1.  Before we consider your home for a rescue Golden we MUST receive:

  •     A completed Application
  •     Your $25 Application Donation

Please apply on-line if possible and mail your check separately.  When we receive your check, we'll match it to your application.  Once we receive your Application AND Application Fee, we will schedule a Home Visit before approving your application and placing you on the waiting list for a dog. 

2. This process is run completely by volunteers. We check our Post Office box for application donations ONCE A WEEK, usually on Friday's.  Once the check is received, the home visit coordinator requests a volunteer for your home visit.  It can take up to a month between applying and getting a phone call to set up a visit, but usually takes two weeks or less.

3.  What is a home visit?  It is a chance for the RAGOM volunteer to meet every member of your family, see your house and yard and learn about your plans for adopting one of our animals.  It is YOUR opportunity to get questions answered and to meet the volunteer's dog- which many times is an excellent example of a happily placed, well behaved, and adopted dog.  Typically, the dog coming to visit you is not up for adoption, they are owned by the volunteer. Or is it that the volunteer is owned by them?  Once the Home Visit report is completed on-line by your volunteer, RAGOM will contact you regarding your status.  

4.    The Home Visit committee will meet to discuss your application.  At this point, if you are an approved applicant, placement volunteers will contact you.  If your application is not accepted, you will receive a letter explaining why. This process usually takes less than two weeks.  

5.  Although placement works with applicants, the foster homes have the final approval on whether or not a dog goes home with an applicant.  Please do not be offended if they decide your application is not a match.   Once the foster family reads through your application, they will call you to set up a meeting between your family and the dog.  Sometimes the foster family does not feel you are a good fit for the dog, after the initial meeting.  We will work you to find the best dog for your family, but  please keep in mind, we are looking for the best family for that dog, too.  We CAN promise you that you will not be "stuck" with a dog.  If you meet one, and it doesn't "click" you will have a chance to work with placement in order to help find the match for you. 

6. Once it is decided that a dog would be a great addition to your family, the Adoption Fees* help cover the costs associated with re-homing dogs (medical care, food, etc.).   For dogs who have not reached their 4th birthday, a $275.00 fee is required.  For dogs from 4 years through 8 years, a fee of $225.00 is required.  For senior dogs who have reached their 9th birthday, a fee of  $125.00 is required.

* These fees are current for 2005.  If you submitted your application and your $25 application fee before January 1, 2005, your adoption fees will be based on the old system.

To apply on-line, click here.