtfully raised. Carefully supported.
The health and well-being of every puppy we raise is something we take very seriously.
Each puppy is backed by both a short-term health guarantee to support a smooth transition home, as well as a 2-year genetic health guarantee on qualifying hereditary conditions.
We carefully select and health test our parent dogs, including DNA screening and OFA-certified hips and elbows, and raise each litter in a way that prioritizes confidence, structure, and overall well-being from the very beginning.
Full details are outlined clearly in our contract, which is provided prior to placing a deposit.
Joining the Waitlist
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, a $300 non-refundable waitlist deposit and signed deposit agreement are required to secure your place.
This deposit:
• Reserves your spot in line for a future litter
• Confirms your commitment to our program
• Goes toward the total purchase price of your puppy
Because we are a small, intentional program, timing can vary.
Several factors influence wait time:
• Timing of heat cycles
• Success of breedings
• Litter size and availability
• Specific color or gender preferences
In general, once a litter has been successfully bred, most families can expect an approximate 4-month timeline until go-home though this can vary.
We do our best to share upcoming plans and estimated timelines on our website as they become available.
Reserving a Spot Within a Litter
Once pregnancy is confirmed for a litter that matches your preferences, families are contacted in waitlist order.
At that time, a $500 selection deposit is required to move forward with that specific litter bringing your total deposit to $800, which is applied toward the final price of your puppy.
Deposits are non-refundable once a selection deposit has been placed, with limited exceptions at breeder discretion (such as your selected color/gender not being produced).
If needed, deposits may be:
• Transferred to a different litter
• Adjusted to another available color/gender within the same litter (if available)
Choosing Your Puppy
We’ve thoughtfully designed our selection process to be both intentional and flexible, while always prioritizing the health, well-being, and early development of our puppies.
Families are welcome to make their selection at any time between birth and 6 weeks of age, once a puppy becomes available to them based on their position on the waitlist. All selections are finalized by 6 weeks.
Rather than scheduling in-person selection visits, we guide families through this process in a more connected and intentional way, using:
• Ongoing photo and video updates
• Individual puppy observations and personality insights
• Direct communication and support throughout
Families with first pick for their preferred color and gender are welcome to choose as soon as they feel ready.
Selections then continue in order, with each family choosing after those ahead of them have made their decision. As this process follows a structured order to ensure fairness for all families, timing will naturally progress as selections are made.
Our goal is for you to feel confident and connected throughout the process never rushed, and never on your own.
Why We’ve Chosen This Approach
All of our puppies are raised inside our home, and maintaining a clean, calm, and low-stress environment is a top priority.
As our program has grown, we’ve made the intentional decision to limit in-person traffic during the early weeks. This allows us to:
• Protect biosecurity and overall health
• Maintain a stable, predictable environment for our puppies
• Stay fully focused on raising each litter with care and attention
While this means selections are not conducted in person, we are deeply committed to providing a connected and transparent experience for every family.
A Note on Selection Order
Selections are made in the order deposits are received.
Please note:
• Loving Loyal Labs reserves the right to retain a puppy for our breeding program
• All remaining selections proceed in order of deposit
Preparing for Your Puppy
As your go-home date approaches, it’s time to begin preparing your home.
We recommend:
• Scheduling your puppy’s first veterinary appointment within 1–2 days of pick-up
• Booking future vaccination appointments in advance
• Gathering essential supplies (food, crate, toys, etc.)
You can also visit our recommended products section or reach out anytime we’re always happy to help.
Gotcha Day
The moment you’ve been waiting for.
Puppies go home day or “gotcha day” happens at approximately 8 weeks of age, with pick-ups scheduled over a designated weekend.
Each puppy goes home with:
• A blanket and toy with familiar scents
• Starter food
• Microchip
• AKC registration (limited unless otherwise discussed)
• Veterinary and vaccination records
• 30 days of complimentary Trupanion pet insurance
• Guidance for raising and transitioning your puppy
• Lifetime breeder support
Final payment:
• Cash may be brought on pick-up day
• Other payment methods must be completed at least one week prior
If your puppy will be traveling via flight nanny or ground transportation, the full payment is due by 6 weeks of age.
We are happy to assist in coordinating transportation, including trusted flight nanny and ground transport options.
