Learn More About Goldens
Golden Retrievers are known to be gentle, family-oriented, and very full of energy! They are also prone to some of the health problems inherent in pure-bred dogs. Of course, every golden has their own unique personality and needs. Click on the links below to learn more about the breed's requirements before you meet our orphans individually to see why each one is special!
Adoption Requirements & Application Criteria
Adoption Requirements & Application Criteria
At Adopt a Golden Atlanta, our goal is to ensure every orphan is placed in a safe, loving home that is the right fit for both the dog and their new family.
Before applying, please review our adoption requirements to make sure you’re ready to welcome an AGA orphan into your home.
Are you at least 24 years old to meet our minimum age requirement for adoption?
Applicants must be 24 years or older and demonstrate the ability to afford and care for a dog. Applicants under the age of 24 years will not be considered for adoption or fostering.
Are you willing to complete a phone interview and home visit with an AGA volunteer, along with a veterinary reference and landlord verification, if applicable?
This helps us get to know you, understand your home environment, and ensure you are able to provide a safe and appropriate home for an AGA orphan.
Do you have a child under 6 years of age? If so, AGA requires a fenced yard. Community fences do not qualify.
Bringing home a rescue dog is a big adjustment for everyone. A secure fence provides an additional layer of safety for both young children and a newly adopted dog while everyone adjusts to life together.
Will your vet confirm a history of consistent, appropriate care for your pets, including core vaccines, heartworm testing, and heartworm & flea/tick prevention?
Our orphans have already been through enough. A history of consistent veterinary care gives us confidence that they will continue receiving the preventative and medical care they need and deserve in their forever home.
Do you have the financial resources to adequately support and care for a Golden Retriever?
Are you aware that annual veterinary care costs approx. $1,500 a year to minimally maintain a healthy Golden? Emergencies, food, treats, grooming, boarding, toys, training, and illnesses are in addition to this figure. We want to make sure adopters are prepared for the commitment.
Can you provide the time and companionship a Golden Retriever needs?
Goldens are social animals who need quality time with their humans. Our rescued Goldens may need more of that quality time. Have you considered how many hours a day the dog will be left alone? Are you able to provide doggie day care or daily dog walker if your schedule leaves your dog alone at home for an extended period of time?
Adoption Requirements & Application Criteria
At Adopt a Golden Atlanta, our goal is to ensure every orphan is placed in a safe, loving home that is the right fit for both the dog and their new family.
Before applying, please review our adoption requirements to make sure you’re ready to welcome an AGA orphan into your home.
Are you at least 24 years old to meet our minimum age requirement for adoption?
Applicants must be 24 years or older and demonstrate the ability to afford and care for a dog. Applicants under the age of 24 years will not be considered for adoption or fostering.
Are you willing to complete a phone interview and home visit with an AGA volunteer, along with a veterinary reference and landlord verification, if applicable?
This helps us get to know you, understand your home environment, and ensure you are able to provide a safe and appropriate home for an AGA orphan.
Will your vet confirm a history of consistent, appropriate care for your pets, including core vaccines, heartworm testing, and heartworm & flea/tick prevention?
Our orphans have already been through enough. A history of consistent veterinary care gives us confidence that they will continue receiving the preventative and medical care they need and deserve in their forever home.
Do you have a child under 6 years of age? If so, AGA requires a fenced yard. Community fences do not qualify.
Bringing home a rescue dog is a big adjustment for everyone. A secure fence provides an additional layer of safety for both young children and a newly adopted dog while everyone adjusts to life together.
Do you have the financial resources to adequately support and care for a Golden Retriever?
Are you aware that annual veterinary care costs approx. $1,500 a year to minimally maintain a healthy Golden? Emergencies, food, treats, grooming, boarding, toys, training, and illnesses are in addition to this figure. We want to make sure adopters are prepared for the commitment.
Can you provide the time and companionship a Golden Retriever needs?
