Border Collie Breeders | Border Collie Puppies | Taupo, Nz
Policies & Information
We are committed to raising healthy, well-balanced Border Collies and placing them in loving, responsible homes. Please review our policies below.
Interest List/Client database
Information on current and upcoming litters is available on our website, under the 'Puppies' tab.
Applying does not guarantee a puppy.
We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our matching system ensures each puppy is placed in the most suitable home.
Communication
We value reliable and transparent communication. If your circumstances change, or you choose to purchase a puppy elsewhere, please let us know so we can update our database accordingly. Our breeding program relies heavily on accurate data, and maintaining up-to-date client information is essential for responsible litter planning and placement.
Our NO Deposit Policy
To keep families safe from online scams, I do not accept any deposits or 'hold' funds.
Puppies also need to be 8 weeks old, have had their wellness exams and temperament testing before any money is exchanged.
If a litter is not produced or does not meet your preferences, your application automatically rolls over to the next litter.
Puppy Updates, Evaluations, Health Checks & Matching
Birth Announcements & Early Updates
When a litter arrives, a birth announcement is sent to our email database.
From 1 week old, families receive weekly photo and video updates to follow the puppies’ growth and development.
6-Week Puppy meet-and-greet
Approved applicants are invited to meet the puppies in person at our 6-week meet-and-greet.
For families unable to travel, video calls can be arranged so you can still connect with the litter.
7-Week Temperament Evaluations
Each puppy completes a recorded temperament assessment, carried out by our team.
All waitlist families receive links to every evaluation to help you understand each puppy’s individual personality.
7-Week Veterinary Wellness Exam
All puppies attend a comprehensive wellness check with Vet Plus Taupo.
This exam includes:
- Full physical check (eyes, ears, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, joints, abdomen)
- First vaccination
- Microchipping
Puppy Matching Process
After evaluations and vet checks, puppies are thoughtfully matched to families based on temperament, lifestyle, goals, and suitability.
Our priority is ensuring each puppy is placed in the environment where they will thrive both emotionally and physically.
Payment
Full payment is due three business days before collection at 8 weeks.
Visitations
To protect our puppies:
- Visits occur only at 6 weeks for approved applicants.
- Please avoid pet stores, shelters, and dog parks beforehand.
- Shoes must be removed or dipped in a broad-spectrum disinfectant, and hands must be sanitised upon arrival. (Broad-spectrum disinfectant & sanitiser provided).
We are a small, family-run breeder. Our home is cosy, busy, and not set up for tours—we appreciate your understanding.
Final Payment
Payment for your puppy is due three business days prior to pick-up.
Refund Policy
Payments are non-refundable.
You have 3 days after pickup to have your puppy examined by a licensed vet.
If a life-threatening condition (proven to originate from us - the breeder) is found within this window, the puppy may be returned for a full refund.
Transport fees are non-refundable.
Delivery Options
If you cannot collect in person, we can assist with:
Arranging pet bus transportation*
Transport to your nearest airport*
*(Additional fees apply; refer to the transport provider’s policies.)
2-Year Health Guarantee
We take great care to raise healthy, well-bred puppies, and we stand behind the quality of our breeding program. This guarantee outlines what is covered and the steps required to activate and maintain the warranty.
Coverage
This guarantee covers life-threatening congenital defects diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian within two (2) years of the puppy’s collection date.
A congenital defect is defined as a hereditary or structural condition present from birth that will significantly impact the dog’s lifespan or long-term quality of life.
Eg. Severe heart conditions (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis)
Gastrointestinal defects (e.g., portosystemic shunts, achalasia, where the gut is not continuous)
Neurological defects (e.g., severe hydrocephalus, Chiari-like malformation)
Severe cleft palate
Significant skeletal malformations that affect a puppy’s ability to breathe, eat, or thrive.
Activation of Guarantee
To activate this Health Guarantee:
The puppy must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within three (3) days of collection.
Proof of this examination must be provided to the breeder within this timeframe.
If this step is not completed, the Health Guarantee becomes void.
What Is Covered
A full refund of the purchase price will be provided if:
A qualifying, life-threatening congenital defect is diagnosed within two years; and
The initial 3-day veterinary examination was completed and documented.
The puppy does not need to be returned unless mutually agreed upon.
What Is Not Covered
This guarantee does not cover:
Non–life-threatening or cosmetic conditions
Conditions arising from injury, neglect, environmental factors, or accidents
Conditions NOT identified through parental Orivet testing
Parasites, infections, or illnesses that are preventable or treatable
Veterinary bills, emergency care, or treatment costs of any kind
Conditions caused by obesity, malnutrition, over-exercise, or inappropriate care
Normal breed characteristics such as herding behaviour, sensitivities, coat changes, or minor structural variances
Examples include:
Allergies, cancer, arthritis, infections, obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, dental issues, heart disease, UTI issues, GI disorders, epilepsy, orthopaedic conditions, and other non-congenital illnesses.
Conditions that develop after the 2-year period.
Buyer Responsibilities
To maintain this guarantee, buyers must:
- Provide routine vet care, including vaccinations and parasite control
- Maintain a healthy diet and appropriate exercise
- Prevent excessive forced exercise in puppies
- Seek prompt veterinary attention for any health concerns
Failure to meet reasonable standards of care may void the guarantee.
Dewclaws
We keep our puppies’ dewclaws intact.
They assist with grip, balance, climbing, and joint stability. Removal is painful and may contribute to the development of arthritis.
Boarding
Optional boarding is available after the collection day (8 weeks) at $25 per day.
Returns — Must Return Policy
If your puppy can no longer stay with you, we will always take them back.
Refunds are not offered.
Exchanges are only available within the 2-Year Health Guarantee for qualifying congenital defects.
Breeding Rights
All puppies are sold under a strict non-breeding agreement.
Spay & Neuter Policy
Puppies must be desexed no earlier than 24 months.
Early desexing voids the Health Guarantee.
Privacy Policy
We take your privacy seriously.
Information we may collect:
Contact details
Family circumstances
Employment information
Additional details supplied in your application
Information may be shared within the business or with trusted partners (such as PD Pet Insurance, Purina, or Pet Direct) for administrative purposes only.
We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is accurate and secure.
Pine Tree Hill Farms is a brand of Pacific Milk Limited, a proudly New Zealand–owned, GST-registered business.
By submitting a puppy application, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
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