CHEROKEE FLATS SALES & OPERATIONAL POLICIES

Welcome to Cherokee Flats! We are a privately owned breeding farm dedicated to raising healthy, high-quality livestock. To ensure the safety of our family, facility, and animals, all sales, farm visits, and transactions are strictly governed by the mandatory rules outlined below.

1. SPECIES & PURCHASING RULES

  • No Shipping / Transport Policy:

    • WE DO NOT SHIP ANIMALS. NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not ask or assume.

    • Ground Transporters: We do coordinate with approved ground transporters for rabbits and guinea pigs (cavies). Transporter arrangements and fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer and must be confirmed with us in advance.

    • Rats: All rats must be picked up in person at the farm.

  • First-Come, First-Served: All animals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis once listed on our website.

  • Dynamic Pricing: Prices are subject to change as animals develop.

  • Right to Refuse Sale: Cherokee Flats reserves the right to refuse the sale of any animal to anyone, at any time, for any reason.

  • Gift Purchases Prohibited: Cherokee Flats does not sell animals intended as gifts (e.g., Easter, Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries). If you intend to purchase an animal as a gift, do not contact us.

  • Accidental Gender Identification: Despite our best efforts, sexing rabbits under 10 weeks of age can be very difficult. Therefore, we do not guarantee the sex of any rabbit sold under 10 weeks old.

  • Breeder/Show Disclaimer: If purchasing a breeding or show animal, Cherokee Flats does not guarantee that the animal will win any show or produce any offspring.

2. PET-ONLY ANIMAL POLICIES

  • Pet-Only Definition: An animal designated as "Pet Only" cannot be shown or bred, and does not come with pedigree papers.

  • Single-Rabbit Limit for Pet Homes: We do not sell multiple rabbits to pet-only homes. Do not ask for exceptions.

  • Required Documentation: All pet-only purchases require a signed Sales Agreement and a signed Risk Acknowledgment on file before the animal can leave the property. Failure to complete and return these forms prior to your scheduled pickup will result in appointment cancellation and forfeiture of all money paid.

3. PAYMENT, APPOINTMENT & FEE POLICIES

  • Payment in Full Required: ALL animals (Pets, Breeders, and Show animals) must be PAID IN FULL before an appointment time will be scheduled or confirmed. No animal leaves our possession without full payment.

  • Appointment Confirmation: Appointments are available on specific days only due to personal schedules. Your appointment is not confirmed until you receive an official confirmation email from us. All required form fields must be completed or your request will be denied.

  • Respecting Appointment Schedules: We schedule pickup appointments every 30 minutes. When an applicant is late, it throws our entire schedule off for the day. Please respect our time by communicating any changes or rescheduling needs as early as possible.

Fee Structure for Late Arrivals, Cancellations & No-Shows:

  • LATE FEE — $40.00:

    • If you are more than 10 minutes late for your scheduled appointment, you will be charged a $40.00 Late Arrival Fee.

    • This fee is charged EVEN IF you have communicated that you will be more than 10 minutes late.

    • This fee must be paid IN FULL before you can leave the property with the animal(s) you have purchased.

  • RESCHEDULING / CANCELLATION FEE — $50.00:

    • If you communicate a need to reschedule or cancel LESS THAN 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, a $50.00 fee will be charged.

    • An invoice will be issued immediately upon notice and must be paid IMMEDIATELY.

  • NO-SHOW FEE — $150.00:

    • If you fail to show up for your scheduled appointment without prior communication, a $150.00 No-Show Fee will be billed to you immediately.

    • This invoice must be paid within 24 hours of receipt, and you may be placed on our permanent "Do Not Sell To" list.

4. FARM & BIOSECURITY RULES (PRIVATE PROPERTY)

  • No Unannounced Visits: Cherokee Flats is a private residence and farm. Under no circumstances are you to "just show up" unannounced. Unannounced visitors will be asked to leave immediately and make proper arrangements.

  • No Restroom Access: Restrooms are unavailable to customers. Please utilize facilities in neighboring towns (such as gas stations and travel stops in LeRoy, IL or Farmer City, IL) prior to your arrival.

  • Outside Animals & Service Dogs:

    • No outside pets or animals of any kind may be brought onto our property (including being left inside parked vehicles) to protect the biosecurity of our livestock. No exceptions.

    • As a private property, we are not subject to standard ADA requirements; however, legitimate Service Dogs are permitted to exit your vehicle. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are NOT included in this exception and are not permitted on the grounds.

  • Zero-Tolerance Substance Policy: Alcohol and illegal drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited on Cherokee Flats property. Local law enforcement will be notified immediately if any prohibited substances are discovered, and proper legal action will be taken.

5. SURRENDER & REHOMING POLICY

  • No Surrender Facility: Cherokee Flats is a BREEDER and has no obligation or capability to take in unwanted animals.

  • Strict Rejection: If you call asking us to take back or take in an animal (including rabbits purchased for children/Easter), you will be told NO, and the call will immediately end.

6. POLICY UPDATES & GENERAL DISCLAIMER

  • Policy Changes: Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice and will be updated as soon as possible.

*Farm Disclaimer:

Cherokee Flats is a privately owned farm and working family residence. Emergencies can occur, and our hours of operation may change as needed. When you reach out through Email, Text, or Phone, please leave a detailed message. Messages are answered within 2 business days (excluding family emergencies).

Information on The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)