At San Tan Valley Goldens, our Guardian Program allows us to continue our breeding while ensuring that our dogs live happy, full lives, as a beloved family pet. A guardian family is a carefully chosen home where one of our breeding dogs lives permanently as a cherished member of the family.
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This program gives our dogs the best of both worlds- they are part of a loving household, not a kennel, while still contributing to the future of our breeding program. The guardian family provides daily care, love and companionship, while we retain breeding rights for a set number of litters.
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Our highest priority is keeping our dogs out of kennels and ensuring they grow up in homes where they are spoiled, socialized, and deeply loved. With the help of our guardian families we can raise happy, healthy, Goldens while maintaining the integrity and quality of our program.
SAN TAN VALLEY GOLDENS
Guardian Program
How the Guardian Program Works
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Location Requirement: Guardian families must live within one hour of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and be willing to make the commute for all breeding- related appointments (health testing, breeding, whelping, etc.)
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Financial Responsibility: As the guardian family, you cover all regular pet expenses such as high- quality food, vaccines, routine vet care, and grooming. We cover all breeding- related expenses, including health testing, reproductive care, and any costs directly tied to breeding.
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Retirement: Once the dog has completed their breeding career, we pay for their spay or neuter, and full ownership is officially transferred to you- they remain with you forever as your beloved pet.
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Family Connection: Being a guardian family means becoming an extension of our own family. We maintain an open line of communication and always keep in touch to ensure the best care, support, and lifelong connection for both you and your dog.
Benefits of Becoming a Guardian Family
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First Pick Puppy: Guardian families receive a top- quality puppy from our program at no cost. Placement is our choice to ensure the best fit for our breeding program.
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Puppy Visits: You'll have the unique opportunity to come meet and play with your guardian dog's puppies, enjoying the joy and excitement of watching them grow before they go to their forever homes.
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Compensation Per Litter: As a thank you for your time and commitment, you will receive a fee with each litter your guardian dog produces. The amount varies depending on the litter and timing, but it provides extra cash for your family.
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Breeder Support: You'll have on going guidance, advice, and support from us throughout your dog's entire life.
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Forever Companion: Once your dog is retired from breeding, they stay with you for life, already spayed or neutered at our expense.
Guardian Program FAQ
How many litters will my guardian dog have?
Each dog's breeding career is unique, but typically females will have between 3-4 litters. Males may be used for breeding over a longer period. Once your dog is retired, we cover the cost of spay/neuter and full ownership transfers to you.
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Do we get to choose which puppy becomes our guardian dog?
Guardian families receive a first-pick puppy at no cost. However, final placement is determined by us to ensure the best match for our breeding program.
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What happens when it's time for breeding or whelping?
Guardian families bring the dog to us for all breeding-related appointments. For females, she will stay with us during whelping and while raising her puppies (usually 6-8 weeks). For males, visits are shorter and scheduled as needed.
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Who pays for vet care and other expenses?
We cover all breeding-related expenses, including health testing and reproductive care. Guardian families are responsible for everyday costs such as high-quality food, vaccines, routine vet visits, and grooming.
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What if we move or can't continue in the program?
Guardian families must live within one hour of San Tan Valley, Arizona. If you plan to move farther away or can no longer meet the requirements, we will work together on the best plan for your guardian dog's care and future.
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Do we get to see the puppies?
Yes! Guardian families are invited to come meet and play with the puppies their dog produces- it's one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
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Will we be compensated?
yes! Along with receiving your puppy at no cost, guardian families receive a fee with each litter. The amount varies depending on the timing and size of the litter, but it provides extra cash as a thank-you for your commitment.
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What happens after retirement?
Once your guardian dog is retired, they remain with you permanently as your family pet. We cover the cost of spay/neuter, and you keep your Golden for life.