The majority of our "orphans" were turned over to us by their owners; the rest come from cooperating shelters. As a rule they make wonderful pets and adjust well to their new families. Our dogs are first placed into foster homes where we are able to evaluate the dog's temperament and activity level in an attempt to determine the type of lifestyle and family the dog will complement. We suggest you look for a dog that matches your lifestyle and has the personality characteristics you desire, rather than limit yourself to a particular gender or age. The broader range you consider, the faster you will find a wonderful dog. We usually have about 15 dogs of all ages available for adoption, but we seldom get puppies under 6 months. Goldens are large (60 to 90 lbs.) active dogs who often display puppy-like behavior until 3 or more years old. We recommend an adult house trained dog for working couples or families with small children, since they adapt to family situations much more quickly.

All dogs adopted from GRREAT are spayed or neutered and should be microchipped. If not microchipped prior to adoption, the new family must make arrangements to bring the dog to an adoption day within three months to have this done. The adoption will not be considered final until this requirement is met.

All dogs are current on vaccinations, have had fecal and heartworm tests and are on heartworm preventative. We require a minimum donation at the time of adoption to help offset our expenses, which currently average in excess of $300 for each dog we rescue.  Minimum donations are based upon the age of the dog:

 Less than 4 years of age - $300
4 through 7 years of age - $250.
8 years and older - $175.

Please complete the adoption application so we can get to know you, your family and your lifestyle. All adults in your household MUST sign the application, and it must be completed in full to be evaluated. We require original signatures so please do NOT send the application electronically. We require a home visit, which will be helpful in determining the compatibility of dog you have requested with your lifestyle, so a volunteer will contact you to arrange an appointment. The non-refundable application fee is $20 and will be put toward veterinary care for our rescued Goldens. If your application is approved your name will be placed on our mailing list for available dogs, and you will begin receiving dog listings and adoption opportunity notices. Your application will remain active for 6 months and can be re-activated (at 6 month intervals) for up to two years from the date of original submission. After this time, a new application must be submitted.

Available dog lists are mailed at 4-week intervals (typically 2 weeks after each Adoption Day), and include basic information about each dog as well as the name and phone number of the foster care provider.  (You can also view a list of available dogs on this website, but with the number of dogs that enter and leave the Rescue every day, this list will never be accurate and complete.  Consider it an example of types of dogs normally available.)  When you inquire about a dog the foster home may conduct a telephone interview, and if you both agree, a time may be scheduled for you to meet and discuss the dog in more detail. The final adoption decision is made by the foster home, based on GRREAT's guidelines and their assessment of the needs of the dog in question. Our goal is to place each dog in a home where the dog and new family will complement each other. Dogs are placed with the home that best meets the dog's needs, NOT on a "first come, first served" basis.

Additionally, we host a Golden Retriever Adoption Day on the first or second Saturday of each month where we arrange to bring multiple dogs to a central location and invite pre-approved applicants and the public to attend. Only pre-approved applicants are eligible to adopt at these events, but applications, which will be evaluated at a later time, may be submitted. Adoption days offer a good opportunity to see dogs of different gender, age, color and temperament. You will be notified of these events as they are scheduled, or you may call our voice-mail at 703-620-6593, and access our activities mailbox.

Some dogs require specific circumstances and the needs of each individual dog are evaluated. A fence may be required for young, active dogs or dogs who have had little or no obedience training or a tendency to roam. These dogs may need a safe, enclosed area for proper exercise and safe release of youthful energy.

We may require some dogs to attend a formalized obedience class within 4 weeks of the adoption date. At the time of adoption we will request a $50.00 obedience course deposit. At completion of the obedience course, please send your Certificate of Completion to GRREAT, PO Box 3096, Falls Church, VA  22043-0069, and a refund will be mailed to you. A good obedience course could ensure the success of your adoption experience

The health and temperament of Goldens have suffered because of indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding practices, so if you decide to purchase a puppy, we encourage you to research the breeders and avoid the pitfalls and dangers of backyard breeders and the puppy mills that flourish in Pennsylvania and other areas. Although GRREAT does not have a breeder referral service, we do have a breeder evaluation questionnaire and breeder referral sources in our service area.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, one that you should be prepared to honor for the life of your dog. Careful consideration and planning should go into choosing the correct dog for you and your lifestyle. GRREAT successfully places about 300 dogs each year, but it is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate how long it will take for you to find "just the right Golden". Many variables are involved, including availability of foster homes and the number of dogs in need. The more flexible you are to gender and age the more likely you are to quickly find the right dog for you. Please remember, our primary consideration is for the welfare of our dogs.

Please allow us  4 to 5 weeks to process your application. Why does it take so long?