Before adoption each dog is fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, heartworm tested, dewormed, a basic blood panel is done, they are microchipped, and bathed or groomed if needed.

By the time a Golden Retriever is adopted from GRRNT, one of our professional veterinarians has indicated that the dog’s health is stable, that the dog is up to date on vaccinations, and the dog has been spayed or neutered. Many times additional tests and treatments are performed on the dogs to ensure stable health. This can include heartworm treatment, dental cleaning, skin treatments, various surgeries and treatments as necessary, behavioral assessments, and additional treatments for any other issue found during their exam or while they are in foster care.

To Surrender A Golden Retriever to GRRNT

Please see instructions for surrendering a dog to GRRNT here: Surrender.

The Adoption Application is designed to give GRRNT information about your family and lifestyle. The more information we have, the better job we can do in finding a dog that should fit well into your home. If you have seen a dog on the Available Now Dogs page of the website that you would like to meet, please let us know on your application. We thoroughly screen all applications in order to find the family best suited for each of our uniquely wonderful dogs so please be prepared for the process to take some time. Keep in mind that we get hundreds of applications every month and we typically get four to five excellent applications for each dog.

Applications expire 4 months from the date submitted.

No.

It is very important to note that simply submitting an application in no way guarantees you a dog. Demand for dogs far exceeds the number we can rescue.

Applications expire 4 months from the date submitted.

Because we thoroughly screen the applications in order to find the families best suited for each of our uniquely wonderful dogs, the process tends to take some time. Typically, the Adoption Coordinator will call or email you within one to two weeks of your application being submitted. The Adoption Coordinator can answer your questions about the adoption process or a particular dog. In some instances, you will be interviewed by phone once your application has been reviewed and accepted.

Applications expire 4 months from the date submitted.

We share your enthusiasm for Golden Retrievers. They are truly loving creatures that deserve equally caring adoptive families and we are eager to facilitate these matches as quickly as possible. Please understand that the process is more art than science. We never know when we’ll receive another Golden Retriever in need of a home and it might take some time to find your perfect match. Also, we have an all-volunteer staff and it can take some time to process your application. On average, our full adoption process generally takes three to four weeks. You can certainly work with other shelters and resources while you are waiting, just please let us know if you should adopt from another organization before we are able to place a dog in your home.

There are several reasons why an adoption application may be declined, including the following:

• You live outside the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area.

  GRRNT does not adopt outside the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, no exceptions.

  As you might have guessed from our name and mission statement, GRRNT focuses on finding forever homes for Golden Retrievers in the North Texas area, more specifically the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex,including Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Arlington, Burleson, Carrollton, Cleburne, Colleyville, Denton, DeSoto, Flower Mound, Garland, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Benbrook, Mansfield, Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Forest Hill, Terrell, Waxahachie, Ennis, and others. Because of the large quantity of highly qualified potential adopters in our area, we do not adopt outside of North Texas.

  If you are outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we would encourage you to search out a Golden Retriever rescue that serves your local area. You can find a listing by state at this link GRCA National Rescue Committee. GRCA National Rescue Committee website.

  We also encourage you to check your local animal shelter, the SPCA, or Petfinder.com. There are many excellent rescues and shelters across the country and there is likely one that serves your specific area.

• You have children under the age of 5. We do not adopt Goldens to families with children under the age of five.
• You have never owned a dog. Golden Retrievers are sensitive, high-energy dogs that often require an experienced owner. Also, never owning a dog makes it impossible for us to get a favorable vet check, which is a policy requirement. Because of the large number of applicants we receive, our fosters tend to gravitate to current or recent dog owners that can provide a favorable vet report.
• You own a dog that is not neutered/spayed. GRRNT does not adopt to homes with intact (not spayed or neutered) dogs. As a rescue organization, GRRNT supports the community efforts to reduce the enormous number of unwanted, homeless, dogs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We agree with Humane Societys, SPCA shelters, and many local city ordinances, which require dogs to be spayed and neutered. As such our policies require all dogs adopted from GRRNT, and all dogs living in adoptive homes with a GRRNT dog, must be spayed or neutered. While we understand some pet owners have reasons for not altering their dogs, it is our long standing policy to not adopt GRRNT dogs into homes with an intact dog.
• You don’t have a fenced in yard

The rescued dogs in our program are all inside dogs, but must have daily exercise. For their safety a physically fenced yard is required. We do not accept underground fencing, or open fencing such as wire strand barbed wire. Wood board or metal pole fencing must have mesh fencing attached sufficient to prevent dogs from going through the fence.

