Golden Retriever Rescue of WI, Inc. (GRRoW) is licensed, based and operated in the State of Wisconsin.
Our primary mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of Golden Retrievers in Wisconsin.
We match our Goldens in foster care to each applicant based on criteria noted on your application and home visit report. It is very easy to fall in love with a picture or a story but that may not truly match what you are looking for in a dog. For this reason, we do not allow potential adopters to select the dog they would like to apply for. We appreciate your understanding of this policy and hope that we can assist you in adopting a Golden through our process.
Before you decide to adopt…
Before you decide to adopt, take a minute to consider your options and assess what type of dog would fit your family and your lifestyle. By doing so, you'll ensure a successful outcome for yourself and your potential dog. Note: The wait time for a dog could be from 6 months to 1 year.What Golden Fits Your Lifestyle?
Determine if the Golden Retriever is the right breed of dog for you and your family's lifestyle. Goldens are loving and gentle by nature. They are very people-oriented and are unhappy when left alone for extended periods of time. Prior to applying to adopt, be sure a Golden is the right dog for you. Adoption is a life-long commitment.
Consider what age Golden may be the best fit for you and your family's lifestyle. If you are looking for a quiet, easy going companion who doesn't require intense hard exercise daily, a senior Golden may be the best choice. Most senior Goldens require less or no training and are easily adaptable.
What Expenses can I Expect?
An important part of adopting a golden is the ongoing financial responsibility for the dog.
Routine veterinary care and food range from $800 to $1,200 per year for one dog that has no health issues. The costs of annual vaccinations, heartworm preventative, flea/tick preventative, grooming, and feeding a premium food add up quickly. This does not include emergency medical treatments or surgeries that a dog may need at some point in his/her life.
All GRRoW Goldens are behaviorally assessed prior to coming in to GRRoW, have had thorough examinations by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered prior to adoption,and are up-to-date with vaccinations. All veterinary records are released to the adoptive family.
Adoption Fees
Puppy through 7-years-old: $350
8+ years-old: $125
Senior Dog Adoption Program
The adoption fee for a senior Golden adopted from GRRoW is $125. Any subsequent senior Golden adopted from GRRoW by the same individual or family is $75.
Expectations of the Adoption Process
We continue to have an urgent need for applicants interested in senior and/or special needs dogs.
Once an application and fee have been processed, a volunteer will contact you to coordinate a home visit. This typically takes less than 2 weeks. After your home visit has been completed and your application has been approved, you will be put on a waiting list to receive a Golden that best fits your needs as well as the dog's needs. Note: The wait time for young dogs could be 6 months to 1 year. Once a potential match is found, a foster family will contact the applicant for a meeting with the foster dog.
Other Important Information to know Before Your Submit Your Application
At this time, we are only accepting adoption applications of Wisconsin residents. We encourage you to locate the rescue organization closest to you.
In the spirit of ensuring the safety and well-being of the dogs, applicants will be subject to a background check, reference checks, veterinarian check and home visit. As part of the application process, you understand and acknowledge that GRRoW has sole discretion to deny a volunteer or adoption applicant based on any information obtained through the checks and processes listed above.
I've decided to adopt, now what?
1. Read our Adoption FAQ.
2. Read our Adoption Requirements.
3. Complete and submit the adoption application and a $25 non-refundable adoption application fee. You can also mail your application fee to Sara Westgor - GRRoW Treasurer, P.O. Box 128, Neenah, WI 54957-0128.
4. Upon receipt of your application and fee, you will receive an e-mail confirmation.
5. One of our Home Visit volunteers will contact you to set up a home visit. During the home visit, the volunteer, accompanied by a dog, will learn how you and your family plan to fit a Golden Retriever into your lifestyle. The volunteer will also explain the adoption process, provide educational materials and answer any questions you may have.
6. Once you have finished this process and have been approved, a foster family who has reviewed your application and feels you would be the right match for their foster dog will contact you. If you do not pass the adoption application and/or home visit process, you will receive a denial letter.