Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. To read the A’s to frequently asked Q’s, simply click on the toggle [+] and the answer will reveal itself. And, if you have a question that was not answered, please feel free to reach out to us via phone, text, or email. Our contact information is located here.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About Bokee Farm
Where is Bokee Farm located?
We’re located on Pine Island, a barrier island off the coast of Cape Coral in Southwest Florida.
What breeds do you specialize in?
We specialize in AKC Chihuahuas, AKC Miniature Dachshunds bred mindfully for health, temperament, and confirmation.
How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised in our home and on our tropical farm and homestead with daily love, socialization, sunshine, fresh air and exposure to household sounds. We use a holistic approach—including high-quality nutrition, early neurological stimulation, and natural wellness support.
Do you health test your parent dogs?
Yes! All breeding dogs are DNA and health-tested to ensure we produce happy, healthy puppies for life. There is an art and science to responsible breeding. We use our DNA results to pair the best parents together to make beautiful and healthy puppies for you! We use Embark for DNA testing and our repro vet examines every parent dog head to toe prior to breeding.
NOTE: We do not certify our parent dogs with OFA PennHIP unless the dog is going out to show. Please do your due diligence and research on the dog breed you are considering along with the potential health issues within the breed.
Puppy Reservations & Process
How much do your puppies cost?
Pricing is for pet only, limited AKC registration with spay/neuter agreement at the appropriate age for the breed. Chihuahua puppies: $2500-$5500, Mini Dachshund puppies: $2500-$4500. Prices will vary depending on sex, color, coat, confirmation, bloodlines, etc.
NOTE: The pricing listed here is a guideline only, pups are priced individually.
What do you look for when picking new owners for your puppies?
Our objective as responsible breeders is to place our puppies in the best possible homes. We want to be comfortable that our puppy is going to a loving home who can afford to take care it’s needs and care. Some of the criteria we look for:
- Have you ever owned the breed before?
- Do you have children? If so, what ages?
- What other pets do you have in the household?
- What size home and yard would the puppy have to use and enjoy? Is your yard fenced?
- What type of training and socialization do you have planned?
- Are you aware of the potential medical costs associated with breed related issues?
How can I reserve a puppy?
A non-refundable holding fee secures your place on our waitlist or reserves a specific puppy. The balance is due at pickup. We accept several forms of payment for your convenience on deposits. You can learn more about our waitlist process by clicking here.
When can my puppy go home?
Puppies are ready for their forever homes between 8–10 weeks of age, depending on breed, weight, and individual development.
Can I visit the farm or meet the puppies in person?
We love meeting future puppy parents, however we are not open to the public. For the safety of our dogs and puppies, visits are by appointment only and typically occur once puppies have received their first set of vaccines.
Do you offer delivery or transport?
No shipping / in-person pickup only. You must come to Bokee Farm and pick up your puppy up in person. The closest airport to us is in Fort Myers (RSW).
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, Zelle, and select electronic transfers. Balances must be paid in full before or at the time your puppy leaves our care. We do not accept personal checks or electronic payments at pickup.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
While we do not offer traditional financing, we occasionally allow split payments before pickup for pre-approved families. Your puppy must be paid in full by 8 weeks of age.
Policies & Guarantees
How do I know that you’re legitimate and not a scam artist?
Sadly we have heard some horror stories from our puppy owners about scam artists. We have our website, a presence on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. We also have testimonials with photos here on our website.
We are always happy to answer quick questions via email/text/messenger, however we (Lisa specifically) prefer to talk on the phone. Please understand that we are busy most times tending to our dogs and farm, so if I don’t have time to talk when you call, we can set up a time to connect. Once the puppies are born, we like to do a video chat so you can see the puppies and I can see you!
Are puppy deposits refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances — except in the rare event that the specific puppy passes away before pick up. Deposits hold your place on our waitlist or secure a chosen puppy and are deducted from your total purchase price. If a planned litter doesn’t take place, your deposit will transfer to another upcoming litter of your choice.
NOTE: There are two instances in which a deposit would be returned:
- If, within 24 months of your deposit date, we are unable to provide a puppy for you due to lack of breeding.
- If, after careful consideration, we determine that you/your lifestyle/your living situation may not be the optimal fit for a Bokee Farm pup. It’s important to know that this decision is not a personal judgment, but rather our commitment to ensuring the well-being and thriving of our beloved puppies remains our top priority
What if I can’t pick my puppy up at 8 weeks old?
Depending on the breed, puppies are ready to go home around 8 weeks of age unless otherwise arranged. If your puppy remains at Bokee Farm beyond the pick up date, a $15 daily boarding fee applies unless we have a written agreement for an alternate pickup schedule.
What happens if I can no longer keep my puppy?
