Smith Lake Pups

Raising Happy, Healthy Puppies

— One Family at a Time!

Our Story

Smith Lake Pups began with a love for family, dogs, and doing things the right way. More than 15 years ago, my dad, Darrell, and I started raising puppies together, guided by a simple belief: puppies deserve to be raised with intention, patience, and plenty of love. What began as a shared passion has grown into something deeply meaningful for our entire family.

Today, Smith Lake Pups is truly a family-run home. With the support of my husband, Blake, and our two boys — who have grown up right alongside our puppies — every dog is raised in a warm, hands-on environment filled with daily care, socialization, and attention. Our puppies aren’t just part of our work; they’re part of our life.

Over the years, we’ve been honored to place puppies into loving homes all across the country. While each goodbye is a little bittersweet, knowing our puppies are bringing joy, comfort, and unconditional love to their forever families makes it all worthwhile.

This is more than breeding to us — it’s a family tradition built on trust, dedication, and heart. Thank you for visting our site and taking the time to learn a little more about Smith Lake Pups!

Our Story

Pricing Information

I’ve always believed that bringing a puppy into your family should feel joyful and exciting — not stressful. I do my very best to keep our pricing fair, competitive, and as affordable as possible, while still providing the level of care, health support, and hands-on love that every Smith Lake puppy deserves. My goal is simple: to offer wonderful puppies at an honest price and make the experience a positive one for everyone involved.

To reserve a puppy, a $200 deposit is required. This deposit goes toward the total price of your puppy and allows me to mark them as reserved just for you. Deposits can be sent via Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, or PayPal, whichever is most convenient for you. The remaining balance is due in cash at the time of puppy pickup.

Until a deposit is received, all puppies remain available. While a deposit may feel like a big step, it helps ensure that both you and I are equally committed — you to welcoming a new family member, and me to giving you the very best experience possible.

On rare occasions, and with prior notification, we reserve the right to return a deposit for any reason. Your puppy’s well-being and the right fit for both puppy and family always come first.

If you ever have questions about pricing, deposits, or the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out via telephone at 1-205-275-2436 or email at smithlakepup@gmail.com. I’m always happy to walk you through everything and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Pricing

Wait Times

I know that adding a puppy to your family is a big decision, and many families hope to plan around special moments like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. While Smith Lake Pups does not maintain a formal waiting list, I truly do my best to accommodate timing requests whenever possible. With that, it can be very difficult to track requests months in advance. So please communicate regularly if you have paid a deposit for a future date puppy. I appreciate your understanding as I work to give every family the same thoughtful attention and care.

One of the questions I hear most often is, “How long will we need to wait for our puppy?” The good news is that once a puppy is posted on the site, reservations are open right away. From there, each puppy completes their veterinary examination and final checks before being cleared to go home. Most puppies are ready for pickup around 8 to 10 weeks of age, and availability typically moves quickly once reservations open.

Once your deposit has been received, you can rest easy knowing I’ll do everything I can to make sure your puppy goes home at the earliest available and appropriate time. My priority is always the health, readiness, and well-being of each puppy — and making sure their transition into your family is a happy one.

If you have questions or need help planning, I’m always happy to talk things through.

Pick-Ups and Deliveries

Bringing your puppy home is such an exciting moment, and I want that experience to feel easy, comfortable, and joyful for every family. To help make that possible, we offer both in-person pickup and delivery options, depending on what works best for you.

For families who need delivery, I’m happy to share that we’ve partnered with a trusted and experienced puppy transportation company that truly treats our puppies with care and kindness. Whether you choose ground transport or a flight nanny option, you can rest assured your puppy will be safe, comfortable, and well cared for every step of the way.

That said, I absolutely love when families are able to pick up their puppy in person. Darrell and I always enjoy welcoming you to Smith Lake Pups and sharing this special moment together. Our home is located at 558 County Road 12, Arley, Alabama 35541, in north-central Alabama, near the beautiful Smith Lake area. We’re tucked into a quiet, peaceful setting — a calm place for puppies to begin their journey before heading off to their forever homes.

For those traveling from out of town, we’re within reasonable driving distance of several well-known airports and cities. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about an hour to an hour away, Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is roughly an hour and a half, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately two and a half hours north. If you’re driving, we’re about an hour northwest of Birmingham and an hour and a half southwest of Huntsville. No matter which direction you’re coming from, the majority of the drive is on easy, well-traveled highways.

When schedules allow, we may also be able to meet families up to two hours from our home, depending on timing and circumstances. Just reach out and we can talk through what might work best.

I believe pickup day should feel personal and unrushed. I like having time to answer your questions, go over helpful information, and make sure you feel confident and excited as you take your puppy home. Please plan for at least 30 minutes on your pickup day so we can enjoy that time together.

For the final balance, we kindly ask that payment be made in cash at pickup, which can be handed directly to me or Darrell on the day you bring your puppy home.

And if it’s been a while since you’ve had a puppy — or if this is your very first one — you’re not alone. I encourage you to continue reading through this page for helpful tips and resources to help you prepare. I’m always here to support you before, during, and after your puppy joins your family.

