FAQ

The foster and adoption process consists of these steps:

Step 1: Complete the on-line application and pay the non-refundable application fee. This application provides us with invaluable information about the dog you’re looking to bring into your life.

Step 2: Telephone Interview. A volunteer will contact you to schedule a telephone interview which will take approximately 45-60 minutes. This interview provides us with more information on the right dog for your lifestyle. All applicants should participate in this interview.

Step 3: Personal Home Visit. A volunteer will contact you to schedule time for a personal home visit. The home visit will take approximately 60 minutes and the volunteer will bring his/her Golden or GRR dog to the visit. The home visit gives you a chance to ask many questions and learn more about the Golden Retriever breed. All residents of the home must be present during this visit. All resident dogs must be present as well. In some cases, we may require non-resident persons who will have regular and/or extensive interaction with the dog to be present at the home visit.

Step 4: Matchmaking. (This applies to adopters only.) The search for your Golden begins. A matchmaker will contact you to better understand what you are looking for in a Golden. While we likely won’t have the right dog for you immediately, we will be looking and contact you when we find him/her. We match the dog to the family we believe is the best fit. We do not match a family to a dog. Our goal is to find a forever home for the dog based on his or her needs.

What you should consider:

• Energy level
• Match for your lifestyle
• Male or female dog
• Desired personality
• Appropriate age for your family (GRR does not adopt dogs to families with children under the age of 8 years old)
• The more specific your requirements, the longer you will wait to be matched to the right dog

What GRR Matchmakers considers:

• Appropriate age being best for your family
• Dog matches your lifestyle
• Dog’s personality is appropriate for your family
• Compatibility of GRR dog with your family pets

In the event an applicant requests a dog that we believe to be unsuitable for them, GRR reserves the right to offer the dog(s) we feel are most appropriate for the applicant and their individual needs.

Remember: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I really care about the color of my new Golden?
• Do I really care about the size of my new Golden?
• Do I really care about the specific appearance of my new Golden?
• If these things are important to you, then a rescue Golden may not be right for you.

Golden Retrievers are clever and they are fantastic athletes. Make sure all gates, doors and fencing are in good working order. Repair and secure all before you bring your new dog home.

Goldens have been known to open gate latches. Secure with clip locks. Some goldens can let themselves out of yards if a fence is in disrepair or has low or weak spots. You do not want your new Golden lost or injured before they become accustomed to your home.  Do a thorough once over to make sure your Golden will be safe and secure in your home and yard.

Every dog adopted from Gold Ribbon Rescue will come with records of sterility, vaccinations, a microchip, collar with a Gold Ribbon Rescue ID tag.  Here are the basics you will need to have on hand for your newly adopted Golden.

• 6-foot sturdy leash
• ID tag with your contact info
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Bed
• Wire crate/baby gates/x-pen
• Large Breed Dog Food: Consult with your veterinarian however the food should meet guidelines put out by the WSAVA – World Small Animal Veterinary Association
• Properly fitted harness that does not obstruct shoulder movement
• Commitment: above all you need to commit to helping your newly adopted Golden adjust to their new life which can take time. Gold Ribbon Rescue is there to help you every step of the way.

Always consult with your vet on food. We recommend that you feed foods based on what is recommended by the WSAVA | World Small Animal Veterinary Association as the companies recommended have met the guidelines for property research and testing. Be mindful that the feeding guidelines on the bag of food are generally very high and the amount will likely need to be adjusted Based on your vet's recommendation.

Gold Ribbon Rescue will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow integration guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together.  It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly, what NOT to do will help everyone.  Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.

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Goldens LOVE their human family. Your new Golden should sleep inside the house in the same room as a family member. Do not expect your Golden to sleep in a remote room such as kitchen or laundry room, which makes your new Golden feel isolated rather than included.

A crate, xpen or baby gate in your bedroom may be a great integration tool helping your Golden feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety temporarily.

The simple answer to this question is to integrate your Golden Retriever by following Gold Ribbon Rescue's instructions and taking things in baby steps. Your new Golden has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every Golden is different. The most important thing to remember is that we are here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new Golden fully integrate.

Here are links of the most common questions people have when bringing home a new Golden Retriever.

Training

3-3-3 Rules of Integration

Gold Ribbon Rescue treats health issues that are apparent when Goldens arrive or conditions that develop during their time in our rescue.  Owner surrenders to Gold Ribbon Rescue often come with their medical history and records. Goldens that we pull from city shelters often come without much history and we must evaluate visually from experience.  Gold Ribbon Rescue will always divulge any conditions that are known and treatment protocols.  We partner with quality vets for the very best for Goldens in our care. 

Please be aware that there can be very common temporary conditions that are very treatable that affect many Goldens.   

Make sure your resident dog is current with shots, especially Bordetella and is also current on Heartworm prevention. 

We only place dogs in homes to people living in Austin/San Antonio and the surrounding Central Texas areas.