8/22/2021 - Current Adoption Application Status-Please Read

Thank you for your interest in adopting a dog from GRIN!  We are so grateful for people like you who are willing to open their hearts and homes by considering adopting a dog in need of a loving and forever home. The majority of the dogs coming into our care of late are puppy mill survivors with very specific needs. Right now we are looking specifically for foster homes or adopters who have another confident dog and a physical fence.  GRIN does normally accept brand name invisible fences however the puppy mill dogs are easily frightened and considered a flight risk. Please read through the mill dog article on the home page of our website for more information and a better understanding of these dogs. At this time we are currently accepting applications for puppies, seniors, doodles and for GRIN dog Leo who needs a home with no small animals and less than 5 steps.

Please note if you are interested in adopting you MUST live in GRIN's service area and be able to demonstrate a history of proper vetting in accordance with your veterinarian's instructions including annual heartworm testing and regular prevention.  Please read below for more information regarding requirements.  If you meet the requirements and are interested in adoption or fostering we invite you to send an email inquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you.  

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In order to adopt or foster, you must be able to answer “yes” to the following two questions:

1. Do you live in the GRIN service area? (maps to the right)

2. Are you able to demonstrate a history of vet care in accordance with your veterinarian's recommendations? (That includes annual heartworm testing and consistent heartworm prevention.)  

If you do not meet the vet requirements or live in our service area you are not eligible to adopt or foster.

If you have read through the adoption process details (below), meet the residence and vet requirements, and would like to move forward with fostering or adoption we invite you to submit an inquiry for application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please include your name, address and phone number and a volunteer will follow up with you.  If you do not receive a response or status email within 48 hours, please check your spam or junk mail. 

Please note the application process is the same for potential adopters and fosters. 

The application process consists of these steps:

Step 1:  Complete the online application

The link to the online application will be sent to those who qualify as a result of the application screening process noted above. The application will allow you to share more about yourself, your family situation, your experience with dogs and your desire to have a rescue dog in your life. Before submitting the application, we need for you to understand the following about our rescue organization and the dogs in our care:

1. Many of the dogs that come into our care are puppy mill survivors that have very specific needs. We encourage you to  CLICK HERE  to review this article so that you understand the special needs these dogs may have. 
2. Adopters can only use positive training methods.  Adopters cannot use punishment training methods (shock, stimulation, or prong collars).
3. The adopted dog will be kept in the home when the family is sleeping or away from home. GRIN does not allow dogs to be kept outdoors or in a garage while the family is sleeping or away.
4. Adopters cannot have an unaltered dog in the home unless they are used as part of a reputable breeding operation or show.
5. There is no doggy door or other means for the dog to access the outdoors unsupervised.
6. There is no outdoor kennel or doghouse on the family's property.
7. Golden Retrievers have alot of energy and require a great deal of daily exercise, mental stimulation, and affection from their people.  We encourage potential adoption candidates to research the breed to ensure it is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
8. For your safety and well-being of your family, we do not adopt dogs out to homes with children under the age of 10 if there is no background on the dog. Puppies are the only exception. Note GRIN does not get many puppies.
9. For dogs under the age of 6 a fence is required.
10. Please CLICK HERE  to visit our Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for more detailed questions about our application and adoption process.

Step 2:  Vet check

After submitting your application, we will contact your veterinarian to ensure your pet is current on vaccinations, heartworm testing and heartworm prevention. Please be sure to contact your vet to give them permission to speak with our volunteer.  After an acceptable vet check, you will be contacted for a phone interview.

Step 3:  Home visit

The next step in the approval process is a home visit. Please note that during the pandemic home visits may be conducted via FaceTime. All family members must be present during the home visit – No Exceptions. We are an all-volunteer organization and will work with you to accommodate your schedule. The home visit allows for a volunteer from GRIN to see firsthand the environment your home presents for a dog. The volunteer will want to see where the dog will sleep, eat, and be kept when you are away from home. The volunteer will also inspect the fence around your home to ensure it is appropriate for containing a dog. After the home visit, the volunteer will provide a detailed report of the visit to the applications coordinator.  At this time, your application will either be approved or denied.

Step 4:  Making the match

Once you have been approved for adoption, you will be contacted as soon as we believe we have a dog that is a possible match for your family.  It could be a day, several weeks or several months. Please keep in mind this depends on how many dogs we are receiving and our ability to match the applicant with the appropriate dog. We work extremely hard to match the right dog with the right family based on the dog’s needs and those requirements you have requested.  We use the information provided in your application and gathered from our home visit along with the evaluation provided by the foster home to match dogs to the best home possible. 

Step 5:  Meet & greet

One of the most important steps in this process is the “meet & greet” with your potential new family member. When we believe we have a good match you will receive a call from a member of the adoption team who will give you a brief description of the dog.  If you are interested, we will ask the foster family to call you to share their observations and information about the dog’s habits and temperament. This is also your opportunity to ask specific questions about the dog.  You and the foster family, together, determine if you should proceed to the next step – a “meet & greet”. The “meet & greet” takes place at the foster’s home since this is where the dog is most comfortable.  Every member of the household, including your dog(s) and children, must be present at the “meet & greet.” 

Step 6:  Decision time  

Adopting a golden is an important decision and can be very emotional, so we want you and your family to think carefully about it and not make an emotional decision. We want to ensure you are making the best decision for everyone involved, including the dog. While you are making your decision, the foster family will also be communicating with the Adoption Coordinator to provide their feedback. If everyone agrees the “meet & greet” was successful, we move forward with finalizing the adoption details.   

Step 7:  Adoption meeting

Please come prepared to review and sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee.  You will receive any medical information from the GRIN vet including medications and instruction, if any, during this meeting.  

Step 8: Follow-up

Our job at GRIN does not end when you sign the adoption papers.  We will follow-up with you periodically. We also encourage you to contact us with any questions after the adoption is finalized.  Transitioning a new “family member” can be difficult and we want to help make your experience a positive one.  We thank you for supporting our rescue!

 Current GRIN Adoption Fees (Effective September, 2019)