How To Adopt a GRRMF Dog

GRRMF dogs have been surrendered to us for a variety of reasons, and we work hard to make sure they are healthy, happy and well matched to their new family to ensure a long and loving relationship.  Our adoption process is designed to address the most important aspects of adopting a GRRMF dog. Our goal is a positive adoption for our dogs and adoptive families. We are proud of our successful process and invite you to apply!

Fees

Our adoption fees help defray expenses including medical costs, transportation, or unexpected charges incurred while the dog is in our care which can run over $2,000. Donations from individuals help fund our program.

Please note that adoption fees are subject to change. There is a $25.00 non-refundable application fee for completing an adoption application.

The Adoption Process

STEP 1 The basics
Be sure you meet the basic requirements noted in the guidelines below and on our website including geographic area, fences, landlord approval for renters, and more.

STEP 2 Submit an application
Please ensure you prepare the following documents before starting. This will save you time in the completion of this important step for visibility of your interest to adopt a GRRMF rescue. If you do not submit these applicable documents, your application will not proceed.

• Document to upload containing vet record reflecting your current dog (if applicable) vaccinations and Heartworm/Flea/Tick current medication receipt.
• If you rent or belong to a condo association, upload a document that indicates 70+ lb dog is eligible to live on the property. Landlord agreement, apartment lease or HOA document for the property recommended.
• Photos of your property which includes photo of yard, pool, fence and inside of home where dog will hang out with you, play and sleep. If you have a dog, also upload a photo of their happy face ready for a buddy!

Processing time from start to finish can take approximately 2 months. Start time of processing is dependent upon the amount of applications in progress and available volunteers. We are currently running approximately 3 weeks from receipt of an application to first contact (Step 3).   If you find a match outside of GRRMF at any time during the process, we ask you send us your happy news to info@grrmf.org advising us to close your application.

STEP 3 We call you!
After reviewing your application, a phone interviewer will call you for a quick discussion on the particulars and answer questions you may have.

STEP 4 A home visit
A GRRMF volunteer will come to your home to let you know what is required for our dogs. Virtual home visits may be an option as an exception.

STEP 5 Review & matching
Our adoption team reviews your information and preferences to match you with the perfect dog. Please understand the dog you may have seen on our website and mention in the application many not be available to you. We do not reserve dogs and work very hard to find the right family match who can best meet the needs for every dog in our rescue.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR ADOPTION APPLICATION

GRRMF Guidelines

1. Area of coverage
We approve adoptions only for families living in the Mid-Florida region. If you have questions about your area of coverage,  email us at info@grrmf.org before filling out an application. If you are outside the state of Florida or outside Mid-Florida, do an internet search with key words of golden retriever rescues near me.

Our adoption service area includes families living:

• West coast: Gainesville to Sarasota
• Central and north-central Florida
• East coast: South of Jacksonville to Vero Beach
• Tampa/St. Pete and surrounding areas, including Bradenton

• We do not cover Jacksonville or areas in north Florida, South Florida (east coast south of Vero Beach), West Coast south of Sarasota, or Big Bend or Panhandle regions.

2. Renters requirement
Submit a letter from your landlord or the specific section in your lease allowing you to have a dog (70+ pounds) along with your application.

3. Fences and doggie doors
A fenced yard is required for dogs under 4 yrs and for families with young children (electronic or invisible fences not accepted). Doggie doors are not approved.

4. Young dogs
We believe in force-free, pain-free training for all our dogs. We suggest continuing education for you and your dog. This will ensure a much better success rate for your new family member.

5. Seniors wanting to adopt
GRRMF loves senior citizens, however, we try to balance the needs of our rescues with the needs of the human caregivers.