
When you’re looking for a puppy online, it’s only natural to be cautious. There’s a lot of noise out there - different companies, different claims, and unfortunately, a lot of half-truths. So, if you’ve found yourself asking questions about Premier Pups (whether it’s safe, whether it’s legitimate, or what really goes on behind the scenes) you’re not alone.
We’ve heard the concerns. And to be honest, we understand why people ask tough questions. Asking the hard questions is exactly what responsible families should do before bringing a puppy home.
This article exists to answer those questions directly. From where our puppies come from to how we choose our breeders, how the adoption process works, and what kind of support you can expect, every answer here is rooted in transparency and backed by experience.
We know the kind of trust it takes to adopt a puppy online. We’re here to earn that trust, not with promises, but with clear, honest answers.
1. Is Premier Pups legit?
Yes. Premier Pups is a real, established company with a long track record of matching families with healthy, well-cared-for puppies. But we understand that “legit” means more than just having a website and a phone number. It means doing things the right way, even when no one’s looking.
We’ve helped thousands of families across the U.S. bring home their new best friend, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the way our breeders are chosen to the health guarantees we offer, every part of our process is built with care, structure, and transparency.
You don’t have to take just our word for it. We encourage you to read reviews, dig into our policies, and compare us to other options. You'll find that our approach is different. We are more involved, more supportive, and more focused on long-term wellbeing.
In an industry where skepticism is common (and sometimes deserved), we believe legitimacy comes down to this: Do you stand behind your puppies, and are you willing to be held accountable? We do and we are.
2. Is Premier Pups safe?
Yes, and that’s one of the things we care about most because adopting a puppy is a big commitment, and you deserve to feel completely safe through every step of the process.
From the first click on our site to the moment your puppy arrives in your arms, we’ve built a system designed to protect you and your pup. That includes verified breeder partnerships, regular health checks, real-time customer support, and secure delivery options, all with transparency at the core.
Behind the scenes, we stay closely involved with every breeder we work with. Puppies are raised in safe, structured environments and receive thorough veterinary care before ever joining a new family. And throughout the process, our team is here to guide you so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
To us, safety is about trust, consistency, and doing right by every puppy and every family.
3. Is Premier Pups a puppy mill?
No. And we take that comparison seriously, because the difference between what we do and what a puppy mill does couldn’t be more important.
Puppy mills focus on volume, producing as many puppies as possible, with little concern for health, living conditions, or proper socialization. That’s not what we do. Not even close.
We partner only with breeders who meet the highest standards for care, cleanliness, and ethical practices. These breeders raise puppies in safe, structured environments, not cages or overcrowded barns. Puppies stay with their mamas through early development, receive regular veterinary care, and are given the attention they need to grow up healthy and well-adjusted.
We visit our breeders in person, build long-term relationships with them, and hold them to the same standards we hold ourselves to. If those standards aren’t met, we walk away. No exceptions.
So while the term “puppy mill” gets thrown around online, we encourage families to look past assumptions and ask: What do the practices actually look like? How are the dogs treated? What support exists after adoption?
When you look at those answers closely, the difference becomes clear.
RELATED: Premier Pups a Puppy Mill? 30 of the Best Reasons Why We’re Not
4. Is Premier Pups a pet store?
Not in the way most people think of one.
Yes, we operate online, and families can browse available puppies, learn about breeds, and complete their adoption through our site. But we don’t source puppies the way a typical pet store does. We don’t use third-party distributors or large-scale suppliers, and we’re not moving animals through a supply chain for the sake of convenience or profit.
Every Premier Pups puppy comes directly from a breeder we’ve personally selected and worked with over time. We visit our breeders, stay involved in the care and environment of their dogs, and hold them to clear standards. There’s no mystery about where the puppies come from or how they’ve been raised.
So while yes, we’re an online platform, the structure behind it is far more personal, hands-on, and ethically grounded than the traditional pet store model.
5. Where do Premier Pups puppies come from?
Our puppies come directly from a select group of breeders we’ve built long-standing relationships with, breeders who meet strict standards for health, ethics, and environment.
These breeders are located across the U.S., but most are based in the Midwest, where we’re headquartered. We visit them in person, not just once, but regularly. That’s how we ensure their practices align with our expectations, and why we’re confident in the way their puppies are raised.
Every puppy comes from a specific breeder we’ve chosen with care, not from a random source behind a shipping label. That kind of traceability matters, especially when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your future dog.
When people ask, “Where do these puppies really come from?” our answer is simple: from trusted breeders who treat their dogs with the same care and respect we’d want for our own.
6. How are the Premier Pups breeders vetted?
Vetting our breeders isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s an ongoing relationship built on trust, transparency, and accountability.
Before we agree to work with any breeder, we take a close look at how their dogs live, everything from the cleanliness of their environment to the way puppies interact with people. We review their practices, collaborate on health and care protocols, and ensure everything aligns with the standards we expect.
