Arizona Golden Retriever Connection was established October 1, 2000.  We are committed to the rescue, foster and placement of needy Golden Retrievers throughout Arizona (our primary focus is in the greater Phoenix metro area).

If you would like to contact somebody from AZGRC, click here for a list of our Officers and Directors

If you do not currently live in Arizona and are looking to adopt, please visit our national partner site here.  

View or download a copy of our by-laws, revised June, 2009.

View a copy of AZGRC's 501(c)(3) Exemption Letter.

Three characteristics make our organization unique among animal rescue organizations:

1. The passion, commitment and energy of our membership and leadership.  Countless volunteer hours fuel this organization and make it possible to save shelter dogs and owner turn ins from euthanasia.

2. Our commitment to the perfect match.  We are foster-based.  Our goal is to minimize the number of times a dog is moved so we spend more time and attention on pairing dogs with the best forever home.

3. Our focus on the future.  Arizona Golden Retriever Connection is always preparing itself for the next rescue by recruiting fosters, checking the shelters, updating policies and preparing our organization for a stable and healthy financial future.

It’s All About the Goldens

Golden Retrievers are among the five most popular dog breeds in the US today.  Like many dogs, Goldens all too often find themselves homeless for a variety of reasons.  That's where we come in.  We are committed to the rescue, fostering and placement of Golden Retrievers throughout Arizona in loving, forever homes.

The Goldens we rescue are all taken to one of our veterinary partners for a complete checkup.  Each dog is vaccinated, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered before we place them with adoptive families. We believe in responsible pet ownership and we practice what we preach.

In order to ensure that we find Forever Homes for our rescued Goldens, not temporary places of residence, we adhere to a rigorous screening process.  This ensures that we do not move dogs from home to home.  Some of the things we screen for include:

• Prior vet history,

• Homes free from hazards or dangers,

• Foster/Adopt families who are aware of the breed's most common characteristics,

• Ability to care for the dogs while on vacation or travel, etc.

We talk with all members of the family to make sure they are all comfortable with the Golden, and the Golden is comfortable with them.  We also follow up on a regular basis to make sure that the comfort level remains.

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Giving Back to the Community

Arizona Golden Retriever Connection also works hard to share the joy of sharing life with a Golden. Golden Retrievers give back to their community by being active as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs for the physically or mentally impaired and more.  Most of all, they give JOY. 

We aim to participate in a variety of activities that help showcase the ways that Goldens give to our communities.  We also want to take a lead in raising awareness about responsible pet ownership for all pet owners, not just our members.
 

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A Sense of Family

Rescuing these wonderful dogs should be fun for all.  We go out of our way to encourage our members, our volunteers and our applicants to join in the fun.  Applicants can look forward to several "meet and greets" where they can see all of our available Goldens at one time.  Each year we showcase a few events, such as "Gotcha Day,” an annual celebration of all of our members and their adopted Golden Retrievers, and “Swim Fest,” a pool party for the Goldens and a great social get-together for the members.

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We Are a Team

It would never be possible to accomplish what we do without the tireless efforts of all the volunteers who help out in many ways, large and small, throughout the year. We are especially indebted to our committees.  They are the folks who keep the wheels running, improve our processes and make this a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for all.

If you would like to contact someone from AZGRC, please email info@azgrc.org. 

Click here to view a list of our Officers and Directors.

If you do not currently live in Arizona and are looking to adopt, please visit our national partner site here.  

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The Arizona Golden Retriever Connection is a proud member of the following organizations:

• New Hope Partners with Maricopa County

• PACC911

• Petfinder

• Pets911

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I rescue a dog?

2. How do I adopt a Golden Retriever from AZGRC?

3. How much does it cost to adopt a Golden Retriever?

4. Where does my donation money go?

5. How long does the adoption process take?

6. What if I want to become a foster?

Why should I rescue a dog?

Pet overpopulation continues to plague the U.S. today. The statistics are staggering -  nationally, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year; over 29,000 in Maricopa county alone.  In order to control the pet population, over 80% of breeders would have to stop.  Please don't buy your next pet from a breeder.  There are plenty of loveable pets who would die for a home.  Learn more at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

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How do I adopt a Golden Retriever?

If you are interested in adopting one of our rescued Golden Retrievers, we ask that you first fill out an application.  If and when you are approved, then you can let us know what kind of Golden you are interested in adopting, (age, sex, color, activity level,) and our adoption committee will pair you with one of our current rescued Goldens, or alert you as soon as the dog of your dreams enters our system.  Or, you are more than welcome to browse through our list of available goldens and tell us what dogs you'd like to meet based on their descriptions and pictures.   If you have any questions or comments, please email applications@azgrc.org.

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How much does it cost?

Our adoption fee's are based on our Golden Retrievers ages.

• Golden's 0-4 years old       $300

• Golden's 5-8 years old       $250

• Golden's 9 and up              $200*

*Adoption fee may be adjusted for very senior or special needs Goldens.

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Where does my donation money go?

Unfortunately most pets, including Golden Retrievers, are often abandoned due
to health concerns.  Almost every Golden we rescue needs medical attention of some kind - whether it's vaccinations, a spay or neuter, tick or valley fever medicine, cancer removal, or more. Your charitable donations go directly to ensuring the health and well being of every Golden we rescue.

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How long does the adoption process take?

The entire adoption process can take 2-4 weeks.  We want to make sure the placement is best for both the golden and the adoptive family.

Please allow us 14 days to review your application. Since we are an all volunteer organization, we do ask for your patience during this process.  If you have been accepted, then please email a list of all the Available Goldens you'd like to meet to adoptions@azgrc.org or call us at 602-870-0037.  For more contact information click here. 

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What if I want to become a foster?

1. You may apply online.  Please fill out our online application, the easiest and quickest way to become a foster.  We will try to contact you within 3 days of receipt to start the review process, and answer all of your questions.  For more info, email info@azgrc.org.

2. download application.  You can download the application form and fax or mail the completed form back to us here.  A volunteer will try to contact you within 3 days of receipt to start the foster process.  If you would like more information, please email fosters@azgrc.org.

After an AZGRC volunteer conducts a home visit and your application has been approved, you will be contacted by the Foster Coordinator to discuss placing a foster dog in your home.

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