Pick-Up/Delivery

Tips From Our Home to Yours

When our puppies travel home with their forever families, more often than not they’re heading out on a big adventure — sometimes across several states by car or even by plane. Over the years, we’ve been so lucky to hear back from families about just how well their puppies did during travel, often surprising them with how calm, curious, and resilient they were.

I know how long you’ve waited for this day, and I want every part of it — from planning your trip to holding your puppy for the very first time — to feel exciting, peaceful, and memorable in all the best ways. With just a little preparation, travel day can be a wonderful beginning to your life together.

Below, you’ll find helpful guidance based on how you plan to pick up your puppy. Think of this as a gentle checklist and a bit of reassurance from someone who truly cares about both you and your puppy.

Many of our puppies travel home by car, often on longer drives — and they usually do great. Puppies are typically very excited on pickup day, meeting new people and experiencing lots of new sights and smells. That excitement often leads to a long, cozy nap once they’re settled in the car.

A few thoughtful tips can help make the drive even smoother:

Plan to stop periodically so you can check on your puppy and offer a little water
Keep the car comfortably cool with good airflow
Bring paper towels and a spare towel, just in case of motion sickness

Most puppies relax quickly and sleep for much of the ride. A calm environment, gentle voices, and patience go a long way.

Every family handles this a little differently, and that’s okay. Some prefer to hold their puppy wrapped in a towel during the drive, while others feel more comfortable using a travel carrier or crate. Because we keep puppies active and engaged on pickup day, most are pleasantly tired and end up sleeping much of the way home.

For long-term use, I recommend a 24” L x 18” W x 19” H wire crate — it’s a one-time purchase your puppy won’t outgrow. Placing a washable towel inside is helpful, especially since mild motion sickness is very common in young puppies.

I’ll be sharing a Puppy Supply List with my favorite items and details about your puppy’s current diet. Many families find it helpful to review ahead of time as a checklist. None of these items are mandatory, but these little touches can make a big difference and help your puppy feel secure.

For travel day specifically, I recommend bringing:

A small bowl and water bottle for breaks
Puppy pads and paper towels
A clean towel or blanket
A small toy for comfort

Young puppies can easily pick up parasites from public spaces, even without direct contact with other animals. During travel, please be cautious at rest stops, gas stations, and other public areas.

Avoid grassy areas, standing water, or places where other dogs may have been. Puppy pads are a great solution — if your puppy needs a potty break, placing a pad in the back of your vehicle or on a clean pavement area helps keep them safe while still meeting their needs.

Yes, motion sickness is very common in puppies and usually improves with time.

To help minimize your puppy experiencing nausea:

Avoid feeding your puppy during travel
Keep the vehicle cool and well-ventilated
If using a crate, position it facing forward if possible

If your drive is especially long (over 8 hours), a very small amount of food may be appropriate to prevent low blood sugar. Mild nausea is generally easier on a puppy than an empty stomach — trust your instincts and take it slow.

Some families choose to fly in and out on the same day, while others prefer to stay overnight nearby. If your schedule allows, an overnight stay often makes the experience feel more relaxed — but I completely understand busy schedules and travel budgets.

If you do plan to fly in and out the same day, I strongly encourage allowing extra time between arrival and departure flights. A generous buffer helps avoid stress and gives you time to enjoy this special moment without feeling rushed.

A few important things to keep in mind:

Please consider purchasing travel insurance, as pickup dates are always dependent on your puppy passing their final veterinary exam
Airline requirements vary and may include USDA documentation, proof of age, and vaccination records
Your puppy will be fully vet-checked and up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and you’ll receive a vaccination record for both airline use and your puppy’s first vet visit

If you have questions about airline policies, I’m always happy to help you think through the details.

I know there’s a lot to think about, and that’s completely normal. Please remember that I’m always here to help — before, during, and after pickup day. My goal is for this to be a joyful, confidence-filled experience and a beautiful beginning for both you and your puppy.

Frequent Questions

To reserve a puppy, simply fill out the Puppy Request Form by clicking the “Request Me” button on the puppy’s profile. This lets me know which puppy has caught your heart and helps me connect with you directly.

Once I receive your request, I’ll be in touch as soon as I can to answer questions, go over next steps, and help guide you through the reservation process. My name is Holly, and I truly love what I do — I promise the wait won’t be too long!

Once you’ve submitted the Puppy Request Form, keep an eye out for a text message from me, Holly. I’ll reach out as soon as I can so we can talk through next steps, answer any questions you may have, and go over how to submit your deposit.

Once your deposit is received, your puppy is officially reserved just for you. From there, your puppy will continue receiving loving care until their final veterinary check. After our vet gives the all-clear, we’ll schedule pickup on the next available pickup date, and your puppy will be ready to begin their journey home.

I’m here every step of the way and so excited to help you prepare for this special day.

Puppies are picked up directly from Smith Lake Pups, located at 558 County Road 12, Arley, Alabama 35541, in beautiful north-central Alabama near Smith Lake. My father Darrell and I love welcoming families here when possible and sharing this special moment together.