But it doesn’t stop there. We don’t just rely on paperwork or promises. We visit our breeders regularly, stay in close contact, and remain involved in how they operate day to day. If something falls short, we address it. And if it can’t be corrected, we walk away.
We believe the best breeders are the ones who love their dogs, understand the responsibility of raising puppies, and never stop trying to do better. That’s who we choose to work with.
7. Does Premier Pups work with USDA-licensed breeders?
Yes. Every Premier Pups breeder is USDA licensed, and that’s a requirement we take seriously.
But licensing alone isn’t enough for us. While it sets a legal baseline for care and facility standards, we go beyond that. We look for breeders who not only meet the USDA’s guidelines, but who also raise their dogs with compassion, structure, and a genuine love for what they do.
That’s why we visit our breeders in person, why we stay involved in their processes, and why we don’t hesitate to end a partnership if their practices don’t align with ours.
The USDA license is a starting point. What matters most to us is the day-to-day reality of how dogs are treated and whether a breeder’s values reflect the kind of care we promise every family.
8. Does Premier Pups visit its breeders in person?
We do and we make a point of staying closely involved.
Visiting in person gives us a clear picture of how each breeder runs their program. We don’t rely on assumptions or surface-level checks. Instead, we walk the property ourselves, observe the dogs, and look closely at the conditions they live in. It’s hands-on, and it’s thorough.
These visits are about maintaining a shared standard. We talk with our breeders directly, review protocols together, and look for ways to improve (not just maintain) every aspect of care.
This kind of regular interaction helps us build real working relationships. And that gives us the confidence to say, without hesitation, that we know where our puppies come from and what kind of life they’ve had before they meet their new families.
9. Why do some people call Premier Pups a broker and how are you different from typical puppy brokers?
The term “broker” often gets used to describe anyone selling puppies online, but it rarely tells the whole story. And in our case, it simply doesn’t fit.
Typical brokers act as middlemen. They buy from breeders they barely know, then pass puppies along without much oversight or involvement. Premier Pups couldn’t be more different.
We don’t just list puppies, we help guide the entire process that brings them into the world. From planning responsible pairings to setting health protocols and providing ongoing support, we work hand-in-hand with our breeders at every stage. The puppies you see on our site come from programs we’ve helped shape, not from strangers.
Once a puppy is ready for adoption, everything else is also managed by our team, from vet checks and travel coordination to customer support and follow-up. So while people may use the word “broker” to describe what they think we do, the reality is something else entirely.
10. Who is the team at Premier Pups, and do they genuinely care about dogs?
Absolutely. Our team is made up of people who care deeply about dogs and bring real experience and knowledge to every part of what we do.
Many of us have worked with animals for years, some in veterinary settings, others in training, transportation, or breeder support. We've built careers around understanding what dogs need to thrive, and we bring that focus to every puppy and every family we work with.
Behind the scenes, our staff plays an active role in shaping care protocols, working with breeders, coordinating safe travel, and overseeing every puppy’s transition from their first home to their forever home. This is a group of people who know these puppies and take real pride in helping them start strong.
And on the customer side, the same care applies. Our adoption specialists guide families through every step, answer questions, offer support after adoption, and stay available after the puppy comes home.
The people behind Premier Pups are here to guide the puppies, protect them, prepare them, and make sure they’re matched with families who will love them as much as we do.
11. Can I visit Premier Pups in person?
Yes, you can, but visits are by appointment only.
Premier Pups is based in Ohio, and families are welcome to come meet their puppy in person if they prefer pickup over delivery. Since the safety and wellbeing of the puppies always come first, visits are structured and scheduled in advance. This allows the team to minimize stress on the puppies and give each family the focused attention they deserve.
Whether you come in person or adopt from a distance, the same level of care, communication, and follow-up applies. But if seeing your puppy face-to-face before adoption feels important, we’re happy to make that happen.
12. Can I contact someone at Premier Pups if I have questions or concerns?
Yes. Our customer care team is made up of real people who know this process inside and out, and we’re here when you need us.
If you have questions about choosing a puppy, understanding delivery options, or navigating your adoption paperwork, we’re available and ready to help. Our knowledgeable team works closely with the rest of the operation, so you’re talking to someone who knows the details and understands the weight of the decision you’re making.
We also stay in touch after adoption to make sure everything is going smoothly. And for everyday topics like feeding, training, or general puppy care, we offer a helpful collection of guides and resources so you always have something to lean on.
Helping puppies find great homes is only part of the job. Supporting the families who love them - that matters just as much to us.
13. Are Premier Pups puppies healthy?
Yes. Every Premier Pups puppy goes through a structured health process to make sure they’re strong, thriving, and ready for adoption.
