Golden Retriever Dogs for Adoption

167 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 167 below.

About adopting a Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the dog many people picture when they imagine a family pet, and for good reason. They are friendly with nearly anyone, patient with children, and eager to work alongside their people. Purebred Goldens are less common in shelters than many breeds, but Golden mixes arrive regularly, often from homes that could not meet the exercise or grooming demands.

A young Golden is a lot of dog. Puppies chew, mouth, and carry things around the house for the first couple of years, and they need daily exercise and structured training to channel their energy. Adults are calmer but still love to swim, retrieve, and hike. Left without activity, a Golden gains weight and grows restless.

The coat sheds heavily and needs brushing several times a week. Hips, elbows, skin allergies, and certain cancers are themes to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. Most Goldens are poor watchdogs and excellent greeters. They do best in homes where they are included in daily life rather than left in a yard. Ask the shelter or rescue how this dog has behaved with kids, other animals, and strangers, and what training she has had so far.

167 Golden Retriever dogs available — page 1 of 6

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Photo of Rocky, adoptable Golden Retriever in Westwood, New Jersey

Rocky

Golden Retriever MaleLarge3 years

MEET ROCKY! Rocky is a handsome 3-year-old Golden Retriever weighing about 64 pounds, and he is looking for a new family to give all that Golden love …

Peace 4 Paws Inc. • Westwood, NJ

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Photo of Lilly, adoptable Golden Retriever in Dallas, Texas

Lilly

Golden Retriever FemaleMedium1 year

APPLICATION REQUIRED from www.dashdog.org Adoption Fee $450 - the fee is NON-NEGOTIABLE and is not specific for any dog or puppy; it goes to the expen…

Dallas Australian Shepherd and Herding Dog Rescue • Dallas, TX

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Photo of Opal & Pearl, adoptable Golden Retriever in Grovertown, Indiana

Opal & Pearl

Golden Retriever FemaleMedium2 years

Pearl and Opal are 1½–2yearold, 50–55 lb Great Pyrenees/Golden Retriever sisters . They are gentle, easy dogs who adjusted to home life quickly and ha…

Save A Dog Rescue • Grovertown, IN

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Photo of Puppy Rocky, adoptable Golden Retriever in Sussex, New Jersey

Puppy Rocky

Golden Retriever MaleLargeest. up to 13 yrs

Rocky is one of those very special puppies that has an old soul kind of personality and is going to be a BIG BOY! This boy weighs 24 pounds at just 12…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

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Photo of Cherry, adoptable Golden Retriever in Unionville, Pennsylvania

Cherry

Golden Retriever FemaleMedium2 years

2 years old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with childr…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

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Photo of Puppy Ayla, adoptable Golden Retriever in Sussex, New Jersey

Puppy Ayla

Golden Retriever FemaleMediumBaby

Ayla is also one of those puppies who seems to have a gentle understanding of the world around her. She isn’t an alpha and has a sweet, submissive nat…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

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Photo of Linus, adoptable Golden Retriever in Cave Creek, Arizona

Linus

Golden Retriever MaleSmallBaby

Linus is a happy, sweet 5–6-month-old boy who weighs about 16 pounds. He absolutely loves people and has been great with his two doggy foster siblings…

Sunshine Dog Rescue • Cave Creek, AZ

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Photo of Bonnie, adoptable Golden Retriever in Agoura Hills, California

Bonnie

Golden Retriever FemaleMedium1 year

Meet Bonnie! She is the sweetest girll! She is a 1 year old rescued in South Korea from a dog meat farm. We have partners there we work with to get th…

LIFE Animal Rescue • Agoura Hills, CA

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Photo of Dillon, adoptable Golden Retriever in Granbury, Texas

Dillon

Golden Retriever MaleMedium0 years

Dillon is a 8 month old Golden Retriever mix male. This is one sweet boy! He just wants to be with his people. Dillon is about 40 lbs. currently but i…

Friends for Animals Adoption Shelter • Granbury, TX

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Photo of Pluto, adoptable Golden Retriever in San Clemente, California

Pluto

Golden Retriever MaleLarge0 years

Pluto is a handsome young Golden Retriever who loves water, play, and adventures. He is still learning his manners and would thrive with patient, cons…

