Adoption Requirements
Based on our collective years of experience with rescue, the Board of Directors of GRRH requires full cooperation with each of the requirements for adopting a Golden from our program. Following adoption, violation of any of these requirements may result in immediate reclamation of the dog.
AGE — The minimum age to adopt a Golden in the GRRH program is 18.
CHILDREN IN HOUSEHOLD OR FAMILY — GRRH will not adopt to anyone with children under the age of 5 years, in the household or the family.
FORMS PRIOR TO RELEASE — A completed, signed and approved Adoption Application and Adoption Contract are required before any dog will be released to the adopter.
INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY and HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS — All family and household members are required to meet the Golden in the presence of a GRRH volunteer prior to the adoption being finalized.
FEES — The approved adopter is generally asked to pay an adoption donation of $250 for dogs eight years of age and younger. Adoption donations for dogs over age eight may be negotiable. Donations for special needs Goldens are also negotiable, depending on the severity of the need and on anticipated future needs.
INSIDE DOG and PART OF THE FAMILY — Goldens are companion dogs and need to feel part of the "family pack". As such, the Golden must be an inside dog and must not be left outside in bad weather or at night. When the dog is outdoors, it should be protected from the elements, provided with adequate food, fresh water, shade, and shelter. The dog must also be protected from abuse and loss due to theft or escape.
FENCING, TIEING and TRANSPORTATION — GRRH recommends that the home of the adopter be fenced and that, when not on a leash, the dog is kept within the fenced area. The dog is not to be tied or chained outside. The dog is not to be allowed to roam freely, wander or to be on any property if not supervised and under control and/or leashed.
ANIMAL CONTROL and LOCAL LAWS — The adopted dog must be provided with a safe home and proper care and attention in accordance with all current and future county, state and local laws and ordinances where it resides. Should the dog be picked up for any reason by animal control or other animal-related law enforcement, the dog will be returned after consultation with a GRRH volunteer. However, if the dog is deemed to be in danger while in the possession of the caregiver, the dog shall revert back to GRRH. The third time a GRRH Golden is picked-up by animal control or any other means that we are aware of, GRRH will resume ownership of the dog and the dog may be returned to the adopter only upon a decision of the Board.
COST OF CARE — The adopter understands that there are costs involved in maintaining a dog and agrees to assume full responsibility for food bills, proper health care and licensing.
-
VET CHECK and CONTINUED CARE — While GRRH does everything in our power to ensure the dog's health; we make no representations or warranties regarding the health of the dog. We recommend that the adopter take the adopted dog to a licensed veterinarian within two weeks after adoption to establish a doctor-patient relationship for the purpose of continued medical care. The adopter agrees to take the dog to a licensed vet at least once a year for an examination and all recommended routine vaccinations and tests. Heartworm tests and a regular course of preventative medication given as prescribed, year-round, is required. The dog should be provided with necessary veterinary care upon sickness, disease, and/or injury.
IDENTIFICATION — The dog must wear a collar and identification tag at all times when allowed outdoors. If provided with a GRRH identification tag, it must also remain affixed to the collar.
HOLD HARMLESS — Adopter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless GRRH, its members and representatives against any and all claims, known or unknown, now or hereafter, arising in connection with this dog.
REFUND and RETURN — There will be no refund available fourteen (14) days after the adoption. The adopter must understand that if the dog cannot be kept for any reason, including the owner's death, the dog must be returned to GRRH. The dog cannot be given away, sold, or exchanged. In the event of the owner's death, GRRH should be notified. Transfer of ownership to another qualified member of the family member after application is at the discretion of the board.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS — Depending on the dog and adopter's specific conditions, special provisions may be attached to the adoption contract and will be explained in-depth when the dog's information is made available and before the adoption contract is presented.
COURT COST —- In addition to returning the dog, the adopter agrees to pay GRRH for any and all expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees for enforcing the terms of the adoption contract and for reclaiming the dog.
HISTORY — Before placement, GRRH volunteers will provide the adopter with the dog's history, both health and behavior, as we know of it.
-
PART OF OUR FAMILY — The officers and volunteers of GRRH remain interested in the welfare and well being of your dog and the dog's new family. We encourage you to contact us with your questions and concerns. Our experience with Goldens allows us to offer insight to particular problems with this breed. News of the dog and photographs are always greatly appreciated. Please consider us part of your extended family.
PUBLICITY — To assist other dogs waiting for adoption and to generate interest and support in our organization, we publicize our organization. We may ask permission to use you and your family member's first name, pictures, dog's information and history in public displays, brochures and on the Internet. You may decline such use or impose limitation in this area.
The GRRH Board and volunteers work for needy dogs within the Golden Retriever breed. All decisions and requirements are made with the dog's welfare as our main concern. Please feel free to contact any GRRH Board member.