Why We Do Not Allow In‑Person Visits by Visitors Wanting to Meet Puppies

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential puppy families is “can I come meet the puppies?”  or “when can we come pick out our puppy?”

As much as we would love to host in person visits, we are unable to do so for a few very important reasons. For us, the well-being of our dogs and family will always come before convenience or curiosity. While we understand the excitement families feel when preparing to welcome a new puppy into their lives, protecting our dogs and family is our top priority.

One of the things we pride ourselves on is that we are a family-owned kennel. We run it as a husband and wife team, with our children being heavily involved in the upbringing of the puppies. We believe this adds a more personal touch to our program and the puppies we produce. Additionally, our dogs live in our home with our family. They are not simply animals that live in kennels and litters are produced and left in a whelping area for the entirety of their 8 weeks with us.

It goes without saying that puppies and their mothers are very are very vulnerable in the days and weeks after whelping, and unnecessary stress or exposure to outside germs can be extremely harmful during this critical period. What many people don’t realize is that even the most well-meaning visitor can unintentionally carry in bacteria or viruses on their hands, shoes, or clothing that could jeopardize the health of the entire litter. Beyond the health concerns, frequent visitors can also cause anxiety for the mother dog, which directly impacts her ability to care for her puppies.

That being said we’d like to elaborate on the key reasons that our answer is “No” to this question time and time again and provide some supporting examples for why we make this our policy. In the following sections, we’ll outline the primary reasons why in-person visits are not permitted, explain how this policy safeguards both puppies and families, and share the alternative ways we help our families connect with their future companions before go-home day.

1. Protecting the Puppies' Health

Puppies—especially those under 12 weeks—are incredibly vulnerable. Their immune systems are still developing, making even common pathogens dangerous. An innocent visit can expose a litter to:

• Parvovirus, which can linger in environments and be brought in unknowingly,

• Respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, or other contagious illnesses that could severely harm or even be fatal to them.

By not allowing in person visits, we maintain a sterile, controlled environment, ensuring our puppies receive the healthiest start possible in life—with every precaution taken.

A few examples:

• A Mississippi Cockapoo breeder shared a compelling and detailed explanation on their website, warning about Parvo outbreaks linked to visitors:

  • They reported learning of breeders who "lost upwards of 15 or more puppies after having a visitor … unknowingly…brought disease into their kennel"

  • The breeder emphasized how Parvo is incredibly virulent and often fatal to puppies, and can be carried on the soles of shoes. The virus can survive under snow for months, making even indirect exposure a serious risk.

• Canine Cupids, a canine rescue, highlighted a specific case:

  • A collie breeder lost an entire litter of five-week-old puppies (eight pups total), plus three adult breeding dogs and one juvenile, after a Parvo infection swept through the kennel—despite full veterinary care.

  • Losses were not limited to puppies but extended across ages and stages, showing how rapidly and destructively Parvo can spread once introduced.

2. Ensuring the Safety of Our Family and Premises

Sadly, these days, disclosing your residence—even to committed dog lovers—can carry serious risks. Here are several true, sobering examples:

• Murder and puppy theft in ColoradoPaul Peavey, a 57‑year‑old Doberman breeder, was found shot to death at his home near Idaho Springs in August 2024. Twelve of his puppies—high-priced European Dobermans often worth thousands each—were stolen from his property during the homicide. Authorities quickly arrested a suspect, and the case starkly illustrates how breeder safety can be gravely compromised when location information is exposed. The puppies were microchipped and their disappearance became central to the ongoing investigation.The SunPeople.com+1The Guardian

• Warning from fellow breeders

  Commenters and fellow breeders online warned that "I do know some breeders who will no longer let people come to their house. They'll meet people in the local parking lots"—highlighting a shift to safer, neutral meeting spots.Inside Edition

• Missouri—Breeder Murder Used to Abduct a Baby

  In a frightening turn of events, Bobbie Jo Stinnett, who bred Rat Terriers from her home in Skidmore, Missouri, was murdered by a stranger she invited to look at puppies. The attacker, using an alias, kidnapped Stinnett’s unborn baby during the visit. The incident remains one of the most notorious true-crime cases involving a breeder.Wikipedia

• Kansas—Poodle Breeder Found Murdered

  According to community-sourced accounts, Lori Heimer, a 57‑year‑old poodle breeder from near Assaria, Kansas, was found dead in her home in 2016. She had an appointment scheduled for a puppy showing that day—and her business listing included her address. Her body showed signs of a brutal murder, though no motive has been publicly confirmed, and it's unknown whether any puppies went missing. The case remains unresolved.Reddit

These alarming incidents—ranging from theft to lethal violence—underscore why we do not allow unsupervised visits to our home or kennel. Even with the best intentions, risk is ever-present.

3. How We Still Let You "Meet" Your Future Cane Corso

Not allowing physical visits doesn’t mean you’re shut out of getting to know your puppy. In fact, we go above and beyond with personalized, safe alternatives:

• High‑quality photos and videos, updated frequently, so you can watch each puppy grow and develop.

• Video Chat, We try to video chat with you as many times as necessary to help you

  make the best choice possible.

• Temperament-based guidance—we observe each pup’s personality and can match you with one whose disposition fits your household: social and playful, confident and watchful, or easygoing and relaxed.

• One-on-one communication to answer all your questions, share progress, and assist with the decision-making process.

• Health updates and milestones, such as weight, activity level, and developmental notes.

• Vet records and inoculation details, providing transparency and peace of mind.

4. Putting It All Together

Why we don’t allow visits: because the health of the puppies and the safety of our family, home, and property—and yours—must always come first.

Real-world examples show breeders have faced robbery, assault, and even murder, simply by opening up their home to people they trusted.

But we still want you to connect: through photos, video, video chats, detailed temperament feedback, and personalized support, we help ensure you find—and feel confident with—the perfect puppy for your life.

A Final Word from Vae Victis Cane Corso

Our guiding principle is simple: intelligent protection equals responsible breeding. We warmly welcome interested families—we want our puppies in loving, committed homes—but we do so in ways that safeguard everyone involved. We believe in being transparent and supportive, while also placing safety front and center.