We struggled with whether to ship puppies for a long while, and had a "we do not ship" policy until recently.

Why?  First, we believe that it places stress on the puppy, and, in fact, on us.  Since flights can be cancelled, changed, or delayed, it's a truly  worrisome time.  Most airlines have regulations that prohibit shipment when the temperature is over 85 degrees F, which happens quite a bit in our part of the country.  So, it can present a serious challenge. 

Second, we very much want to meet the person or people who are promising to provide an excellent home for one of our puppies.  Meeting the folks, looking into their eyes, shaking their hands and watching their excitement when they pick up their new puppy to take it home are all experiences we do not want to miss.

We have placed puppies as far as east as Vermont and as far west as Washington state.  Some of these folks chose to fly in and take home their puppy in the cabin of the aircraft.  This can be less expensive than shipping a puppy (especially for folks who are using up frequent flier miles) and keeps the puppy in the hands of a loving, dedicated person. 

We have found, however, that there may be situations where shipping is best for the pup, if the folks are going to provide a very high quality, working / performance opportunity.  So, we are willing to ship puppies to folks who have extensive experience with the breed, are currently competing in performance events and plan to do so with the puppy.  If you are interested in a DarnFar Border Collie and meet those requirements and would like to have a puppy shipped to you, please let us know on your application.  Shipping fees vary by carrier, but are around $220.  The carrier is around $50.  Health Certificate is $35 and our travel cost to the airport is $40.  So, it will cost approximately an additional $325 to ship the pup.

Because the chance for the temperature to be above the top limit for air cargo travel in summer - which makes it a real challenge to schedule the flight - WE WILL NOT SHIP A PUPPY during the months of JUNE, JULY and AUGUST.  Our schedule is too busy to attempt to keep open possible ship dates during those months, waiting on a day when the temperature is below 85 and we are available to travel to the airport and the puppy buyer is available to receive the puppy.

If you are interested in flying in to get your DarnFar puppy, the nearest airport is in St. Louis, MO, which is just about 75 miles (all interstate drive) away.  Usually, about 25-40% of our puppies are placed with folks who choose to fly in and get their puppy.  They all report that the experience went very smoothly.  For a travel fee to cover fuel, if necessary, we can bring the puppy to the airport to meet you, so that you don't have to rent a car and come out to the ranch.  But, we enjoy letting folks meet their puppy's parents and litter mates.