Are you eligible to adopt?

If you haven't already done so, please be certain to read how to complete the application process to be approved to adopt.   

1.    Provide a fenced-in area large enough to safely exercise the dog, not as a place for the dog to live. (Applicants who are apartment/condo residents, who do not have fenced yards, may apply for an exemption from this requirement.*) ONLY Goldens six years and older MAY be considered for placement in homes without physical fencing. To learn more about why we require a fenced yard, please click here.

To satisfy DVGRR's requirements the fence must be:

• Securely constructed with a fence height of 4 feet (5 feet or higher is preferred). Lower fences will exclude certain dogs. Hedgerows are not considered appropriate barriers.
• Have lockable gates.
• Fenced areas directly accessible from the house are preferred.

2.    Agree to keep the dogs safely on leash at all times when not in a fenced-in area. This requirement applies to all adoptive homes, including those who receive an exemption from the fenced yard requirement. To learn more about the reasons for our leash policy, please click here.

3.    Abide by the terms of the DVGRR Adoption Contract and the following additional rules to protect the dog from danger:

• a.    Rescue Goldens may not be let outdoors when no one is at home.
• b.    All dog doors must be locked when the owner is absent.
• c.    If the rescue Golden will have access to a swimming pool:
• i.    The pool must have steps leading OUT of the pool; ladders are not acceptable exit points.
• ii.    The pool must have an "elephant proof" cover which fits snugly to the edge.

4.    Agree to accompany the dog through a group or individual obedience class within 90 days of adoption and provide a certificate of attendance to DVGRR. This requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis.

5.    All children in the home must be age six or older. In addition, dogs from other shelters or rescues will not be adopted to homes with children under ten. DVGRR does not accept exemption requests regarding children under six years old in the family. Our goal is to maximize the chances of success for every adoption, and our experience has shown that this is best accomplished when all children in the family are six and older. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both our rescue dogs and our adoptive families. To learn more about our child policy, please click here.

DVGRR "Invisible or Hidden" Fence Systems Policy (12/01/2012)

DVGRR will not approve any type of invisible or hidden fence system for first-time DVGRR adopters. Previous DVGRR adopters with this type of containment unit may be grandfathered under the previous policy and be considered for another DVGRR Golden. DVGRR will take these situations under consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Our reasons for this: It has become apparent to DVGRR that the majority of dogs that come through our program are not appropriate candidates for an Invisible Fence® or hidden fence system. (Again, previous DVGRR adopters with this type of containment may be grandfathered in under the old policy.)

*DVGRR Fence Exemption Request:

Exemption requests from first-time dog owners will not be considered.

If you cannot meet the fence eligibility requirements, then in most cases, we cannot proceed with your application. However, we recognize that there may be exceptional applicants whose circumstances do not completely fit within our guidelines.

To request a fence exemption, your application must include a detailed statement describing your circumstances, lifestyle, previous dog ownership, and how you plan to safely exercise and manage an adopted Golden Retriever, while still complying with our Terms and Conditions of Adoption. (Space for that statement is provided on our application form.) WE WILL PLACE ONLY DOGS THAT ARE SIX YEARS AND OLDER, ARE LESS ACTIVE, AND WE FEEL CAN BE SAFELY PLACED WITH A PHYSICAL FENCE EXEMPTION.

If your exemption request is accepted, and if you meet all other eligibility requirements, we will contact you to schedule a home visit.

Please carefully follow the steps outlined on our "How do I adopt?" page to learn more about the adoption process.