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The Best Golden Retriever Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top golden retriever rescues and shelters, all making a significant impact on the lives of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on these exceptional organizations.

Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc
#11 in United States, #2 in Florida, #1 in Miami
#1 in goldendoodle
#1 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle
Miami
Since 2005, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc. ‚'GRSF' a 501c3 non-profit registered charitable organization has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming displaced Golden Retrievers and Golden at Heart Retrievers. We are all-volunteer and foster-based organization who place abandoned, unwanted, displaced, or abused, Golden Retrievers and "Golden At Heart" dogs with safe, loving forever families in South Florida where each dog will receive the second chance they so richly deserve.
"We have had two wonderful rescues through this organization. They do an incredible job with their rescues and we love..."
— tracey m.
Adoptee
"I have rescued two golden retrievers over the last 12 years from golden retriever rescue. Love and commitment of these..."
— sherri v.
Adoptee, Supporter

Adopt a Golden Atlanta

https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/363/3e9225253e4b-IMG_4811.png

PO Box 420256 Atlanta, GA 30342

atlantaGeorgiaUS

Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Puppy, Senior dogGolden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Puppy, Senior dog

Adopt a Golden Atlanta (AGA) has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this rescue organization. AGA truly lives up to their mission in every imaginable way possible: finding warm, loving, and permanent homes for golden retrievers throughout the Southeast. AGA is the largest golden retriever rescue organization in the Southeast, and the only international rescue in Georgia. AGA has one goal, one purpose, and one focus: dedicating our lives and resources to saving golden retrievers in dire circumstances and placing them into incredible homes with forever families. Most golden retrievers come to AGA as victims of neglect. The prolonged pain and suffering they endure for months - often years - is heartbreaking and sadly evident from their behavior. Many are malnourished from inadequate food and water, sick with infections, deformities, and heartworms. These dogs also manifest extreme behavioral issues due to crate overcrowding, confinement to small pens for most of their lives, inadequate shelter protection from extreme weather, and lack of affection. One of AGA’s biggest community efforts involves actively rescuing all golden retriever dogs, including puppies, seniors, sick dogs (of all ages) and providing them with the necessary medical care and comfort to thrive. AGA also rescues thousands of retired retriever adults from breeders when the animals are no longer considered “profitable” or when the breeder cannot care for them. Sometimes these dogs are simply let loose to fend for themselves, turned into shelters that lack insufficient resources, or end up as strays; even worse, some breeders routinely kill the retrievers once they can no longer breed them. Without AGA’s intervention, these breeder dogs would likely die from heartworms, infections, or prolonged suffering from physical and emotional consequences of living in deplorable conditions. Last year, my husband and I adopted Hope, a female breeder dog, from AGA. Hope was used over and over for breeding and had hundreds of puppies. She also spent seven years of her life restricted to a tiny pen. She came to us scared, skittish, and unhealthy. It is difficult to put into words how incredibly rewarding it is to watch her transform from a terrified dog into a happy, tail-wagging family member. Since having Hope, I’ve gotten extremely involved with AGA. Breaking a dog out of a shelter and taking them on their freedom ride is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I also helped raise a litter of puppies and got to see them grow from 1 day old to their adoption weight. AGA makes sure all of our dogs go to the best possible homes through vet checks, meet and matches, home checks, etc. They want to find the paw-fect match for their dogs and their human families. AGA 100% goes wherever neglected golden retrievers need us and will do whatever it takes to save their lives by bringing back the twinkle into their gentle eyes, filling their hearts with happiness, and restoring their trust in humans.Jamie Lynn Shultz

Adopt a Golden Atlanta
#51 in United States, #2 in Georgia, #1 in Atlanta
#3 in puppy
#5 in senior dog
#2 in goldendoodle
#2 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Puppy, Senior dog
Atlanta
Adopt a Golden Atlanta [AGA] is a volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding warm, loving permanent homes for Golden Retrievers [both purebred and high golden mixes] in order to prevent them from becoming strays or adding to the shelter overpopulation. If a non-golden is best friends with a golden who is surrendered to us, non golden will not be left behind and will accompany the golden into our program and placed with the golden to live together in their new home. Golden Retrievers, regardless of medical needs or age, will receive comprehensive evaluation, spay/neutering services, veterinary care, behavioral training if required, and safe passage into a permanent loving home. In addition to providing those services, Adopt a Golden Atlanta is intent on treating dog owners who are faced with surrendering their dogs with the utmost respect, understanding and compassion. It is also our obligation to educate and assist the metropolitan Atlanta general public, and dog owners specifically, regarding issues such as responsible pet ownership, spay/neutering, obedience training, and veterinary/specialists referrals. Our goal is to reduce the number of Golden Retrievers sent to shelters. AGA will never allow a golden to die in a shelter. AGA relies solely on donations and has a 501(c)(3) classification with the IRS. Your donation is tax deductible. We also meet the requirements for corporate matching, employee giving and volunteer grant programs.
"Adopt a Golden Atlanta (AGA) has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and I cannot say enough..."
— jamie l.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I have adopted 5 times from Adopt a Golden Atlanta. They are very thorough and thoughtful in their adoption and..."
— josi a.
Adoptee

Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
#97 in United States, #12 in Minnesota, #11 in Minneapolis
#3 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
Minneapolis
"Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest" (RAGOM) is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, that specializes in the rescue, fostering, and adoption of Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes. The organization serves the Midwestern region of the United States, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin. RAGOM works to rescue Golden Retrievers from shelters, commercial breeders, and owners who can no longer care for them. They provide necessary medical care, foster homes, and behavioral rehabilitation as needed before finding suitable forever homes through their adoption program. Founded in 1985, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest has become one of the largest and most well-known Golden Retriever rescue organizations in the United States. Their mission is to rescue and rehome as many Golden Retrievers as possible while also educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting from shelters and rescue organizations.
"Rescue a Golden of the Midwest is an incredible group of volunteers. Not only do they rescue goldens but they..."
— carol g.
Supporter
"They provided the most smooth process of FTA for our puppy goose - not only did they communicate so well,..."
— yssa d.
Adoptee

Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon.
#98 in United States, #13 in Oregon, #2 in Salem
#4 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
Salem
Golden Bond Rescue is a volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of retrievers. Our mission is to find caring, adoptive homes for retrievers and retriever mixes in need and to educate the public to prevent the homeless retrievers of the future. Retrievers in need of new homes come from a variety of circumstances. Some come to us due to compelling family situations such as death, divorce, family illness, relocation or economic hardship. Others are released to rescue because of behavior problems due to lack of exercise and poor understanding of the needs of the breed. Since our beginnings in 1991, we have successfully placed over 3,500 dogs with new loving families. We would like to remind anyone interested in adopting a retriever that there is no source (including breeders, kennels, humane societies, rescue organizations) for a guaranteed perfect or pre-trained dog. Like many rescue organizations, we offer the benefits of being able to provide dogs who are already spayed or neutered, who have had a sound fundamental health examination, and whose temperament is fairly well known (since they have all lived with our foster families). Some of our dogs have not had a loving family in the past, but many have. Some may have behavioral problems, but many do not. And some need special medical care, just as most any dog will eventually. Many of our dogs need some level of training. All of our dogs need significant amounts of time, attention, patience, and love to adjust to their forever homes. Golden Bond Rescue is a resource for people who would like to give retrievers or retriever mixes a second chance in life. Golden Bond Rescue identifies a "retriever" as any breed that falls under the American Kennel Club's (AKC) retriever classification: golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever, curly-coated retriever, flat-coated retriever, and Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever. For more information about each of these breeds, please use this link RETRIEVERS.
"I proudly support Golden Bond Rescue. This amazing organization rescues retrievers and retriever mixes, many on the brink of being..."
— d. b.
Supporter
"Thank you for our sweet Simba!"
— kathy g.
Adoptee

Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service, Inc.
#99 in United States, #11 in Ohio, #2 in Akron
#5 in golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
Akron
Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc., also known as GRIN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in 1992 by a group of Golden Retriever enthusiasts who recognized the need to find good homes for the countless Golden Retrievers euthanized each year for lack of a loving home. Thirty years later we are proud to continue the work they began.
"GRIN helps golden retrievers make it out of puppy mills alive!"
— angela k.
Supporter

What's the Sniffspot Top Golden Retriever Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Sniffspot Top Golden Retriever Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top Golden Retriever rescues and shelters chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers thousands of private dog parks around the world, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore local dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Type In The United States

Sniffspot Golden Retriever Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters operate in the United States?

Arizona has the most Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters with 1.

What are the most reputable Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters in the United States?

There are many reputable Golden Retriever rescues and shelters, the top 3 on our list are: Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service, Inc.

Why do these dog rescues and shelters focus on Golden Retriever?

Each dog rescue has its own mission, which is the reason it exists. For example, Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc’s mission is 'Our mission is to save, rescue, heal displaced golden retrievers and golden at heart dogs and place them with safe, loving forever families.'.

How can I adopt a Golden Retriever rescue dog?

Using our list of the top Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
How To AdoptADOPTION APPLICATION‚ Adopting a rescued Golden Retriever could be one of the most rewarding things you do in life! It's also a big decision with many considerations. It's a long-term commitment requiring the support and help of all members of your family. As a rescue organization, we help Goldens who need a new beginning. There are many factors that we must consider before matching a dog with a family. Each story is different, some are mistreated or neglected, abandoned, or surrendered, some rescued from dire and horrific conditions. In all situations they have been let down by humans therefore we must prioritize finding the dog the best homes vs. finding the perfect pet for you. The first step in the adoption process is to complete the ADOPTION APPLICATION, followed by a home visit..

Where are these Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters located?

There are Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters in 9 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota

How can I find a Golden Retriever dog rescue or shelter in my local city?

There are Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters in 12 cities, including Phoenix, Huntington Beach, Riverside, Sacramento, Denver. You can also find your local city rescue and shelter page and browse through rescues on that specific page to find a local rescue.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Golden Retriever Rescues & Shelters in 2024

Golden Rescue South Florida, Inc

Adopt a Golden Atlanta

Retrieve aa Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)

Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon.

Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service, Inc.

What's the Sniffspot Top Golden Retriever Rescue & Shelter List About?

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Type In The United States

Sniffspot Golden Retriever Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters operate in the United States?

What are the most reputable Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters in the United States?

Why do these dog rescues and shelters focus on Golden Retriever?

How can I adopt a Golden Retriever rescue dog?

Where are these Golden Retriever dog rescues and shelters located?

How can I find a Golden Retriever dog rescue or shelter in my local city?

David Adams

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