If life circumstances change, we ask that you contact us first. Per our contract, all Bokee Farm puppies must be returned to us or rehomed through our assistance. This ensures none of our puppies ever end up in shelters, rescues, or unsafe environments. We are committed to their lifelong wellbeing.
What kind of health guarantee do you offer?
We guarantee every puppy to be in good health at the time of sale. Each puppy goes home with a Florida Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian. We also provide a 12-month genetic health guarantee. Should a genetic defect be diagnosed by a licensed vet or specialist within that time AND our experts agree with the diagnosis, we will replace your puppy with one from a future litter or you can return the pup to us and we will refund your money for the purchase price of your pup.
There is a process for activating the puppy health guarantee. This is not you calling, emailing or texting us that your pup has a health issue and we give you a refund or replacement puppy. We require you to send written and/or visual proof of diagnosis signed and on company letterhead from a licensed vet or specialist to us. Once we receive the information, we will then forward it to our team of experts. What happens next depends on what our team of vets and specialists guide us to do.
Note: Each Bokee Farm breed has it’s own puppy sales contract which clearly explains exactly what is and what is not covered in our health guarantee.
Registration & Breeding
Do you offer breeding rights?
No, we do not. However, on very rare occasion we will allow breeding rights to be purchased on certain puppies. This is a decision we make once we know more about you, your breeding program, and if you are planning on showing the puppy, etc.
Can I breed my Bokee Farm puppy?
No. All puppies are sold as pets with limited AKC registration unless breeding rights are specifically granted.
What is the difference between limited and full AKC registration?
- Limited Registration: Pet only — cannot be bred or shown in conformation.
Full Registration: Breeding/show rights granted by Bokee Farm (by approval only).
All of our puppies are sold with limited AKC registration to loving pet homes.
Do you ever have retired adults available?
Yes! We retire adults from our breeding program. These dogs are fully vetted, socialized, and make wonderful companions. Follow us on social media or reach out directly to join our retired dog waitlist.
Puppy Care & Preparation
What comes with my puppy?
Each puppy goes home with:
- AKC registration paperwork
- Florida health certificate
- Health guarantee
- Up-to-date vaccinations & deworming
- Puppy starter bag (food, treats, toys)
- Lifetime breeder support
Why must I send photo and/or video updates of my puppy every 3 months?
At Bokee Farm, we deeply care about every puppy we produce — for life. To keep your health guarantee active, we require that you send photo or video updates of your puppy AT LEAST every 3 months for the first year. This allows us to:
Monitor your puppy’s growth and development
Offer support or advice if we notice anything concerning
Ensure that every Bokee Farm puppy continues to thrive in a loving home
You can send updates via snail mail, text or email using the contact information provided in your Puppy Sales Contract. You’ll receive a copy of that contract when you pick up your puppy.
This ongoing connection helps us maintain the integrity of our breeding program — and it’s one of the many ways we stay committed to our puppies and their families long after they leave the farm.
What food are your puppies eating?
All Bokee Farm puppies are started on a premium puppy food chosen for each breed’s needs. We’ll include a sample bag with your puppy starter kit.
Note: If you decide to change food, transition gradually to avoid tummy upset.
What supplies should I have ready before bringing my puppy home?
We provide a detailed “Puppy Prep List” to help you get ready! Essentials include a crate, food and water bowls, harness and leash, bedding, toys, and puppy-safe cleaning supplies. We are working on getting an Amazon storefront up online showcasing many of the items we use and recommend.
Are your puppies microchipped?
No, we do not microchip puppies 8 weeks and younger. We highly recommend microchipping your puppy at your first vet visit for peace of mind and safety so long as your puppy is big enough to handle the needle size needed for a microchip installation. Speak to your vet about it and go from there.
How often should my puppy go to the vet?
Your new puppy should visit your vet within 72 hours of coming home for a wellness exam to activate your health guarantee, then follow a regular vaccination and wellness schedule set by your veterinarian.
NOTE: It is strongly advised for you to schedule the vet appointment before the pup goes home with you to ensure you can get the puppy seen in time to activate the health guarantee.
Will my puppy be crate trained or potty trained?
Our puppies begin early potty training on pads and crate introduction before going home. However, consistency and patience are key! Each family should expect to continue training once home.
Community & Events
Do you show your dogs or participate in AKC events?
We currently have a few Chihuahuas in the show ring earning their championships. When possible we purchase parent dogs with champion bloodlines and do our best to ensure that each one of our dogs are proper examples of the AKC breed standard and in great health.
How do I join the Bokee Farm Owners community?
Families who adopt a Bokee Farm puppy are invited to join our private Facebook group, where we share updates, milestones, and tips. It’s also a great place to stay in touch and see litter siblings group.
NOTE: This group is ONLY for Bokee Farm puppy owners and those who have placed a deposit down on a pup. Please be sure to answer the questions, We will not approve a request from anyone who hasn’t answered the required group questions.