• You live in an apartment/condo/townhome/duplex. We do not adopt to homes in an apartment/condo/townhome/duplex. Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need space. They do best in homes with a fenced yard. We do not accept underground fencing, or open fencing such as wire strand barbed wire. Wood board or metal pole fencing must have mesh fencing attached sufficient to prevent dogs from going through the fence.
• You do not want an inside dog. Goldens typically do not make good outside dogs. Because of that, we do not adopt our Goldens to homes that will keep the dog outside a majority of the time.
• Your lifestyle does not fit a Golden’s needs. People who travel frequently, live in transient home situations (i.e., with several roommates) or who we feel cannot give a Golden the attention they need are not good candidates for adoption.
• Your vet check was unsatisfactory.

We require a 2 year minimum vet history, including an annual exam by a vet, vaccinations, and monthly heartworm prevention. (If your dog is less than 2 years old or you have owned the dog for less than 2 years, then proof of current vaccines and heartworm prevention are required.)

• You did not list a vet on your application for your previous or current dog, or you haven’t owned a dog in the last 5 years, therefore, we are unable to complete a vet check.
If we are unable to do a vet reference, with you personally listed as owner/responsible party, or because you have not owned a dog within the last 5 years, then we cannot approve the application. We require a 2 year minimum vet history, including an annual exam by a vet, vaccinations, and monthly heartworm prevention on your current or previous dog.

If you have received a rejection email, but would like more information, please contact us at adopt@goldenretrievers.org.

Please make sure that you've submitted an application and received a notice stating "pending a home visit, you meet our preliminary criteria as a potential GRRNT adopter", prior to coming to the Meet & Greet.

Most foster families want to meet potential adopters in person at a Meet & Greet, which is one of the reasons we encourage you to attend. At Meet & Greets, you can meet the dogs and see which dog might fit your family.

When you arrive, please check in at the front table and pick up a numbered card, then go and visit with the dogs and their foster parents that are present. Your card number will be called out when it is your turn to speak with the Adoption Coordinator. The Adoption Coordinator will visit with you briefly to discuss what type of dog you are looking for, and which dogs might be a good fit for your family. You can also let her know if you met a dog you especially liked.

While many of our potential adopters look first at puppies or young adult dogs, it is not uncommon for them to fall in love at first sight with a Golden Oldie, a dog older than eight years of age – simply because the charming nature of mature Golden Retrievers is virtually irresistible. Click here to learn more about Golden Oldies.

No; since we only have a short history with the dogs we take in, we cannot recommend any for therapy or service purposes. While some of our dogs have gone on to be very successful service dogs, we do not as an organization recommend a particular dog for this purpose as we are not professionally trained to do so.

If you have seen a dog on the Available Dogs page of the website that you would like to meet, let us know by filling out the Adoption Application and indicate that dog’s name on your application. Please realize that we are continually working with other applicants and therefore, that particular dog is likely being considered by other applicants. For that reason we strongly encourage you to attend an upcoming Meet & Greet so you can meet more of our dogs and become more acquainted with our foster families.

Adopting a Golden from GRRNT is a commitment to treat the dog like a member of your family for the dog’s lifetime. Loving and gentle, Golden Retrievers tend to crave attention, a condition that is often heightened with rescued animals. Their desire to become an integral part of your family would, by itself, place them in the “high maintenance” category, without even considering their extensive exercise needs, the sensitive skin typically associated with this breed, and the immense amount of hair that Goldens lovingly share as they shed throughout the year. Read more about Goldens before making this commitment to make sure this breed is right for you.

The foster family makes the decision as to which family they feel will be best for that dog. We believe that the foster families know their foster dogs better than any other person, and that is why the foster family has the final decision on the FOREVER home for their foster dog. It is not uncommon for an applicant to attend several Meet & Greets before they get matched up with a dog. You will find our process less frustrating if you understand in advance that we cannot guarantee that you will be adopting the first dog you are interested in.

Available Soon dogs are typically undergoing some type of medical treatment. When their medical treatment is complete, they will move to Available Now, signaling that they are now ready for adoption. Dogs that are undergoing medical treatment are typically not shown at Meet & Greets until they are medically cleared. That being said, if there is a dog that you are interested in on the Available Soon list, please feel free to mention the dog by name on your Adoption Application.

Please email us at adopt@goldenretrievers.org

We only adopt to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area

GRRNT does not adopt outside the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, no exceptions.