For families who are traveling or unable to pick up in person, we’re also happy to help coordinate delivery options through trusted transportation partners. If you have questions about pickup or delivery, I’m always here to help you explore what works best for your family.

Once you’ve chosen your puppy, we’ll work together to schedule a pickup time that works well for both you and Smith Lake Pups. Pickup day is such a special moment, and I want it to feel relaxed, exciting, and memorable.

On pickup day, your puppy will typically be 8 to 10 weeks old. Each puppy develops at their own pace, so readiness is always based on maturity and final veterinary approval to ensure they’re truly ready for their new family.

Darrell and I are so excited to meet you! We love capturing those first moments with your new puppy — and while he may admit photography isn’t his strong suit, my two boys have become pretty much professionals after more than 15 years of puppy days. 😊

During your visit, I’ll take time to walk you through everything you need to know to help your puppy settle in comfortably. We’ll go over:

What to expect at your first veterinary visit
Grooming recommendations
Feeding and crate training tips
Details about our Health Guarantee
And yes — a few treats for the ride home

I want you to leave feeling confident, supported, and excited about the journey ahead.

You’ll also receive your puppy’s Vaccination Record, which includes all age-appropriate vaccinations, any deworming medications given, and the dates they were administered. This record is meant to be shared with your veterinarian at your puppy’s first appointment so they can guide you on next steps for continued care.

Pickup day is truly the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, and I’m honored to be part of it with you.

Yes. For families who need delivery, I’m happy to share that we’ve partnered with a trusted and experienced puppy transportation company that truly treats our puppies with care and kindness. Whether you choose ground transport or a flight nanny option, you can rest assured your puppy will be safe, comfortable, and well cared for every step of the way.

When schedules allow, we may also be able to meet families up to two hours from our home, depending on timing and circumstances. Just reach out and we can talk through what might work best.

Smith Lake Pups is a privately owned, family-run home, and our puppies are raised right alongside our daily lives. While we completely understand the desire to visit and meet puppies in advance, it simply isn’t possible for us to accommodate home visits due to the number of requests we receive and my responsibilities as a full-time mom, wife, and caregiver to our dogs.

That said, when puppies are available and we are actively doing puppy pickups, families are absolutely welcome at that time. We truly enjoy meeting you and sharing that special moment when you take your puppy home.

To help you feel comfortable and confident along the way, we offer plenty of photos and videos, and when schedules allow, we’re happy to arrange FaceTime calls so you can see our puppies and their environment firsthand. Transparency and trust are incredibly important to us, and we want you to feel pleased and reassured about the care your future family member is receiving.

Once you’ve reserved your puppy, I promise to keep you updated with regular text messages and photos, so you can watch your puppy grow and feel connected every step of the way until you finally meet them in person.

At Smith Lake Pups, our primary focus is raising puppies to be loving family companions, and we take great care in placing each puppy into the right home. For that reason, we do not knowingly sell our puppies for breeding purposes.

In rare circumstances, we may consider breeding rights, but only after thoughtful discussion and additional steps. This includes the ability for Darrell or myself to visit your home, along with providing strong veterinary references. These measures help us ensure that our puppies would continue to receive the same level of care, responsibility, and commitment that we believe in so deeply.

Our goal is always to protect the health, well-being, and future of every puppy we raise. If you have questions or feel your situation may be a good fit, I’m always happy to have an open and honest conversation.

Yes, we do, and on pickup day, you’ll receive your puppy’s Vaccination Record, which clearly outlines all age-appropriate vaccinations your puppy has received, along with the dates they were administered. This record will also note any deworming medications your puppy has been given while in our care.

The Vaccination Record is meant to be shared with your veterinarian at your puppy’s first appointment. From there, your vet will guide you through the remaining vaccination schedule and any additional care needed to keep your puppy healthy and thriving.

I want you to feel confident and prepared as you take this next step, and I’m always happy to answer questions or help you understand what to expect as your puppy continues their care journey.

At Smith Lake Pups, the health and well-being of our puppies always come first. Our health guarantee is one more way we stand behind the care, intention, and love that goes into raising each puppy. From thoughtful breeding practices to veterinary oversight and daily hands-on care, we do everything we can to give every puppy the healthiest possible start.

We believe families should feel confident and supported when welcoming a new puppy into their home. Our health guarantee is designed to offer peace of mind and reassurance as your puppy transitions into their new life with you.

Specific details and terms of the health guarantee will be provided at a later time and are fully outlined in your purchase agreement. If you ever have questions along the way, I’m always happy to talk things through and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the journey.

Travel Tips

Questions

Smith Lake Pups

Our Story

Pricing Information

Wait Times

Pick-Ups and Deliveries

Tips From Our Home to Yours

Frequent Questions

How Do I Reserve a Puppy?

Puppy Request Form was Submitted, Now what?

Where are Puppies Picked Up?

What Can I Expect on Pick-Up Day?

What supplies will I need before pickup?

Are there Delivery Options Available?

Is Visiting & Seeing Our Puppies an Option?

Do you Sell Breeding Rights & Placements?

Do you provide vaccines to your puppies?

Do the Puppies come with Health Guarantees?