Do we have dogs available for adoption now? Our Intake numbers have decreased to the point that much of the time we do not have an adoptable dog in foster care. When we do have a dog in foster care who has been cleared for adoption, we work with the families on our waiting list to find the best match possible.
Do we require a fenced yard? No, but we do require that the adopter has a plan for safely pottying and exercising the dog. It typically takes longer to adopt a dog if the applicant does not have a fenced yard because we will only call them on a dog that we feel certain will not run away and therefore will do well in an unfenced home.
Do we require a home visit? Most of the time we do and this is part of becoming an approved home so it must be completed before you are called on a dog. We prefer that the entire family is home for the visit.
Do our dogs stay in foster homes? Most of our dogs stay in foster homes anywhere from one to four weeks. During this time the foster home assesses the dog’s temperament and behavior to help determine the best home for the dog. The dogs are also vetted during this time. Foster homes also work with the dog on basic issues like inside manners, house breaking and leash walking.
How many dogs do we place each year? As mentioned earlier, our intake numbers are declining. In 2016 we took in only 12 dogs and in 2017 only 11 dogs.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog? $500 for puppies up to and including 12 months of age and $400 for adult dogs. Seniors and special needs dogs will be handled on a case by case basis.
How long does it take to adopt a dog? Due to the significant decline in intake numbers, we are no longer able to predict how long any applicant might have to wait to get a dog. We encourage people to, in addition to applying with us, look elsewhere for a dog such as local shelters and other rescue groups. The one thing we can say is the shortest wait is for a senior Golden. If you decide to purchase a puppy, we strongly encourage you to educate yourself as to what is and why you should choose a reputable breeder. You can do this at the Golden Retriever Club of America’s (GRCA) website www.grca.org and that of the local breed club, the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club (EGRC), www.egrc.org. Many breeders charge as much or more for their puppies, especially those labeled as English Cream Goldens, as the EGRC member breeders but they have not obtained health clearances on their adult dogs like the reputable breeders do and this increases your chances of buying a puppy with genetic problems.
Are the dogs spayed or neutered? Yes, virtually all dogs are spayed or neutered before they go to their new home.
I have heard that Golden Retrievers make wonderful pets. How can I learn if a Golden is the right dog for me?
We think Golden’s are the best but they are not the right dog for everyone. Click here, for a good article about the pros and cons of owning a Golden Retriever. We also talk about this on our “How to Adopt” page.
I work so I am gone all day. Does that affect my adopting a dog? Absolutely! We would recommend you get a middle-aged or older dog who will be content to be home, alone for 8-10 hours every day and will not destroy your house in the process. A young dog would not work out well. Even then, they will demand your time and attention when you get home to include a good long walk or romp in the backyard.
If I turn down a dog will that take me off the list? No, unless we feel that a Rescue Golden is not the best choice for you. If your requirements are too specific, we might recommend that you work with a breeder instead. If you do not respond in a timely manner to see a dog and do not communicate with us, then we will not be able to work with you.
Is it OK if my dog is kept outside during the day while I am at work? No, most Golden’s do not like to be outside alone and some will dig and become destructive out of boredom or escape the yard to find someone to be with. It is safer if the dog is inside. If you are worried that they will chew up things inside, confine them to an area or in a crate.
We have children. Does that make a difference? Yes, we do adopt to families with children but we do recommend an older dog with very small children. We also will only place a dog that we know is good with children in a home with children.
What is the application process? Currently, we are not accepting adoption applications. When we do, after we receive your application, we will send you our Dear Applicant letter by e-mail. Within 2-3 weeks of receiving the e-mail, a volunteer will call to interview you in an effort to get to know you and your situation better and what type of dog would work best for you. After that is completed, a home check will be arranged and completed before you will be considered to adopt a dog.
What process occurs in placing a dog? When we have a dog to place, we look for an applicant on our waiting list who is the best match for that dog. We do take into consideration how long an applicant has been on our waiting list but best match is our first consideration.
What vet care has the dog received? Most of our dogs are examined by one of several veterinarians who see most of our dogs and any necessary care is provided. They are surgically sterilized if they are still intact. If the dog was seen within the past 6 months by his previous veterinarian, then it may be determined that he does not need to be seen by a vet. All dogs are updated their vaccinations if needed and prior to adoption.
Where do our dogs come from? Most come from owners who give them up for various reasons, the most common being no time or moving. A small percent come from local shelters.
Where might I have to go to see a dog? We have foster homes all over western Washington state from Olympia to Bellingham, in Seattle and the eastside and on the Peninsula. You might be called on a dog being fostered in any of these locations.
Why do so few come from shelters? Most Golden’s at shelters are adopted directly from the shelter. Since we are a Rescue group, we can only take a dog when requested by the shelter. This typically happens when the dog comes down with Kennel Cough or is showing signs of stress from being at the shelter. Sometimes there is a behavioral issue that the shelter feels we can better deal with. If we learn of a Golden at a shelter, we will refer one of our applicants to the shelter to consider adopting the dog.
Why do we not post most of our available dogs on our website? Since we are fortunate to have a waiting list of people wanting to adopt a dog, we work with these pre-approved adopters first. If we do not have an adopter on our waiting list that we consider to be a good match, then we will post the dog on our webpage or Facebook page or Petfinder and consider people who apply to adopt that particular dog.