Since 1993, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue has successfully placed over  3,200 Golden Retrievers into new homes throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relying on donations, our supporters, fundraising, and the proceeds of our events and online and on-site retail store, Pap’s Place, for funding.

Our mission is simple: To provide new beginnings for displaced Golden Retrievers.

DVGRR has been recognized for our innovative work in rescuing and rehabilitating puppy mill breeder dogs. The Project Home Life program, implemented in 2009, works with puppy mill survivors to help them transition successfully from the horrors of life in a puppy mill to a normal home life with a loving family.

Learn more about our facility, our staff, and our Board of Directors.

About DVGRROur History

DVGRR’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Robin Adams, began rescue efforts not long after purchasing her first Golden, Emerson, from what she thought was a reputable breeder. In 1986, thinking Emerson’s dominant behavior might improve with another dog, she answered a “free to a good home” ad; however, Emerson would not accept the second Golden, and rather than return him to a life tied in a garage, Robin exhausted her list of friends, family and colleagues until she found an adopter. The rescue effort was born.

The journey began by joining forces with a New Jersey woman who shared her passion and grassroots rescue efforts, and DVGRR was the result. Operating with an excellent foster home model throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, it became obvious that a kennel facility would be integral to ongoing success. By 1999, DVGRR had found loving homes for more than 800 Golden Retrievers, but that same year, we were unable to help more than a dozen dogs – a very frustrating situation. We no longer had enough foster homes to accept relinquished Goldens or provide necessary training and consistent medical care.

In a scary but thrilling step for our non-profit group, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters and members, the Golden Gateway campus became a reality in September 2000, with pledges to a capital campaign that allowed retirement of the mortgage three years later. (We are only one of three Golden Retriever rescue groups across the country with a dedicated facility.) Our beautiful four-acre property with a clean, modern kennel and modest caretaker’s residence has allowed us to say “yes” to every Golden in need since we opened the doors at Golden Gateway.

In the years since then, we’ve made many improvements to our facility (including our on-site veterinary center, opened in 2011) and program, and we are always striving to provide the highest quality service possible to our dogs and our adoptive families.

Our commitment to the welfare of our breed extends beyond our rescue efforts.  A segment of our mission is dedicated to education about responsible companion animal guardianship.  We have been recognized for our efforts with the following awards and achievements:

- Heather Hatt, 2012 Recipient of The Starfish Award from the Golden Retriever Club of America's National Rescue Committee for her work with Project Home Life.

- Robin Adams, 2010 Nonprofit Innovation Awards for Nonprofit Leadership Excellence demonstrating innovation in daily operations.

- DVGRR, 2006 recipient of The Starfish Award from the National Rescue Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America for our service to other Golden Retriever Rescue groups throughout the nation as well as our response to helping with Golden Retrievers displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the hurricanes in Florida.

- DVGRR, 1997 Dog Writer's Association of America Awards:

  • Maxwell Award - Golden Opportunities (4 Maxwell Awards)
  • Certificate of Merit - Grooming Your Golden DVD/Video
  • Certificate of Merit - Golden Lifesaver – Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Newsletter
  • Certificate of Merit - Golden Lifesaver Column Golden Retriever Club of America
  • Certificate of Merit - How to Raise a Well Mannered Dog
  • Certificate of Merit - HOW TO START A RESCUE ORGANIZATION

- Robin Adams, 1995 recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of America Vern Bower Humanitarian Award “for exemplary contributions and selfless devotion to the Golden Retriever.”

- Robin Adams, 1994 recipient of Service Award from the Golden Retriever Club of America.