Located in Roaring River, NC, just over an hour north of Hickory, Healthy Pups is a family-owned, USDA standard, government-inspected breeding nursery for puppies since 1982. We are not a broker, a pet store, or a middleman. We are the breeder, and every puppy on our website was born and raised in our state-of-the-art quarantine facility. 

Why Choose Healthy Pups

At Healthy Pups, our approach to breeding is built on over 40 years of hands-on experience with the same group of dogs, and our focus has always been on prevention through better genetics, proper vaccination protocols, and honest ownership education.

Here is what sets us apart from other options in Catawba County:

• We are the actual breeder. You can visit our nursery, see where your puppy was born, learn its true genetics and history, and know you are not buying from a cleverly disguised broker.
• Quarantine-raised puppies. Our puppies are raised in a strict quarantine environment within our $1,000,000+ facility to protect them from viruses, parasites, and diseases before they go home with you.
• Vaccinations already started. Every puppy leaves with at least two Nobivac vaccines already administered, and puppies that remain in our care receive up to five or six vaccines through the puppy shot schedule.
• Written health warranty. We provide a detailed warranty with every puppy, including a guarantee of no pre-purchase viral exposures and no unexpected vet bills at your initial exam.
• Preventative ownership education. We gladly share our experience to help lower your long-term ownership costs, reduce initial vet bills, and increase the life expectancy of your puppy.
• 24-hour help line. Questions do not stop when business hours end, so neither does our support.

Designer Dog Breeds Available 

We specialize in Hickory designer dogs and hybrid mixes bred with diverse genetics for better mental health, physical health, and wonderful personalities. Our experience shows that mixes tend to be healthier, easier to train, more consistently affectionate, and more intelligent than many purebred alternatives. We also carry select purebreds, but we encourage families to consider the benefits of designer breeds and hybrid vigor.

Breeds and mixes frequently available or in upcoming litters include:

• Maltipoo
• Cavapoo
• Mini and Toy Goldendoodle
• Yorkiepoo
• Shichon (Teddy Bear)
• Morkiepoo
• Schnoodle
• Bichpoo
• Shihpoo
• Havapoo
• Aussiedoodle
• Frenchton
• Puggle and Fruggle
• Pekeapoo and Pompoo

Availability changes frequently, and all puppies listed on our website are available. We update the site immediately after each sale so no one falls in love with a puppy they cannot have. Browse our current puppies online or call (336) 957-3609 to discuss which breed might be the best fit for your family.

How to Visit from Hickory, NC

The drive from Hickory to our nursery in Roaring River, NC, takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes heading north through the Foothills. We are open six days per week for puppy pickups and viewings, and we welcome visitors by appointment. Call ahead to let us know which puppies interest you, and we will have them bathed and ready for your visit.

Planning Your Visit

1. Browse our available puppies online. Watch the videos posted on our website and take note of any puppies that catch your eye. Prices are listed below each video.
2. Call us to schedule your visit. Reach us at (336) 957-3609 to set an appointment. If you can let us know your favorites ahead of time, we can prepare everything before you arrive.
3. Consider a video chat first. We offer Facetime, Google Duo, and Facebook Messenger video calls so you can see puppies up close before making the drive. This is a great way to narrow down your choice from home.
4. Reserve your puppy with a deposit. A $208 deposit secures any puppy and holds it until you are ready to pick up. Pay nothing else until you come.

If making the drive is not possible, we also work with courier services and flight nannies who can deliver your puppy to your door or meet you at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Delivery services are coordinated and paid directly between you and the courier.

What to Expect When You Bring Your Puppy Home

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and knowing what to expect makes the transition smoother. Our puppies have already begun crate training in our nursery, giving them a head start on house training. We send each puppy home with a small bag of their current food, vaccination records, health warranty paperwork, and care instructions.

We recommend that Hickory families keep the following in mind during the first week:

• Keep your puppy on the same food for at least the first few weeks to avoid digestive upset
• Set up a wire crate as your puppy's safe space and continue the crate training routine
• Give your puppy quiet time with food and water to adjust to the new environment
• Schedule a wellness visit with your local veterinarian and bring the vaccination records we provide
• Avoid fuzzy or rope toys that can cause coughing; a Nylabone is a safe choice

For more detailed guidance, our complete guide to housebreaking your designer breed puppy covers everything you need to know about establishing a solid routine at home. And remember, our 24-hour help line is always available if questions come up during the adjustment period.

Protecting Yourself from Puppy Scams

Families searching for furniture city pets and Catawba County puppies online should know that many listings are not what they appear. Healthy Pups receives calls every day from people who sent deposits to fake sellers or bought puppies from disguised brokers, only to face unexpected vet bills.

Here is how to protect yourself:

• Visit the breeder in person or via video chat. If a seller will not let you see where the puppies are raised, that is a significant concern.
• Ask about quarantine and vaccination records. Puppies raised without proper quarantine protocols are far more likely to develop costly health issues.
• Read the warranty carefully. Many broker warranties require monthly insurance payments, expensive supplement purchases, or other ongoing costs that void your coverage if you stop paying.
• Buy directly from the breeder. When you buy from Healthy Pups, you are buying from the person who actually raised your puppy, knows its true history, and stands behind it with an honest warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Healthy Pups from Hickory, NC?

Our nursery in Roaring River, NC, is approximately one hour and 15 minutes north of Hickory. The drive takes you through scenic Foothills country, and we are open six days per week by appointment. We also offer video chat options for families who want to see puppies before making the trip.

Do you deliver puppies to the Hickory area?

Yes. We work with trusted courier services that can deliver your puppy to your home or meet you at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Delivery fees are paid directly to the courier. Call us for referrals to services that other families have used successfully.

What makes your puppies different from other Hickory puppy breeders?

We raise every puppy in a USDA standard, government-inspected quarantine nursery. Our puppies are vaccinated on schedule, bred with diverse genetics for better health and temperament, and backed by an honest written warranty. We are the breeder, not a broker, and we have been in business since 1982.

How do I reserve a puppy?

You can reserve any available puppy with a $208 deposit. The puppy will be held for you until you are ready to pick up, and you pay nothing else until then. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Can I see the puppies before I visit?

Absolutely. We encourage families to watch the puppy videos on our website and then schedule a Facetime, Google Duo, or Facebook Messenger video chat to see your favorites up close. This way, your puppy can be bathed and ready when you arrive for pickup.

Find Your New Best Friend Today

Families across Hickory and Catawba County have trusted Healthy Pups for decades because we combine experienced breeding, quarantine care, and honest education that no broker can match. Whether you want a playful Maltipoo, a gentle Cavapoo, or a smart Mini Goldendoodle, we are here to help you find the right fit.

Contact us today to schedule a video chat, ask questions about available puppies, or plan your visit.