Coastal Animal Services Authority • San Clemente, CA

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Photo of Lacey, adoptable Golden Retriever in Glendale, Arizona

Lacey

Golden Retriever Female0 years

LACEY is available! NOTE: 26-055 Cagney & 26-056 Lacey ARE A BONDED PAIR THAT WE INTEND TO PLACE TOGETHER! BOTH DOGS HAVE NOT YET HAD A FULL VETERINAR…

Arizona Golden Rescue • Glendale, AZ

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Photo of Cagney, adoptable Golden Retriever in Glendale, Arizona

Cagney

Golden Retriever Female0 years

CAGNEY is available! NOTE: 26-055 Cagney & 26-056 Lacey ARE A BONDED PAIR THAT WE INTEND TO PLACE TOGETHER! BOTH DOGS HAVE NOT YET HAD A FULL VETERINA…

Arizona Golden Rescue • Glendale, AZ

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Photo of Slate, adoptable Golden Retriever in Turlock, California

Slate

Golden Retriever Female0 years

Meet Slate, a darling 2-month-old female Golden Retriever mix with a heart of gold and a playful, cuddly spirit. Sweet, curious, and boundlessly affec…

Kate's Furreka Rescue • Turlock, CA

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Photo of Lucille, adoptable Golden Retriever in San Diego, California

Lucille

Golden Retriever FemaleLarge2 years

Foster or forever home wanted, meet Lucille! You never know what you find these days in shelters or worse, abandoned on someone's large property. It w…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Bella, adoptable Golden Retriever in Buffalo, Minnesota

Bella

Golden Retriever FemaleLarge0 years

Meet Bella! While this sweet girl is currently in a foster-to-adopt home, we still want to share all about her because she deserves to be celebrated! …

United Doberman Rescue • Buffalo, MN

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Photo of Canelo, adoptable Golden Retriever in Glendale, Arizona

Canelo

Golden Retriever Maleest. 2–7 yrs

CANELO is available! 26-054 Canelo is a very strong 2-year-old un-neutered male Golden Retriever. AGR will handle having his neuter done sometime soon…

Arizona Golden Rescue • Glendale, AZ

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Photo of Nova, adoptable Golden Retriever in Hillside, Illinois

Nova

Golden Retriever Female0 years

Sadly, due to the dad in the home being allergic and having asthmatic issues, Nova was returned to Magnificent Mutts. Nova is 8 months old and is a pr…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Kaya, adoptable Golden Retriever in San Diego, California

Kaya

Golden Retriever FemaleLarge2 years

Foster or forever home wanted, meet Kaya! Kaya entered the Palmdale shelter on August 6 with another golden we named Maya. The shelter vet aged them b…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Maya, adoptable Golden Retriever in San Diego, California

Maya

Golden Retriever FemaleLarge2 years

Foster or forever home wanted, meet Maya! Maya entered the Palmdale shelter on August 6 with another golden we named Kaya. The shelter vet aged them b…

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Biscuit, adoptable Golden Retriever in Mount Airy, North Carolina

Biscuit

Golden Retriever MaleLarge5 years

Biscuit is a 5 year old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix, he weighs about 60 pounds. We adopted Biscuit out to a lovely couple 3 years ago. Unfortu…

Surry Animal Rescue • Mount Airy, NC

Adopting a Golden Retriever — FAQ

Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?

Yes, in most cases. Goldens are eager to please, food-motivated, and quick to pick up new cues. Their enthusiasm can make them distractible as puppies, so short sessions work best. Adults from shelters often already know the basics and enjoy learning more.

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

Plenty. A young adult needs an hour or more of activity most days, ideally including swimming or fetch. Without it, they become bored and destructive. Older adults are more relaxed but still want a daily walk and a chance to carry something around in their mouth.

Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?

Yes. The double coat sheds year round and heavily in spring and fall. Brushing several times a week helps, and regular baths keep the coat manageable. Anyone who dislikes dog hair on furniture and clothes should consider whether this is the right breed for them.

How do I adopt a Golden Retriever?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Golden Retriever dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Golden Retriever dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Golden Retriever?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Golden Retriever dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Golden Retriever instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Golden Retriever gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Golden Retriever?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.