Thank You for Your Interest in Adopting!
At Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue, every adoption is about finding the right match for both the dog and the adopter.
Our Commitment to the Right Match
Our priority is not speed or a waitlist, it is long-term success for each dog and family. We take the time to understand both the dog’s needs and your home environment so we can make thoughtful, lasting matches. Because of this, applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applying for a specific dog does not guarantee placement.
Because GRFR does not operate a physical shelter, every dog is cared for in one of our loving foster homes. During their time in foster care, dogs receive any needed veterinary treatment, recover from their previous circumstances, and are evaluated so we can learn about their personality, energy level, and specific needs.
Our foster volunteers help determine how each dog interacts with children (when possible), other dogs, cats (when possible), and different home environments. This allows us to make thoughtful, successful matches that last a lifetime.
Adoption Process
- 1
Submit an Application
Complete our adoption application after reviewing the Adoption Requirements and FAQs. Please answer every question completely, as incomplete applications cannot be processed. You're welcome to indicate interest in a specific dog, but because our commitment is to the right match, requesting a particular dog does not guarantee placement.
- 2
Phone Interview & Home Visit
After your application is reviewed, a GRFR volunteer will contact you if you meet our adoption requirements. A phone interview to learn more about your family, home, lifestyle, and expectations, then a home visit to ensure your home is a safe environment for a dog. ALL household members and resident dogs/pets MUST be present during the home visit.
- 3
Meet Your Match
When one of our foster volunteers believes a dog may be a good fit for your family, they'll contact you to arrange a meet-and-greet. If you receive a voicemail or text message from a foster, you must respond within 24 hours. If you do not respond the foster home will move on to the next approved applicant.
- 4
Welcome to the GRFR Family
If it's the right match for both you and the dog, we'll guide you through the final adoption steps and welcome you to the GRFR family!
Adoption Requirements
To help ensure the safety and long-term success of every adoption, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Colorado residents only. We do not adopt dogs outside the state of Colorado.
- A secure, physical fenced yard is required. Invisible (electric) fences are not considered an acceptable substitute, and we do not place dogs in homes with invisible fencing.
- A fence at least 5 feet tall is preferred for most dogs. Applicants with fencing under 5 feet may experience longer wait times, as placement depends on the individual dog's size, activity level, and ability to be safely contained.
- Senior dogs (8 years and older) may be considered for adoption to homes without a private, securely fenced yard, depending on the individual dog's needs, temperament, and activity level.
Adoption Fees
Your adoption fee helps Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue provide exceptional care to every dog that enters our program.
Puppies (1 year and younger)
$700Adult Dogs (1–8 years)
$500Senior Dogs (8 years and older)
$200We are especially grateful to the families who open their hearts to senior dogs. Giving an older dog a loving home for their golden years is one of the greatest gifts you can provide.
Spay/Neuter Deposit
$375For dogs adopted before they are old enough or medically ready to be spayed or neutered, a $375 refundable spay/neuter deposit is required. The deposit is refunded once proof of the completed surgery is provided in accordance with the terms of the adoption agreement.
Questions, answered.
Still unsure? Email staff@goldenretrieverfreedom.org. We are a 100% volunteer-led organization and typically respond within 24 to 48 hours.
No. We only adopt to residents of Colorado.
Yes! We carefully match each dog with the right family based on the dog's temperament, energy level, and experience with children.
Yes! Many of our dogs do well with other dogs and some with cats. We consider each dog's individual personality and will discuss compatibility during the adoption process.
We consider all types of housing, including single-family homes, townhomes and condos, with dedicated yards that meet our fencing requirements. The most important factors are that the home is safe, the dog's exercise and enrichment needs can be met, and any landlord approvals or HOA pet restrictions are followed.
Adoption fees help cover veterinary care and typically include spay/neuter (or a PACFA-compliant foster-to-adopt arrangement for young puppies), age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, heartworm testing (if age appropriate), deworming, and other necessary medical care.
Because our dogs live in foster homes throughout Colorado, we ask that interested adopters complete an application first. This helps us determine whether the dog is a good match before scheduling a meet-and-greet.
The timeline varies depending on the dog and the number of applications received. Once an application is approved, we work to schedule a meet-and-greet as quickly as possible. It can take 1 week to 2+ months.
You may apply for a specific dog, but our goal is to make the best match for both the dog and the adopter. If we don't think it's the right fit, we'll gladly recommend another dog that may be a better match.
We understand that circumstances can change. If an adoption isn't successful, we ask that the dog be returned to Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue. We are committed to every dog for life and will find another loving home. At any point in time for whatever reason, we will take our GRFR dogs back. (This is indicated on our adoption contracts.)
Most of our dogs have never lived in a home before joining Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue. While many adult dogs learn house training quickly, they may need patience as they adjust to living indoors, establish a routine, and learn what is expected of them. Puppies will require house training, and every dog will need time, consistency, and positive reinforcement to successfully transition into their new home.
Yes. First-time dog owners are welcome to apply. We'll work with you to find a dog that matches your lifestyle and experience level and provide guidance throughout the adoption process.
We share everything we know about each dog. Because many dogs come from shelters, owner surrenders, or commercial breeding facilities, complete histories aren't always available. Our foster families provide valuable observations to help ensure a successful match.
Ready to Find Your New Best Friend?
Complete an adoption application today, and we’ll help find the Golden Retriever that’s the perfect fit for your family.