Health checks begin early and happen multiple times before a puppy ever goes home. Licensed veterinarians examine each puppy regularly, checking weight, hydration, coat and skin condition, joint health, and overall development. These aren’t quick once-overs. They’re detailed health evaluations that happen at key points in the puppy’s growth.
Vaccinations and deworming are kept up to date. Medical records are sent home with every family, so your vet knows exactly what care has already been given.
We stay in contact with our breeders and monitor every puppy’s progress closely. And with our 10-year health guarantee in place, families have extra peace of mind knowing that certain hereditary and congenital conditions are covered for the long term.
Everything we do is designed to make sure your puppy starts life healthy and stays that way.
RELATED: Premier Pups Health Standards
14. What kind of care does my puppy receive before coming home to me?
Your puppy receives daily care that supports healthy development, social confidence, and a smooth transition into family life.
From the start, our breeders follow consistent routines built around feeding, rest, and early interaction. Your puppy grows in a safe, clean environment and is gradually introduced to new sights, sounds, and human handling to help build comfort and adaptability.
We stay involved throughout the process to make sure your puppy is not only well cared for, but also well prepared emotionally and behaviorally for the next chapter. That includes early socialization with littermates, positive exposure to people, and close attention to how they respond to their surroundings.
By the time they’re ready to come home, your puppy has already had the structure, support, and attention needed to begin life with you on the right paw.
RELATED: Premier Pups’ Personal Touch
15. What if health concerns come up after I adopt a Premier Pups puppy?
If a health concern comes up after adoption, we’re here to help.
We know that even with the best care, unexpected issues can sometimes arise. That’s why we stay available during the early transition period to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you take the right next steps. You won’t be left figuring things out on your own.
Every situation is different, but our approach stays the same: clear communication, honest support, and a real commitment to doing what’s right for both the puppy and the family.
16. Why do Premier Pups puppies cost more than other online?
The difference comes down to quality, care, and long-term support.
We don’t cut corners, and we don’t work with high-volume suppliers. Every puppy on our site comes from a carefully chosen breeder who meets high standards for health, ethics, and environment. That level of oversight requires time, expertise, and constant involvement, from planning litters to tracking each puppy’s development.
Before adoption, puppies receive multiple vet checks, stay current on vaccinations, and go home with a comprehensive health record. We also include a 10-year health guarantee and provide support before, during, and after the adoption process.
We understand that lower prices are easy to find online. But when it comes to bringing a puppy into your life, we believe peace of mind, reliable support, and ethical sourcing are worth more, and they’re exactly what we offer.
RELATED: Premier Pups 10-Year Health Guarantee
17. Can I pick up my puppy in person at Premier Pups’ location or have them delivered? What are my options?
Yes, you can choose the option that works best for you.
If you’d like to pick up your puppy in person, we offer scheduled appointments at our location in Johnstown, Ohio. The in-person pickup process is structured and personal and allows families to meet their puppy in a calm, comfortable setting.
For families who live farther away, we offer safe, professional delivery services across the U.S. Our travel team handles every step, whether that means flying with your puppy or driving directly to your door. We take extra care to ensure your puppy travels safely and arrives healthy, clean, and ready to settle in.
Whichever option you choose, the experience is designed to be smooth, transparent, and focused on your puppy’s wellbeing from start to finish.
18. What is included when I adopt a puppy from Premier Pups?
Each adoption includes everything you need to bring your puppy home with confidence.
Your puppy comes with full medical records, including vaccination and deworming history, microchip information, and documentation from licensed veterinarians. You’ll also receive a printed care schedule to guide you through the first few days at home.
A care package is included with each puppy to support the transition. This typically includes a small supply of food, a soft blanket with familiar scents, and a toy to help your puppy feel more secure.
You’ll also get access to Doctor Pup, a trusted online resource for health guidance and early care tips.
And for everyday questions like feeding routines, training advice, or managing common behaviors, you can explore our growing blog library, designed to help families feel informed and confident through every stage of puppyhood.
From travel coordination to post-adoption support, every part of the experience is built to make your first days as smooth and stress-free as possible.
19. Can I trust the puppy photos and information on premierpups.com?
Yes. Everything listed on our site reflects the real puppy right down to the last detail.
Each profile includes current photos and/or short videos taken by our own team, along with up-to-date information like age, weight, estimated adult size, and any personality notes we’ve gathered during care.
If something changes, whether it’s availability, a vet update, or anything that might affect your decision, we update the listing right away. And if you’d like additional documentation, like a birth certificate or lineage record, we’re happy to provide it.
We know how important it is to make an informed choice. That’s why we’re committed to keeping every listing accurate, clear, and current, so the puppy you fall in love with online is the exact puppy who comes home to you.
20. How do you ensure I receive the exact puppy I ordered?
We take that responsibility seriously and we’ve built a system to make sure there’s no confusion.