Additional Information
• Wisconsin sales tax (5.5%) applies to all puppy purchases
• Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise specified
• We are always here as a resource before and after your puppy goes home
A Process Built on Care & Trust
Every part of our process has been designed with intention.
for the well-being of our puppies, and for the families who welcome them home.
We are honored to be part of your journey.
Where thoughtful beginnings become lifelong companions.
Following Along With Your Litter
One of the most special parts of this experience is getting to watch your puppy grow from the very beginning.
From birth through go-home, you’ll receive regular updates so you can stay connected every step of the way.
These typically include:
• Photo and video updates as the puppies grow and develop
• Milestone highlights (eyes opening, first steps, playtime, outdoor introductions, etc.)
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses into daily life with the litter
• Individual personality insights as they begin to develop
Many of our day-to-day updates are also shared on our social media pages, which is often the best place to follow along in real time.
We encourage families to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss a moment as your litter grows.
As we approach the selection window, updates become even more detailed to help guide your decision with confidence.
Our goal is for you to feel like you’re not just waiting for your puppy you’re part of their story from the start.
Follow along here:
Still have questions? You may find the answers below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the puppies before choosing?
At this time, we do not offer in-person visits during the early weeks of a litter.
All of our puppies are raised inside our home, and maintaining a calm, clean, and low-stress environment is incredibly important to us especially during those first critical weeks of development.
Instead, we provide a connected experience through regular photo and video updates, along with one-on-one guidance throughout the selection process.
How will I choose my puppy without visiting?
You won’t be navigating this alone.
We share consistent updates as the puppies grow, and because we spend time with them every day, we’re able to offer insight into their personalities, temperament, and overall disposition.
Some families come in with a strong preference and choose early, while others prefer guidance and we’re always happy to help match you with the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Can I choose my puppy early?
Yes.
If you are first in line for your preferred color and gender, you are welcome to make your selection at any time between birth and 6 weeks of age.
Selections are made in order, so families with later picks will be notified as those ahead of them make their decisions.
What happens if my preferred color or gender isn’t available?
If your specific preference is not produced in a litter, you will have a few options:
• Move forward with another available puppy in the litter (if desired)
• Transfer your deposit to a future litter
• In select cases, a refund may be offered at breeder discretion
We’ll always communicate clearly and help you navigate the best next step.
Are deposits refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable, as they reserve your place on our waitlist or within a specific litter.
However, we understand that life can be unpredictable. If something comes up, please don’t hesitate to reach out we’re always happy to work with you on timing or future plans whenever possible.
Where can I see the most recent puppy updates?
We share regular updates directly with families, and many day-to-day moments are also posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Following along there is a great way to stay connected as your litter grows.
Follow along on Facebook & Instagram
When do puppies go home?
Puppies go home “gotcha day” happens at approximately 8 weeks of age.
Pick-ups are scheduled over a designated weekend, with individual time slots assigned to ensure a smooth and unrushed transition for each family.
Do you offer transportation?
Yes.
We can assist in coordinating safe and reliable transportation options, including trusted flight nannies and ground transport services.
What If I’m Nervous About Not Visiting?
We completely understand.
For many families, bringing home a puppy is something they’ve dreamed about for a long time and not being able to visit in person can feel like a big shift from what you expected.
This is something we’ve been very thoughtful about.
Our decision to limit in-person visits during the early weeks wasn’t made lightly. Because our puppies are raised inside our home, we place a strong emphasis on maintaining a safe, healthy, and low-stress environment for both mom and puppies during this critical stage of development.
At the same time, we know how important it is for you to feel connected and confident in the process.
That’s why we focus on:
• Consistent, detailed updates so you can follow your litter as they grow
• Honest insight into each puppy’s personality and development
• Open, ongoing communication every step of the way
And perhaps most importantly experience you can trust.
We are a licensed and inspected breeder through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and we operate in full compliance with state standards for care, housing, and animal welfare.
You can view our licensing and inspection information here:
Our goal has always been to do what’s best for our dogs while also creating a positive, supportive experience for the families who trust us.
By the time your puppy comes home, you won’t feel like you missed out you’ll feel like you’ve been part of the journey all along.
If you ever have questions, need reassurance, or just want to talk through the process, I’m always here. This is meant to feel personal because it is.
