Frequently Asked Questions

Our adoption process starts with submitting an application through our website. Once received, our team reviews it carefully — this may take several weeks. If your application looks like a good fit, we'll reach out to schedule a phone interview, check references, and arrange a home visit. From there, we'll work with you to identify the right dog and set up a meet-and-greet. The full process from application to adoption usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the dog and your situation.

Adoption fees vary by dog and typically range from $300 to $600. The fee helps offset the cost of veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and any medical treatment the dog received in our care. Most of our dogs require significantly more in vet care than the adoption fee covers — donations and sponsorships make up the difference.

A fenced yard is preferred for many of our dogs but not always required. Some dogs do well in homes without fencing if the family is committed to leash walks and supervised outdoor time. Each dog has different needs — we'll discuss what's right for the specific dog you're interested in during the application review.

Yes! Renters are welcome to apply. We do require written permission from your landlord confirming dogs are allowed, along with any breed or weight restrictions. Apartment living can work well for the right dog — we'll help match you with a Golden whose energy level and temperament fit your space and lifestyle.

We focus on placing dogs within Idaho. We do accept applicants from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Nevada and Wyoming. Idahoans are given priority so we can complete necessary home visits and provide ongoing support. Out-of-area adoptions are considered case-by-case but require the adopter to travel to meet the dog and arrange transport.

You can absolutely apply with a specific dog in mind, and we'll do our best to match you. However, applications are reviewed in the order received, and the best-fit family is chosen for each dog — not necessarily the first to apply. If the dog you applied for isn't the right match, we'll keep your application active and reach out about other dogs that might be a good fit.

Reviewing applications may take several weeks. Timing depends on volunteer availability and how many applications we've received for a particular dog. We'll keep you updated throughout the process. If you haven't heard from us after a few weeks, please email us — sometimes messages get lost.

We require all adopters to return the dog to IDGRR if the placement doesn't work — no matter how much time has passed. Our dogs never go to shelters or get placed in a new home independently. We understand life changes happen, and we're here to support you. The sooner you reach out about a struggling placement, the more we can help.

Puppies are rare in rescue and tend to get adopted very quickly when they do come in. Most of our dogs are adults (1+ years), with many in the 3–8 year range. Adult Goldens are wonderful companions — their personalities are fully developed, they're typically house-trained, and they often settle into new homes faster than puppies. We encourage you to keep an open mind!

Because our dogs live in foster homes (not a shelter facility), meet-and-greets are scheduled after your application has been reviewed and approved. This protects the dogs and respects our foster families' time. You can learn a lot about each dog from their detailed profile, photos, and videos on our website before applying.

The strongest applications are detailed, honest, and show you've thought carefully about adding a dog to your life. Be specific about your lifestyle, who lives in your home, and how a dog would fit in. Have your veterinarian reference ready (current and past vets), make sure your landlord is on board if you rent, and respond promptly when we reach out. Flexibility about which dog is the right fit also helps.

From an hour a day to however much time you care to spend with the dog. Most are genuinely grateful with whatever time you have to give them. Some dogs may need to go to a vet appointment for a spay or neuter, shots, follow-up exam, etc. We do have transport volunteers available if you are unable to get the dog to any necessary appointments.

You are responsible for the daily care of your foster dog including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, and observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament. Most of all, you must give lots of love and attention to a special Golden at an often difficult time in his or her life. Many dogs need to lose or gain weight. Some will need help with housebreaking and crate training. If you want to start basic obedience training, that would be great, but it's certainly not required. You will need to report any veterinary visits or other medical care and results of such visits or care to our medical records coordinator in order to keep your foster dog's records current and up to date. As the Foster Parent, you will play a significant role in facilitating the dog's adoption to a new home. You will make recommendations to help select the best adoptive family for your foster Golden (you will know him/her best). The Foster Parent generally gets the adoption contract signed and collects the adoption fee. Once the dog is placed, you may be asked to do a follow-up telephone call on the dog's initial adjustment to his/her new home and family.

You must be at least 25 years of age to submit a foster application, and we do not place dogs in homes where there are children under five (5) years of age.

Foster dogs are typically in our program from 1 week to 2 months. Healthy dogs usually stay 1–4 weeks; special needs dogs or seniors may need months.

