Thank you for your interest in adopting a Golden Retriever from GRIN!  We are so grateful for people like you who are willing to open their hearts and homes by considering adopting a Golden Retriever in need of a loving and forever home.  In the past decade, Golden Retriever breed-specific rescues and educational outreach have helped to dramatically reduce the number of homeless Goldens.

If you are interested in applying to adopt please be prepared to be patient as we are an all-volunteer organization and the application process can take up to 5 weeks.  Like most Golden Retriever rescue organizations, GRIN is experiencing a shortage of dogs and has a waiting list of approved adopters.  We carefully match the Goldens with their forever homes based on the needs of the dog and the family, not the order in which the application was received. 

Please note that GRIN only accepts applications from residents of NE Ohio and Western PA.  Please refer to the adoptions maps to the right.

To be considered for any of the dogs in our program and begin the adoption process, you must first complete our application process and be approved to adopt. The application process consists of these steps:

Step 1:  Complete the online adoption application: Online Application. After submitting your application, a reference from your veterinarian is sought. Please be sure to contact your vet to give them permission to speak with our volunteer.  After we have completed the vet check, you will then be contacted for a phone interview. 

Step 2:  If all of step one goes well, your application is moved to the next stage – a home visit.  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 as well as ours. 

Step 3:  Once you have been approved for adoption, you will be contacted regarding a possible match for your family.  It could be a day, several weeks or several months.  We work very hard to match the right dog with the right family based on the dog’s needs and those requirements you, too, have requested.  We use the information you provided in your application, the home interview and home visit along with the evaluation provided by the foster home for every dog in the program. 

Step 4:  When a match for your family has been identified, you will receive a call from a member of the adoption team followed by a call from the foster family.  The foster family will provide you with his/her 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 home since this is the environment the golden is most comfortable.  Every member of the household, including dogs, must be present at the “meet & greet.” 

Step 5:  Decision time.  Do not expect to take your golden home after this first meeting.  This is an important decision and can be very emotional. We want you to go home and think about it carefully, discuss with your family to ensure you are making the best decision for all.  We ask that you contact the Adoption Coordinator with your decision the following day.  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 6:  Adoption meeting.  Bring anyone you would like to the meeting.  Come prepared to review and sign the contract and pay the adoption fees.   You will receive any medical information from the GRIN vet including medications and instruction, if any, during this meeting.  

Our job at GRIN doesn’t end when you sign the adoption papers.  We will follow-up with you periodically and welcome you to contact us with any questions post adoption.  Transitioning a new “family member” can be difficult and we want to help make your experience a positive one.  Thank you for supporting rescue!

Click here to learn more about the Golden Retriever breed!

                      Current GRIN Adoption Fees