Goldens are social animals who need quality time with their humans. Our rescued Goldens may need more of that quality time. Have you considered how many hours a day the dog will be left alone? Are you able to provide doggie day care or daily dog walker if your schedule leaves your dog alone at home for an extended period of time?
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are per dog and are based on the dog’s age at the time of adoption. There is also a required $40 tax-deductible Application Fee.
For those applicants who have been approved, are in the process of being approved, or have submitted an application before September 15, 2026, you will be subject to the previous fee structure: All Pups Under 1 Year: $1,000. All Other Dogs Regardless of Age: $600.
6 Months Old and Younger
$1,500
7 Months Old to 1 Year Old
$1,200
1 Year Old to 4 Years Old
$800
5 Years Old to 8 Years Old
$600
9+ Years Old
$400
Senior to Senior
Seniors 70+ years old who adopt dogs 9+ years old
Adoption Fee Waived
AGA is a 100% volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to giving Golden Retrievers and High Golden mixes the second chance they deserve. We receive no government funding, so adoption fees and donations are essential for us to continue our mission. Adoption fees help make rescue possible by offsetting a portion of the costs of caring for each dog in our program, including veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery (when age-appropriate), treatment for illnesses or injuries, behavioral support, training, boarding, and more.
The cost of caring for many of our dogs often exceeds their adoption fee. When you adopt from AGA, you're not only changing one dog's life - you're helping provide hope, healing, and a second chance for the next orphan who needs us. Please see "The Cost of Rescue" graphic below, which shows the cost of medical care provided by AGA.
The Cost Of Rescue
General medical care (and the average costs) that all AGA orphans receive, as determined by our vets at their initial intake appointment on an “as needed” basis. Estimated as of July 2026.
The 3/3/3 Rule
The 3/3/3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a rescue dog after adoption. Every dog is unique and will adjust differently. Please give them time to fully adjust to their new home.
8 Important Things
A newly adopted dog has to adjust to a new home, people, sounds, and routine. Let them arrive before asking them to do everything. Review the 8 common things that can overwhelm a newly adopted dog.
Gift With Adoption: Free Fi Mini Device & 6-Month Free Trial
Bring Your New Pet Home with an Extra Layer of Safety.
At Adopt a Golden Atlanta, our commitment to our Goldens doesn’t end when they find their forever home. We want to help keep them safe every step of the way. Every AGA adoption now includes a FREE Fi Mini device and 6-month membership!
The Fi Mini gives your family an added layer of protection and peace of mind as your new family member settles into their forever home. Your device and complimentary membership are provided at no additional cost as part of the AGA adoption experience. We’re excited to provide this as another way AGA can help keep our Goldens safe and give their families a little extra peace of mind as they begin this new chapter together.
The Cost Of Rescue
General medical care and the costs that all AGA orphans receive. Costs are estimates and subject to change based on the individual dog's needs and the extent of treatment. Estimated as of July 2026.
The 3/3/3 Rule
The 3/3/3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a rescue dog after adoption. Every dog is unique and will adjust differently. Please give them time to fully adjust to their new home.
8 Important Things
Remember, a newly adopted dog has to adjust to a new home, new people, new sounds, and a whole new routine. Let them arrive and adjust before asking them to do everything. Review the 8 common things that can overwhelm a newly adopted dog.
Gift With Adoption: Free Fi Mini Device & 6-Month Free Trial
Bring Your New Pet Home with an Extra Layer of Safety.
At Adopt a Golden Atlanta, our commitment to our Goldens doesn’t end when they find their forever home. We want to help keep them safe every step of the way. Every AGA adoption now includes a FREE Fi Mini device and 6-month membership!
The Fi Mini gives your family an added layer of protection and peace of mind as your new family member settles into their forever home. Your device and complimentary membership are provided at no additional cost as part of the AGA adoption experience. We’re excited to provide this as another way AGA can help keep our Goldens safe and give their families a little extra peace of mind as they begin this new chapter together.
Learn More About Our Adoption Process
