Due to the circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that is allowing families to be home and looking to adopt a dog, we are seeing a dramatic influx in adoption applications. Currently, the adoption application approval process may take up to 4 weeks. Our Adoption Team is continuing to work with approved adopters to make potential matches with the dogs currently in our program; however, no on-site adoption appointments will be scheduled until the stay-at-home and social distancing directives have been lifted.
“Most people have no idea the value of adopting a dog from Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. It was the smartest thing I have done in a lifetime of pet parenting. Mickey has been a perfect match and I am forever grateful to Dennis and the folks at DVGRR.” — Parke Rouse, Philadelphia
Our adoption policies and procedures are in place for a reason, and our adoption requirements are non-negotiable.
Please do not apply to adopt if:
- You want a particular dog that is not suitable for the ages of the children in your home. We evaluate suitability on a dog-by-dog basis. Each dog’s description includes if he/she is or is not recommended for a home with younger children.
- You want a dog that requires a physical fence and you do not have one. As with child age requirements, we will evaluate the requirement about a physical fence or underground fencing on a dog-by-dog basis. UNDERGROUND/INVISIBLE FENCING IS NOT A PHYSICAL FENCE. We will NOT bend on this parameter.
- You intend to have the dog outside unattended or kept as an “outside dog.” (Pennsylvania Dog Laws require that dogs be leashed when not in a contained area. Further, many of our dogs are strays and, thus, are proven “runners.”)
Please understand that if may take several months in order to find a dog that is a suitable match for your household and situation. We’re dedicated to match the right dog with the right family! Thank you for your understanding.
NOTE: There is a $35.00 non-refundable processing fee which you will be prompted to remit after successful submission of your online application. This payment must be received before your application will be reviewed. If your application is declined or if you withdraw your application for any reason, your processing fee will not be refunded.
Also: We are located in Reinholds, PA (approx. 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia) and while we do not require adopters to be Pennsylvania residents, we do require that all family members (and any existing family dogs) come to Golden Gateway for the adoption meeting. We do not ship dogs.