FAQs About Buying a Puppy from Guardian Paws
Is Guardian Paws a puppy mill?
Absolutely not. Guardian Paws exists to fight against puppy mills by working only with certified, responsible breeders who raise their puppies with love, care, and compassion. Our national network of trusted breeder partners is carefully vetted and monitored to ensure every puppy grows up healthy, socialized, and ready for a loving home. Every breeder must work with a licensed veterinarian, follow strict health protocols, and meet our high standards for ethical breeding.
Is Guardian Paws legitimate?
Yes. Since 2005, Guardian Paws has helped families nationwide find healthy, happy puppies. With nearly 20 years of experience and thousands of satisfied families, we’re trusted as one of the safest and most reliable places to adopt a puppy online.
Where is Guardian Paws located?
Guardian Paws is a nationwide service. While our community of breeders is spread across the United States, our focus is the same everywhere: connecting families with their perfect puppy safely, responsibly, and with complete transparency.
Where is the safest place to buy a puppy?
The safest place is from a trusted, transparent network of certified breeders — and that’s what Guardian Paws provides. “Safe” means your puppy is cared for before, during, and after adoption, with full health checks, breeder accountability, and lifetime support.
Is Guardian Paws a rescue?
No. Guardian Paws is a responsible adoption service connecting families with puppies from certified breeders. While we are not a rescue, our programs (like our Retired Dogs Program) also help rehome dogs whose families can no longer care for them.
What does “adoption” mean at Guardian Paws?
Adoption simply means welcoming a living companion into your family. Whether through shelters, rescues, or trusted breeders, adoption is the process of giving a puppy a new home. Guardian Paws works with certified breeders who want their puppies placed in safe, loving families.
How long has Guardian Paws been in business?
We were founded in 2005 and have nearly 20 years of experience helping families find their perfect puppies.
How do I know if a puppy seller is legit?
There are two major risks: scammers and unethical breeders. To avoid them, look for:
Original photos and breeder transparency (not stock images).
Safe, secure payment methods (avoid wire transfers or gift cards).
USDA licensing and veterinary oversight.
Guardian Paws breeders must meet all of these requirements and undergo ongoing compliance checks to ensure every puppy’s well-being.
Are Guardian Paws puppies from puppy mills?
No. We have a zero-tolerance policy for puppy mills. Our breeders are USDA licensed (or exempt under law) and must work with USDA-accredited veterinarians under a Program of Veterinary Care (PVC). Housing, socialization, health, and enrichment are monitored constantly to exceed national standards.
Do puppies come microchipped?
Most of our puppies come microchipped for safety and identification. If your puppy is not microchipped prior to adoption, we strongly recommend having it done at your first vet visit.
Does Guardian Paws deliver puppies?
Yes. We offer multiple safe delivery options, including door-to-door service, delivery near your home, and breeder pickup. All deliveries are managed by USDA-certified transport partners who ensure your puppy travels comfortably and safely.
What is the process of buying a puppy from Guardian Paws?
It’s simple:
Browse puppies by breed, size, or temperament.
Connect with our team of puppy specialists for guidance.
Reserve your puppy and choose your preferred delivery option.
Prepare your home with our checklists and resources.
Welcome your puppy safely, after a full health evaluation by a licensed vet.
We keep you informed every step of the way — from reservation to arrival.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We understand life can change. Guardian Paws has a clear cancellation policy to protect both families and breeders. Please contact our team directly if your circumstances change, and we will review your options.
Where does Guardian Paws get their puppies from?
We work with a national network of certified breeders, all of whom are USDA licensed (unless exempt) and adhere to our breeder standards. This includes proper veterinary care, safe housing, clean environments, and enrichment for both puppies and parents. Our Perfect Puppy Promise ensures that every breeder meets — and continues to meet — the highest standards in the industry.
At Guardian Paws, everything we do is built on trust, responsibility, and love. That’s why thousands of families nationwide rely on us to find their perfect puppy.