Every puppy on our site is assigned an internal ID number at the time their photos are taken. That number connects directly to the time-stamped order you place and appears on your receipt. The photo linked to your order matches the specific puppy you chose, down to the smallest detail.
Behind the scenes, that ID stays with your puppy throughout the process, from the moment you reserve them to the day they arrive in your arms. It’s one of the ways we make sure you’re never left guessing, and that your new best friend is exactly the one you fell in love with.
21. What is your adoption process?
The adoption process is designed to be clear, personal, and fully guided from start to finish.
Once you’ve chosen your puppy, click the “Adopt/Reserve” button on their profile to begin. From there, you’ll be guided through a simple step-by-step process that includes selecting your pickup or delivery method based on your zip code, reviewing available travel options, and choosing whether to pay in full or place a deposit to reserve your puppy.
As part of the adoption, you’ll be offered a selection of essential items that support your puppy’s transition, such as preventative care, microchip registration, travel kits, and food continuity.
You’ll also complete a short form with your contact details, confirm your terms, and receive your order confirmation via email. If you're financing your puppy, you'll find clear instructions and easy enrollment options built into the process.
To keep everything simple, we also offer video tutorials on our site that walk you through how to adopt, how to make an offer, and how to finance, so you can follow each step with confidence before and after placing your order.
22. How do I get started?
It all starts with finding the right puppy.
You can browse available puppies by breed type directly on our site. If you're not sure which breed is the best fit, our team is here to help. We’re happy to walk you through different options and talk through what might work best for your lifestyle, home, and experience level.
Once you’ve found a puppy that feels like the right match, just click the “Adopt/Reserve” button on their profile to begin. From there, you’ll be guided through the full adoption process - choosing pickup or delivery, reviewing transition items, and completing the steps to reserve your new companion.
23. What happens after adoption? Do you offer support?
Yes. Once your adoption is confirmed, we stay involved through the entire process to help make sure everything goes smoothly.
Our team coordinates your puppy’s travel or pickup, confirms microchip verification, and prepares all medical documents for your records. You’ll receive updates as we finalize timing and logistics, along with tips to help you prepare for your puppy’s arrival.
After your puppy is home, we continue to offer support for the adjustment period. If you have questions about travel recovery, eating habits, or early behavior, we’re available to help. For general care topics like training, feeding, and development, you’ll also have access to our blog library and Doctor Pup - an online resource with health guidance and early care tips.
We stay connected during the moments that matter and make sure you have the tools and information to feel confident once your puppy is home.
24. What breeds do you offer, and how do you define “designer” puppies?
We offer a wide variety of puppies, including both purebreds and designer mixes, each one chosen with care and raised by breeders who meet our strict standards.
On the purebred side, you’ll find small and mid-sized breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, Havanese, Maltese, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Pug, Mini Aussie, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Our designer breeds include some of the most popular companion puppies today like Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Havapoos, Maltipoos, Pomskies, Morkies, Shih Poos, and Teddy Bear puppies. We also offer mixes like the Aussiechon, Pomachon, Yorkie Chon, Shorkie, Poochon, and more.
By “designer,” we mean a purposeful, health-conscious mix of two defined purebreds carefully selected to achieve balanced temperament, size, and coat traits. These crosses aren’t random hybrids; they’re intentional combinations created to offer traits families commonly want, like hypoallergenic coats, trainability, and affectionate personalities.
Each puppy is unique, but all are raised with the same level of care, and all come from breeders we know, trust, and work with closely.
25. What do other families say about their experience with Premier Pups?
The real story of Premier Pups lives in the homes of the families we’ve helped. Hundreds of them have shared their experiences, not just quick star ratings, but thoughtful updates about what it felt like to bring home their new puppy.
Some families started out unsure. Some had questions about buying a puppy online. Others had tried before with different results. But the message we hear again and again is the one we work for every day: that their puppy arrived healthy and happy, that support was easy to find, and that they felt genuinely cared for along the way.
You’ll find their stories include early adoption notes to follow-ups months (and even years) later. Families talk about the transition home, their puppy’s personality, and how it all came together. And for us, that feedback is more than appreciated, it’s our north star.
Those voices keep us focused on what matters most: doing right by every puppy and every person who chooses us.
Conclusion: Honest Answers, Real Families, and What Makes Premier Pups Different
We know the questions are real, because the stakes are real. Choosing a puppy means trusting a company with your future companion, your peace of mind, and the promise that everything behind the scenes matches what’s being shown.
At Premier Pups, we welcome those questions. We’ve built our entire approach around answering them with transparency, care, and a level of involvement that goes deeper than most expect. From breeder selection to puppy care, customer support, delivery, and long-term health, we stay connected every step of the way. Because that’s what it takes to do this right.
We’re a team that cares deeply about dogs and the families they join. And we work hard to make sure that care is felt from your first click to the moment your puppy is finally home.