Know more before you welcome a puppy home. Explore our breeder standards, veterinary care, health information, and the resources available to help your family prepare.
An informed beginning
A clearer picture of puppy care in Merrillville
Choosing a puppy brings questions about care, background, and everyday life together. At Petland Merrillville, our Pet Counselors receive periodic training and help families learn about pets and their needs. We serve Merrillville, Hobart, and surrounding communities with pet-care education that supports informed decisions.
Use this page to explore our published policies and follow the links to the details behind them.
Get to know Petland Merrillville. Read more about Petland’s approach in Why Choose Petland.
Where our puppies begin
What we look for in licensed breeders
Our Petland Cares page explains that we purchase puppies from licensed, inspected breeders with no violations on their previous two years of inspection reports. Our breeder information describes requirements for housing, socialization, exercise, and veterinary involvement.
- Safe, comfortable housing with room to move
- Frequent socialization and exercise
- A state-issued health certification
- A consulting veterinarian and written medical records
Review our breeder requirements and our local care commitments. For national background, visit Petland’s Our Breeders page.
Health and daily attention
How care continues while puppies are with us
Our consulting veterinarians examine new arrivals, provide regular preventive care, and oversee in-store healthcare protocols. Puppies also receive a free follow-up veterinary visit with their new family.
Our Petland Cares page states that puppy health records are available on request and puppies are current on vaccination and deworming protocols. Ask to review the information for the puppy you are considering.
Our puppy-care program includes daily weighing, grooming, exercise, and socialization with adults and children. We also provide high-quality food as part of the routine described on our company page.
Learn about the wider animal-care approach at Petland Cares.
Support beyond the store
Tools for the first days and the years ahead
Our AKC program page describes lifetime AKC Reunite microchip enrollment and access to the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. The helpline connects owners with live trainers for personalized, positive-reinforcement training guidance.
- Microchip enrollment that links your puppy’s ID to your contact information
- Training support for questions about behavior and everyday routines
- A Pets for a Lifetime Resources Kit with links to online training videos
Explore AKC Reunite and GoodDog! support and what goes home with a puppy. Find broader context in Where Families Find Their Pets.
Planning for puppy parenthood
Understand the options before making a decision
Our financing page outlines Petland Credit Card options for qualified buyers. Credit offers are subject to approval, and minimum payments are required for each credit plan.
Review the current offer and written terms when considering how a puppy fits your household budget. Our published puppy benefits also include an extended warranty; ask to review the current written coverage and requirements.
Resources for puppy owners
Read more about the questions that matter to your family
Read the resource →
ResearchA Closer Look at Common Puppy QuestionsRead the resource →
Breeder educationUnderstanding Canine Care CertifiedRead the resource →
Health backgroundWhy OFA Certification MattersRead the resource →
Family preparationFinding Your Family’s Next CompanionRead the resource →
Frequently asked questions
Details to review before bringing a puppy home
Where does Petland Merrillville get its puppies?
Our local care page describes sourcing from licensed, inspected breeders with no violations on their previous two years of inspection reports. Our breeder page explains the care requirements in more detail.
Are puppies checked by a veterinarian?
Yes. Our FAQ states that puppies are veterinarian checked before arriving and while in our care. Our veterinary care page also describes examinations, preventive care, and a free follow-up visit with the new family.
Can I ask to see a puppy’s health records?
Yes. Our Petland Cares page states that puppy health records are available on request. Review the records for the puppy you are considering and discuss any questions with our team.
What microchip and training support is included?
Our AKC program page lists lifetime AKC Reunite microchip enrollment and access to the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. The helpline provides personalized advice from live trainers using positive reinforcement.
Does Petland Merrillville offer financing?
Yes. Our financing page describes credit options for qualified buyers, subject to credit approval. Review the current lender terms and required payments before applying.
Where can I find more answers about bringing a puppy home?
Our store FAQs cover puppy sourcing, registration, microchipping, and the transition home. Our company page also outlines the puppy-care program and the resources provided to families.
Continue the conversation
Get to know the people behind your puppy’s care
Explore our company information and bring your questions about puppy care, health records, and the resources available to your family.