We know how easy it is to fall in love with your foster! The goal of fostering is to provide a temporary, loving, and safe home for the dogs in our program while they are going through medical treatment, getting necessary vaccines, or simply waiting for their forever family to get approved and be able to adopt them. Our fosters may adopt their IDGRR foster dogs. If your goal is to adopt, please let us know prior to placing the dog into your care. We will discuss this policy as well as other important information about fostering and adopting when we meet you.

No, many of our foster families are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he/she is confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. This results in a safe, secure place for the dog and keeps the foster family's safety and home in the forefront.

Yes, we require that you have a fenced yard. Electronic fencing is not considered a fence. Apartments with dog parks do not meet the requirement. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If a secure fence surrounds your yard, the Golden may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard, the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

Undoubtedly you will — they bond quickly and give so much back in return for your care and attention. However, when you meet the people who will provide a permanent loving home for the dog you've helped rescue, you will feel immense satisfaction to see them move on to their new and better life. This also enables you to open up your home and heart to another Golden in need. Many foster homes stay in contact with the adopting family and dog after placement.

We will call you and discuss at length any potential dog we're thinking of for you. You may certainly set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. If you are asked to foster a dog that doesn't seem right for you, you can decline. If any foster dog you've accepted proves too difficult to handle, we can give you advice and help, or he/she can be placed elsewhere.

While it is best for the dog to stay in one home, we realize plans sometimes change unexpectedly. When a move is necessary, our Foster Coordinator will know what foster homes are available and which ones might be suitable. If a dog just isn't working out, just tell us and we can arrange to move the dog.

Lack of funds should not prevent you from fostering — we only ask you to provide structure and lots of love. You may have additional expenses for any toys you choose to provide and any damages the foster dog may cause. IDGRR provides the crate and handles all the foster dog's food, veterinary expenses and medications, including flea & tick preventive, unless you want to donate these expenses to IDGRR (they are tax deductible). We'll send along any medications we already know the dog needs, and simply ask that you call and let us know if there's a medical issue that needs to be checked.

All foster homes receive a Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. In addition, you will get training and education during the foster approval process, and there are always plenty of IDGRR volunteers just a phone call away to answer your questions and provide support. There is also a Foster Email Group dedicated to just our Foster families, where you can ask questions, post updates and pictures of your foster Golden, and read about other Rescue happenings.

The number of foster homes dictates how many dogs we can save. Won't you consider fostering a Golden today? We always have a need for foster homes for senior Goldens. Many of these displaced Golden-agers have been loving family dogs for years and have been lost or abandoned through no fault of their own. IDGRR does not feel that any senior Golden should ever be euthanized at a shelter simply because they are old and no longer wanted. Most of these senior Goldens are low maintenance, well-trained dogs. They fit easily into any family situation and usually require less exercise. Senior Goldens can be long-term fosters as they usually take longer to adopt. Fostering one of these Golden oldies can be an immensely rewarding experience.

Please bring your dog's vet records (or your vet's name and address), any current medications, a favorite collar and leash, and a short list of feeding and medical routines. The more we know, the smoother the transition.

After you submit the form, we'll typically reach out within a few days for a brief phone screen. Intake appointments are usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks, depending on foster availability. The appointment itself takes about 45-60 minutes.

Yes, please bring whatever you have. If records aren't available, share your vet's name and clinic so we can request them directly. Up-to-date vaccinations and any history of medical conditions help us care for your dog from day one.

There's no required fee. We do welcome a donation if you're able — vetting, food, and care are funded entirely by donations and help us say yes to the next dog who needs us.

Once your dog is surrendered, ownership transfers fully to IDGRR and the placement is kept confidential to protect both the dog and the adopter. We're happy to share a brief update once your dog has been placed in their new home.

Please tell us everything honestly on the form. We may still be able to help, and full disclosure lets us match your dog with the right home. Withholding bite or aggression history puts future adopters and the dog at risk — and may have legal consequences.

We need help with transport, events, fundraising, home visits, and more. Visit our Volunteer page to fill out an application, and our coordinator will match you with opportunities that fit your schedule and skills.

Idaho Golden Retriever Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.

Besides donating and volunteering, you can help by sharing our dogs on social media, attending our events, sponsoring a dog's veterinary care, or donating supplies like leashes, crates, and dog food.

We focus on Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. Occasionally we assist with other breeds when resources allow and the need is urgent.

Yes, we accept owner surrenders on a case-by-case basis depending on our current capacity. Please visit our Surrender page or contact us to discuss your situation.

We are funded entirely through adoption fees, donations, fundraising events, and grants. We have no paid staff — every dollar goes directly to the care and rescue of our dogs.