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# Reserving from a breeder: applications and deposits

A reservation can hold a place in an upcoming group or record a deposit on a specific animal. Read the page carefully because timing, matching, and release terms differ.

## Reserve from an upcoming group

A breeder can accept applications for a planned litter, hatch, or other group before every animal has a separate profile. Under **Reservation interest**, the choices may include:

- **Interest** tells the breeder you would like to be considered, without a reservation deposit.
- **Priority** can require a deposit after acceptance.
- **Specific match** concerns a particular animal or agreed match and can require a deposit after acceptance.

Choose an offered option, answer the questions, and select **Submit application**. Applying does not guarantee an animal. If the breeder charges an application fee, the page shows it separately; it is not a deposit and is not credited toward the sale price.

![Group application showing Reservation interest choices](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/364/010/a42/e243b.png)

After acceptance, **Place deposit** appears for an eligible reservation when the breeder has opened reservations. Review the terms before paying.

## Pay a private deposit on one animal

A breeder can send a private link for a specific animal that is not publicly listed. Open the link, review the animal, amount, refund terms, and release timing, then sign in or create an account to pay. Do not forward the link. The first eligible person to claim it can become the buyer.

When the balance becomes due, the invoice applies your deposit toward the price. Follow the remaining payment and handoff instructions; a deposit alone does not complete the sale.

## Read deposit terms before payment

A deposit is part of the purchase price, not an extra fee. Read the refund and deposit-holding terms shown on the reservation page before paying. A private animal deposit is held until handoff. Ask the breeder or support if any payment summary conflicts with the stated policy.

If a reservation changes, use its recorded actions while funds are still held. Do not assume a new in-app case can always be opened after money has already been released. Keep the terms, messages, and payment on Creatures, and contact support promptly when the available action does not match the situation.

### Related information

- [Buyer applications: what they are and how to apply](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/buyer-applications-what-they-are-and-how-to-apply-1657ujc/)
- [Applying to a breeder's program: waitlists and offers](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/applying-to-a-breeders-program-waitlists-and-offers-1y2z17j/)
- [How buying works: payments, held funds, and protection](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/how-buying-works-payments-held-funds-and-protection-dnwy7i/)