As you might have guessed from our name and mission statement, GRRNT focuses on finding forever homes for Golden Retrievers in the North Texas area, more specifically the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex,including Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Arlington, Burleson, Carrollton, Cleburne, Colleyville, Denton, DeSoto, Flower Mound, Garland, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Benbrook, Mansfield, Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Forest Hill, Terrell, Waxahachie, Ennis, and others. Because of the large quantity of highly qualified potential adopters in our area, we do not adopt outside of North Texas. If you are outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we would encourage you to search out a Golden Retriever rescue that serves your local area. You can find a listing by state at this link GRCA National Rescue Committee. We also encourage you to check your local animal shelter, the SPCA, or Petfinder.com. There are many excellent rescues and shelters across the country and there is likely one that serves your specific area.

• I do not live inside your adoption area.

  GRRNT does not adopt outside the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, NO exceptions.

  GRRNT focuses on finding forever homes for Golden Retrievers in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. You may be able to find a Golden Retriever rescue group in your area by visiting the GRCA National Rescue Committee website.

As you might have guessed from our name and mission statement, GRRNT focuses on finding forever homes for Golden Retrievers in the North Texas area, more specifically the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW), including Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Arlington, Burleson, Carrollton, Cleburne, Colleyville, Denton, DeSoto, Flower Mound, Garland, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Benbrook, Mansfield, Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Forest Hill, Terrell, Waxahachie, Ennis, and others. Because of the large quantity of highly qualified potential adopters in our area, we do not adopt outside of North Texas. If you are outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, we would encourage you to search out a Golden Retriever rescue that serves your local area. You can find a listing by state at this link GRCA National Rescue Committee. We also encourage you to check your local animal shelter, the SPCA, or Petfinder.com. There are many excellent rescues and shelters across the country and there is likely one that serves your specific area.

• I have a child under the age of 5? We do not adopt to families with children under age 5.

This is because Goldens are typically large, active dogs and may inadvertently bump into or knock down small children. More importantly, these dogs are rescues and we do not have background information or history on the majority of our dogs, so we don't know if they have experience with small children or know how they will behave around them. Our purpose is to make sure our dogs are successful in their new homes, therefore we exercise caution for the safety of smaller children, and in our dogs best interests, we will not adopt to famiiles with children under 5 years old. We understand and appreciate that this is not the response you were hoping to receive.

• I don’t have a fenced in yard?

Generally, yes. The rescued dogs in our program are all inside dogs, but must have daily exercise. For their safety a physically fenced yard is required. We do not accept underground fencing, or open fencing such as wire strand barbed wire. Wood board or metal pole fencing must have mesh fencing attached sufficient to prevent dogs from going through the fence.

• I live in an apartment/condo/townhome/duplex.

We do not adopt to homes in an apartment/condo/townhome/duplex. While all our Goldens are indoor dogs, they do require a lot of daily exercise and time to enjoy the outdoors. They do best in homes with a physically fenced yard. We do not accept underground fencing, or open fencing such as wire strand barbed wire. Wood board or metal pole fencing must have mesh fencing attached sufficient to prevent dogs from going through the fence.

• I rent instead of own my dwelling?

No; just make sure that you get written permission from your landlord and proof of your pet deposit, if required by landlord, and then forward that information on to the Adoption Coordinator.

• My vet check was unsatisfactory.

We require a 2 year minimum vet history, including an annual exam by a vet, vaccinations, and monthly heartworm prevention. (If your dog is less than 2 years old or you have owned the dog for less than 2 years, then proof of current vaccines and heartworm prevention are required.)

• You did not list a vet on your application for your previous or current dog, therefore, we are unable to complete a vet check; or you haven’t owned a dog in the last 5 years.

If we are unable to do a vet reference, with you personally listed as owner/responsible party, or because you have not owned a dog within the last 5 years, we cannot approve the application. We require a 2 year minimum vet history, including an annual exam by a vet, vaccinations, and monthly heartworm prevention on your current or previous dog.

If there is a problem with the adoption, please contact the Adoption Coordinator and discuss the issue. Many times there are growing pains when integrating a new dog into the home. Check out this link for some useful tips for the first 30 days after bringing a new dog home. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the foster family or Foster Coordinator as they can be great resources to help ensure the adoption is successful. Many great friendships have started between foster families and adopters.

If it is determined that the dog wasn't a good fit, the Adoption Coordinator will facilitate the transfer of the dog back to GRRNT. Under no circumstances should you give the dog to someone else, release the dog to another rescue, or release the dog to a shelter. Even after adoption, GRRNT retains a life-long interest in the dog, and resumes ownership if the adopter violates the Terms and Conditions of Adoption or is unable to keep the dog for any reason.

Please also know that returning a dog doesn't mean you will lose your chance to adopt from GRRNT. Sometimes what seems like a perfect fit just doesn't work out. In those situations, GRRNT may work with you to identify a new dog that would be a better fit in your home. Contact the Adoption Coordinator to discuss your options.