While we try to capture all questions to answers in our website, this page was created as a quick reference to some that may not be addressed or you are curious about.  We hope the answers below help.

Q1. How long does it take to obtain a dog for adoption?
Q2. Where do I get an adoption application?
Q3. Will I have someone to talk to after I adopt if I have questions?
Q4. If I am fostering a dog, who do I talk to about vet care?
Q5. How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Q6. Why are all dogs spayed or neutered before adoption and why?
Q7. If I make a donation, is it tax-deductible and where to I send a check?
Q8. Do the dogs you rescue shed?
Q9. Do you adopt out of state?
Q10. What is the difference in male and female retriever?
Q11. Why wouldn't a retriever make a good outside dog?

 

Q1. How long does it take to obtain a dog for adoption?

   A1.  The length of time it takes to finalize an adoption varies greatly.  It depends on the type of dog you are looking for, and the availability of that particular dog.  It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a year.

Q2.  Where do I get an adoption application?

    A2.  You may download a WORD document (print and mail to us) 
                  Click here to download an Adoption Application

    If you prefer to have one mailed to you contact us by emailing:   adoption@azrr.org

Q3. Will I have someone to talk to after I adopt if I have questions?

    A3.  Absolutely!  You are welcome to call the Adoption Coordinator or the Veterinary Coordinator depending on your question.  If they can't help, they will contact someone who can.

Q4. If I am fostering a dog, who do I talk to about vet care?

    A4.  You should always talk to the Veterinary Coordinator about any questions you have regarding health problems.  Our Veterinary Coordinator has vast knowledge and experience is most all situations or problems that would or could come up.

Q5. How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
    A5.  Adoption Fees:

        Puppies to the age of one year  -  $350
        Ages 1 through 5 years               $300
        Ages 6 through 9                        $250
        Ages 9 and over                         $225

Q6. Why are all dogs spayed or neutered before adoption and why?    
    A6.  Yes, all are spayed or neutered before adoption, unless there is a medical reason not to (cancer, or age).  Any puppies too young for the procedure will be adopted out with a stipulation in the adoption contract that it will be done at the proper age.  We will do a follow-up with the adopter to be sure this is taken care of.

    The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your Golden into an obese, lazy animal . . .that is the result of excess food and insufficient exercise.

    Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breeding, the stress and inconvenience of confining the female in season, risky "mismating", and unwanted puppies. The spayed female will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the reproductive system, as do so many older unspayed females.

Q7. If I make a donation, is it tax-deductible and where to I send a check?
    A7. Yes, we are a 501(c)3 organization.  All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by letter for your files.  You may send your check or donated items to:  

If you have any questions about items to donate email us at:    questions@azrr.org

Q8. Do the dogs you rescue shed?
    A8.  Absolutely!  Goldens shed a little all year round and twice a year they lose most of their coat.  Anyone intent on a "hair free" home, should reconsider getting a Golden.  Their coat requires brushing of at least once a week.  Their hair can be long and can become matted if it isn't properly cared for.  A thorough grooming to trim the hair on the paws, tail, and around the ears needs to be done on a monthly basis.

Q9. Do you adopt out of state?

    A9. Yes, we do adopt out of state.  The procedure is a bit different.  After the adoption application is completed, a telephone interview will be done.  Once that is completed, out-of-state families are required to send pictures of their home and yard and also provide a letter of recommendation from their current veterinarian.  Once this is completed, the adoption procedure is the same as in-state adoptions.  The family is required to come here and meet the dog, wait the required 24-hour waiting period and then the adoption can be finalized.  AZRR will not allow families to transport their dogs via airline or transportation company.

Q10. What is the difference in male and female retriever?
   A10.  Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in retrievers. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which males of other breeds may exhibit, should not occur in the retriever. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male retrievers, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer.  Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a female, the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration."

Q11.  Why wouldn't a retriever make a good outside dog?
    A.11 Retrievers are not intended to live as an outside dog as they are very people orientated and are miserable being separated from the family they love!  If you are not interested in keeping your retriever indoors as part of the family, this is not the dog for you. A lonely retriever may bark incessantly, dig up the back yard or continuously escape to roam the neighborhood.