Thank you for taking the time to submit the adoption application for a Golden Retriever. NGRR screens all applicants thoroughly so we have a lengthy application which we will review with you both on the phone and in person before we will consider placing a Golden in your household.

Please be aware that:

1. NGRR Obligation—We cannot and do not guarantee a Golden for every applicant. We look for the Golden with the best match to your requirements as shown on your application and follow up reviews. However, if your requirements are too narrow regarding behavior, compatibility with your children or other pets, etc., it will delay or may eliminate you from getting a Golden from us. Applications with the least restrictions on behavior, age, compatibility, etc., and who meet our requirements, stand the best chance of adopting a Golden sooner. Conversely, purposely submitting an application that does not accurately represent your real needs can only result in a bad outcome (wrong dog, then unhappy dog and family) so we strongly recommend that your application represents your real needs.

2. AGE-- Nearly all of the dogs we rescue are older than 18 months; we rarely have puppies. However, our number one request from applicants is to adopt a Golden under 18 months. So, if you specify only a dog under 18 months, it could delay your adopting a Golden from us. If you do not wish to broaden your age requirements, we recommend you contact a reputable breeder by going to the NORCAL Golden Retriever Club by clicking on Links on the menu at the top of the page.

3. RESPONSIBILITY--We require adopters to be fully committed to the ongoing health and welfare of the dog, including regular vet checkups, inoculations, etc. We prefer that the new Owner not leave the dog alone for long periods during the day, regularly exercise the dog, socialize the dog with other people and other dogs, and train the dog in the obedience basics (sit, stay, down, leave it, not pulling on the leash, etc.)

4. YARDS and ENCLOSURES—NGRR does not require applicants to have a yard; but we do require assurances that the dog will be walked or exercised during the day. We do require that any outside areas of your household used by the dog (yards, terraces, balconies) to be secure and safely enclosed to prevent the dog from leaving.

5. HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT—We require that all members of the household support this application.

6. APPLICATION PROCESS- Following your application submittal, the Area Coordinator in your area will contact you by phone to review it. If this goes well, we will set up a home visit by one of our volunteers. The volunteer will review all the items on your application to assure complete clarity and understanding. If this goes well, you will then be an approved applicant, and we will actively be looking for the best match for your household. When your Area Coordinator finds a potential match, he/she will set up a time for you and your household to see the dog. Typically this means you have to drive to the dog’s location. If this goes well, then you can sign our Adoption contract, pay the fee, and adopt the dog.

7. DOG LIST—The list you see on our Available Dog page only shows dogs we choose to put on this page. There are typically more dogs who may not be available right now, or where we don’t have a current picture, etc., that are not on this page. So don’t defer submitting your application just because you don’t see a perfect match for you on our Available Dog list.

8. VACANT COUNTY—If you are in a county where we have no representatives, (as indicated from the Area dropdown menu), but you are very interested in adopting from us, please complete the application and submit it. You will get an auto response that the Area is vacant, but you will be contacted by our Vacant Area Coordinator who will do an initial phone interview and then try to arrange for one of our volunteers to travel outside their area do a home visit.

Please DO NOT contact or send applications to Area Coordinators outside of your home Area, or send multiple applications to different Areas. It will delay your application, and puts an undue burden on our people trying to figure out who you are, what Area you live in, who has your application, which of our volunteers will be working with you, etc.. Work only with the Area Coordinator in your home area or the Vacant Area Coordinator.

If you would like to adopt a Golden Retriever, you need the name, phone number and/or e-mail address of the area coordinator nearest your Northern California home. You can do this by selecting your county and clicking this button.

Also see the NGRR Areas and Cities Table to determine which NGRR area you are in

• You can ask your area coordinator to mail an application form.
• You may submit an Online Adoption Application which will be e-mailed to the area coordinator for the area in which you live.
• You can print the Printable Adoption Application, fill it out and mail it to the address on the back of the application. It will then be forwarded to the area coordinator in your area.

$350.00

Donations help us pay for vaccinations and any other medical treatment for the Goldens that are surrendered to us. Donations may be adjusted for very senior or special needs Goldens.