---
title: "Seven Checks Before Bringing a Puppy Home to Delaware"
type: "post"
slug: "7-things-to-check-before-bringing-home-a-delaware-puppy"
published_at: "2026-09-29T17:58:15+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-14T01:08:48+00:00"
url: "https://sagepuppies.com/7-things-to-check-before-bringing-home-a-delaware-puppy/"
markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/7-things-to-check-before-bringing-home-a-delaware-puppy.md"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Delaware Puppies"
  - "Puppy Buyer Guides"
author: "Matt Milar"
publisher: "Sage Puppies"
---

# Seven Checks Before Bringing a Puppy Home to Delaware

Before bringing a puppy home to Delaware, check the individual puppy, the written agreement and the actual journey. Then make sure the receiving household is ready. These seven checks are designed for families considering a Utah-based Sage puppy, including those who use a seasonal home as well as a primary address.

Sage Puppies is Cassie Milar’s program in South Jordan, Utah, offering Havanese, Havapoo and Cavapoo puppies. Confirm the proposed placement and travel arrangement directly with Sage before making bookings.

Sage’s general puppy purchase range is **$3,500–$4,500**. Exact puppy prices, guardian arrangements and travel costs are separate. Review [Pricing & Reservation](https://sagepuppies.com/pricing-reservation/)
 and [How It Works](https://sagepuppies.com/our-program/how-it-works/)
 before committing.

[See available puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/available-puppies/)

[Start your application](https://sagepuppies.com/application/)

![Pencil-style illustration of an adult in an apron speaking with two adults and a child beside puppies in an outdoor pen](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ai-image-1790704401576-09w6hg.webp)

AI-generated illustration of a puppy conversation; it does not depict a Sage facility, family, puppy or handoff.

## 1. Match the puppy to its source and current status

Review the [current puppy listings](https://sagepuppies.com/available-puppies/)
, open the individual profile and confirm who bred and cares for the puppy. Match its identifying details across the listing, care records and agreement. Ask for a dated status update; an online listing does not establish that a particular puppy is ready for your proposed handoff date.

## 2. Review care observations and the relevant records

Request the puppy’s veterinary history and the parent information relevant to the proposed match. Read [Sage’s health-testing approach](https://sagepuppies.com/about/health-testing/)
 and ask your veterinarian to help interpret medical records. Ask about handling, rest, feeding and toileting observations, and what remains uncertain. Records document care and screening; they do not guarantee future health or behaviour.

## 3. Understand the actual price and written terms

Review the agreement, reservation and payment dates, included items, health terms and follow-up responsibilities before committing. Use [Pricing & Reservation](https://sagepuppies.com/pricing-reservation/)
 and the actual [Health Guarantee](https://sagepuppies.com/health-guarantee/)
 terms. Clarify unanswered questions in writing. Confirm the particular puppy price and the separate travel costs; a general range is not a quote for your arrangement.

## 4. Agree the handoff and responsible people

Start with [Delivery & Pickup](https://sagepuppies.com/delivery-pickup/)
 and confirm the option available for your situation. Identify the date, place, named contacts, who accompanies or transports the puppy, who holds the records and who handles delays. If using a carrier, check its current age, size, container and documentation rules for the actual service. Book after these details are resolved.

## 5. Confirm current Delaware entry requirements

The [USDA interstate pet-travel guidance](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state)
 explains that receiving states set requirements for owners’ pet movement; businesses transporting pets also have applicable obligations. Ask the issuing veterinarian and [Delaware’s Animal Health section](https://agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health/contact-us/)
 about the actual puppy, origin, travel date and arrangement.

Delaware DDA’s [current Disease Information page](https://agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health/disease/)
 links its [July 2, 2026 New World Screwworm import notice](https://agriculture.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/108/2026/07/FINAL4-NWS-Import-Requirements-07022026.pdf)
. For warm-blooded animals, including dogs, originating from a state with reported infestations, the notice requires an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 72 hours of movement, with additional accredited-veterinary requirements. The state may amend or lift those restrictions. Recheck current applicability; an older general certificate window does not establish eligibility for the trip.

## 6. Prepare the receiving home and any second address

Use the [Delaware preparation checklist](https://sagepuppies.com/what-to-buy-for-a-new-puppy-in-delaware-before-pickup-day/)
 to confirm food instructions, rest space, identification, safe toileting access and the adults doing the care. If the family moves between homes, confirm permission and a usable setup at both. Decide who takes the care kit and records and who handles the puppy if arrival is delayed.

Include the puppy in the household’s backup plan. The [Delaware Office of Animal Welfare’s emergency-preparation resource](https://animalservices.delaware.gov/detail/24)
 is a useful starting point. Check current outdoor access rules for the exact town or park and ask your veterinarian which exposures are appropriate for the puppy.

## 7. Arrange veterinary follow-up and licensing

Give your chosen veterinarian the puppy’s records, travel history and actual agreement so follow-up follows the individual puppy’s needs and applicable requirements. Obtain current feeding and care instructions from Sage, prepare a quiet arrival and agree how caregivers will hand over information. Seek veterinary advice promptly for a health concern.

The [Delaware Office of Animal Welfare’s individual dog-license page](https://animalservices.delaware.gov/detail/29)
 states that dogs six months and older must be licensed and identifies the required rabies documentation or authorized exemption. Check the current instructions for the dog’s age and your residence; keep identifying and licensing information current if addresses change.

The [Delaware choosing guide](https://sagepuppies.com/puppies-for-sale-in-delaware-how-to-compare-breeders/)
 helps with the broader breeder comparison. Review [How It Works](https://sagepuppies.com/our-program/how-it-works/)
, share your household in [the application](https://sagepuppies.com/application/)
 and [contact Sage](https://sagepuppies.com/contact/)
 about the specific puppy and proposed arrangement.

Delaware sources reviewed October 13, 2026. Recheck the state’s current entry notice, origin status and carrier rules for the actual movement date; this checklist does not establish an individual puppy’s import eligibility.