Adopt a Golden Retriever
Welcome a golden into your family forever. Here's everything you need to know about adopting from IDGRR.
Why Adopt?
Adopting from IDGRR means giving a golden a second chance — and getting a lifelong companion who's been thoughtfully prepared for your home.
Save a Life
Every adoption frees a foster home for the next golden in need.
Health-Checked & Ready
Every dog is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and temperament-tested before placement.
Matched to Your Life
We pair you with a golden whose personality, energy, and needs fit your family.
Lifetime Support
Our team stays available for training tips, health questions, and behavior guidance long after adoption day.
What Adopting Looks Like
From your first application to bringing your golden home — here's the full journey.
How it works
Excited about adopting? It usually takes a week or two for your application to get approved. From there, we'll start working with you to find a Golden who might be the best match for your family. Here's how it works:
- Start by reviewing the dogs currently available for adoption and read our adoption requirements.
- Submit a complete adoption application along with the $15 non-refundable application fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your application.
- Our adoption team will review your application, contact your references, and reach out to your veterinarian.
- Once your application is approved, we'll schedule a home visit with one of our volunteers to make sure your home is a safe environment for a Golden.
- Review the Adoption Contract (you'll receive your actual Adoption Contract when you finalize your adoption) so you know what to expect.
- We'll begin matching you with Goldens who fit your family, lifestyle, and preferences.
- You'll be notified when a potential match becomes available, and we'll arrange introductions.
- If everyone — including the dog — is comfortable, we'll move forward toward finalizing the adoption.
From meet-and-greet to forever home
- Meet-and-greets typically happen at the foster home so the dog stays comfortable in a familiar setting. Whole-family attendance (including resident dogs) is encouraged.
- If the meet-and-greet goes well and you'd like to move forward, a $50 non-refundable hold check reserves the dog while you complete the final paperwork. This amount is applied toward your adoption fee.
- You'll sign the Adoption Contract and pay the remaining adoption fee to finalize the adoption.
- Within about four weeks, you'll receive your adoption packet, including the medical records we have on file and the microchip enrollment form to register your Golden's microchip ID.
- After your adoption, stay in touch! We love photos and updates on how our IDGRR alumni and their families are doing — we'd love for you and your family to stay involved with Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue.
IDGRR's Adoption Policy
Here's exactly what we ask of every adopter.
Adoption Policy
- Adoption Application & Screening. Prospective adopters must complete an adoption application and undergo a thorough screening process, including a home visit and interview.
- Adoption Fee. An adoption fee is required, which helps cover the costs of medical care, food, and other expenses incurred while the dog was in our care.
- Adoption Agreement. Adopters must sign an adoption agreement, committing to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for the dog.
- Return Policy. If the adoption doesn't work out for any reason, the dog must be returned to IDGRR. We do not allow placing or transferring the dog with another party.
- Post-Adoption Support. IDGRR offers post-adoption support, including guidance on training, behavior, and health issues. We're here to help you and your new family member succeed.
- Care Requirements. Adopters must agree to provide proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and a safe living environment.
- Microchip & Identification. All dogs are microchipped, and adopters must agree to keep their contact information up-to-date with the microchip registry.
- Right to Reclaim. IDGRR reserves the right to reclaim a dog if the adopter fails to meet the terms of the adoption agreement.
- Financial Responsibility. Adopters are financially responsible for all veterinary care, food, and other expenses related to the dog's care after adoption.
What to Expect
Our $15 non-refundable application fee covers the cost of processing your application. Once approved, the adoption fee covers the essentials. Every dog is temperament-tested before placement, and most adoptions are finalized within 1–2 weeks.
We're committed to finding the best match — not just the fastest placement. Our team will work closely with you throughout the process and provide ongoing support after your adoption is finalized.
Considering fostering instead?
Adoption and fostering use the same application — just choose your interests on the form. Fostering lets you help a golden without the lifelong commitment.