About IDGRR
Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue dedicated to saving Golden Retrievers in Idaho.
Our Mission
Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue (IDGRR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. IDGRR is dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation, evaluation and placement of houseless, abandoned or unwanted, and owner surrendered Golden Retrievers.
Our mission is to promote the understanding, appreciation and care of all canines among the general public through education about responsible pet ownership. We endeavor to raise awareness regarding the extraordinary unwanted pet population, and do our part to decrease it. IDGRR is the only Golden Retriever specific rescue in Idaho with a strong network of dedicated foster families and volunteers working tirelessly to ensure each dog receives the medical care, training, and love they need while waiting for their perfect match.
IDGRR gladly cooperates with other rescue groups in neighboring areas to aid in the placement of Golden Retrievers into the appropriate loving family environments they deserve. Our coverage area overlaps several areas where Rescue Groups are already in existence.
Our hope is that by providing a large area of coverage, no Golden Retriever will "fall through the cracks" when several groups are contacted, and no decision can be made as to which Rescue Group should handle certain rescue situations. One of our main goals is to have enough volunteers and foster homes statewide that all small towns and shelters will have someone to call when a Golden Retriever is in need.
Our Purpose
Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue was formed:
Rescue & Shelter
- To provide shelter, veterinary care, and comprehensive evaluations for homeless, stray, abandoned, abused, owner surrender and neglected Golden Retrievers;
- To provide a good quality of life for homeless Golden Retrievers of any age;
Adoption & Placement
- To provide, through adoption, permanent loving homes for displaced and unwanted Golden Retrievers, whether young or old, sick or healthy;
- To seek to reduce the numbers of unwanted, abused and neglected Golden Retrievers through rehabilitation, education, and adoption;
Education & Advocacy
- In accepting dogs into our program, preference is given to those facing euthanasia, to those living in shelters or pounds, and to those in untenable living situations. We also attempt to accommodate owner turn-ins, to keep those dogs from facing such fates and to allow them to go from one home to another with less disruption;
- To educate dog owners and the general public about responsible pet ownership, including spaying/neutering, training and humane care of Golden Retrievers and other pets;
Breed Preservation
- To cooperate with state and local authorities in the enforcement of laws related to the welfare of dogs;
- To protect the Golden Retriever from careless breeding in order to preserve the excellent qualities of this breed for future generations.
Our Story
Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue (IDGRR), officially established in March 2026, is a voluntary non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We rely on grants, donations and fundraising activities, with all proceeds going directly to cover expenses for foster dogs and veterinary care for Golden Retrievers in need.
All founding members live in multi-Golden Retriever households and dearly love the breed. We are all volunteers who hold many different jobs in "real" life. We are not "professionals" in animal behavior, training, or health, although we do have contact with those who are.
Two of our founders, Jen Severance and Eric Wingard, have been donating their time and resources for nearly two decades-connecting unwanted Golden Retrievers with stable and loving homes. IDGRR is the result of Jen and Eric realizing that the need for officially placing unwanted Golden Retrievers throughout Idaho is critical. IDGRR works to ensure that every Golden Retriever has that second chance at a loving and stable life, without the stress of landing in a shelter.
Brett Adler, co founder, created this webpage. His inspiration, dedication and commitment to IDGRR's cause is admirable. Brett is donating hundreds of hours to this important rescue's startup.
What We Do
Rescue
We pull Golden Retrievers from shelters, owner surrenders, and emergency situations throughout Idaho.
Foster Care
Each dog is placed in a loving foster home where they receive individualized attention and care.
Adoption
We carefully screen and match each dog with their perfect forever family through our thorough application process.
Community Events
We host meetups, fundraisers, and educational events to support our mission and community.
Our Values
Compassion First
Every golden deserves love, safety, and a second chance at a happy life.
Foster-Based
Our dogs live in loving foster homes, not kennels, while they await adoption.
Community
We're powered by dedicated volunteers across the Treasure Valley.
Responsible Rescue
Full vetting, spay/neuter, and behavioral assessments for every dog.
Meet the Team
IDGRR is powered by a dedicated group of volunteers, a board of directors, and a lot of very good dogs. Get to know the people — and pups — behind the rescue.
Meet Our Team