Golden Retriever Rescues and Shelters in the United States

Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds that make great family pets. Thus, it's quite saddening to see the homeless and taken in shelters. It's for this reason that adoption makes the best option to consider.

If you plan on getting a Golden Retriever, adoption is one option you may want to consider. This way, you'll save a lot of money, and you'll save a homeless dog by adopting it.

Below is a rundown of states where you can find a list of Golden Retriever rescues.

We hope you find a rescue near you and have a successful adoption.

List of Golden Retriever Rescues

The whole United States has quite a large number of Golden Retriever Rescues. Thus, you can find a handful in each of its states.

Below is a list of states where we compiled the Golden Retriever Rescues you can look into as you begin your quest. You can go ahead and scan each and see if you belong on one. If not, you may find a list near your area.

How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers are great pets, which means you won't find it difficult to interact with one. Still, if you're getting one from a shelter or rescue, you may want to pick the best among the rest.

If you would pick one from a shelter or rescue, it can be a little bit different from what you'd expect from a breeder. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever.

Observe the dog

Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing.

The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention.

If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him.

Test the dog's reaction to noises

The dog's reaction to noise can tell a bit of its personality. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice.

Golden Retrievers want attention, and so it's a good sign if you see the dog trying to listen to you. The dog may even throw small barks that say it's excited for you.

Touch the dog with caution

Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it.

A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you.

Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking.

Play with the dog

Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays.

Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys.

At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically.

Walk with the dog

Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road.

A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. Anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention.

You would need to walk your pet daily in the future, so it's a good sign if you see it enjoys walking with you.

Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals

It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home.

Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog.

This way, you'll introduce both pets to each other and see if they're going to be alright.

What Is the Average Price of a Golden Retriever Adoption?

If you plan on adopting a Golden Retriever, you're saving a lot as you help homeless dogs and shelters.

On average, a purebred Golden Retriever here in the U.S. can cost from $500 to $3,000 if you'd get it from a breeder.

However, if you would get one and adopt a Golden Retriever from a Rescue or Shelter, it would only cost around $50 to $300 here in the U.S.

Of course, you'll need to spend on other expenses like food and other items such as grooming tools and toys.

Still, it's a much cheaper or affordable way to enjoy the company of a Golden Retriever.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Golden Retriever From a Rescue or Shelter

A Golden Retriever Rescue or Shelter is a great place to adopt a dog. Further, it's a great place to start a search for your canine companion.

Still, it would be best to remember that adopting a Retriever from a shelter or a rescue group isn’t for everyone. Thus, here are a few pros and cons to think over if you consider a new pet’s commitment.

Pros

Save one of the many animals euthanized every year

One of the best benefits of adoption is that you save an animal from getting euthanized. In short, you give the dog a second chance, a new life and home that it deserves.

Realize that what you wanted might not be the one you need

For instance, you may think you want a puppy. However, you may discover that an adult dog is calmer and better trained.

Save a lot of money

Adoption fees are quite far below what pet stores or breeders charge. Thus, you can use the saved money for your pet's needs instead.

Find out more info about your dog

As long as you find a responsible shelter, you'll receive plenty of care information. The shelters would also give you support, temperament evaluation, etc.

Cons

You may not find what you want

If you already have certain things in mind about your pet, adopting may not give you that.

You may not take your pet immediately

Shelters and rescue groups often have a waiting period. It means they would ask you to wait, so you don’t rush into a decision. It's also for the owners to have time to reclaim any animals that may be lost.

You may face a lot of questions and paperwork

Most shelters and rescue groups ask questions and hands out paperwork. Thus, you need to prepare for that.

The dog may not be what you expect

Your new pet may turn out to be quite different than what you expect. For instance, it may be different at home than when it is in the shelter.

Your desired dog may have a particular need you can't accommodate

Some rescue or shelter dogs have special needs. Some of which are quite hard for you to accommodate.

You may get rejected

If your dog didn't meet the shelter or rescue requirements, you might get rejected.

Summary

It’s genuinely challenging to adopt Golden Retrievers since it would give you a handful of tasks and requirements. However, unlike breeders, Golden Retriever shelters offer a more affordable way to become paw parents.

You can find a handful of Golden Retriever Rescues scattered in each state. With this guide, you’ll have a starting point in looking, so you won’t begin from scratch.

While adoption may be different from getting a pup, you’ll still enjoy Golden Retrievers nonetheless. Thus, you don’t need to hold back if you plan to rehome one.