Every Dog’s Chance

Golden Retriever Dogs for Adoption

167 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 151–167 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 6 of 6

Photo of Luna, adoptable Golden Retriever in Jefferson, New Jersey

Luna

Golden Retriever • Female • Medium • 0 years

Meet The Tuque Beach Babies Kira • Luna • Max • Leo These four precious puppies were born into a life no puppy should ever know. Without intervention,…

Save The Satos • Jefferson, NJ

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Photo of Buster, adoptable Golden Retriever in Mena, Arkansas

Buster

Golden Retriever • Male • Medium • 3 years

🐾Hi there! My name is Buster! 🐾 I'm a very handsome 3-year-old, 48-pound Golden Retriever/Spitz mix, and I've got a personality as big as my fluffy …

Humane Society of the Ouachitas • Mena, AR

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Photo of Nalah, adoptable Golden Retriever in Chickamauga, Georgia

Nalah

Golden Retriever • Female • Medium • 6 years

Nalah is a medium-sized female dog with a beautiful red coat and a gentle, sensitive nature. She is very nervous around new people and may take time t…

Walker County Animal Shelter • Chickamauga, GA

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Photo of Izzy, adoptable Golden Retriever in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Izzy

Golden Retriever • Female • 6 years

Izzy is a sweet but shy, female cream golden retriever. She is a nervous girl with lots of love to give. Izzy is shy at introduction but is a sweet ge…

Camp Papillon Adoption & Rescue Inc • Stroudsburg, PA

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Photo of Rugar, adoptable Golden Retriever in Sussex, New Jersey

Rugar

Golden Retriever • Male • Medium • 1 year

Meet Rugar – a happy, handsome boy searching for his very own Yellow Brick Road to a forever home! For the past year, Rugar spent much of his life wai…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

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Photo of Winston, adoptable Golden Retriever in Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Winston

Golden Retriever • Male • Medium • 4 years

Winston is a 4-year-old Mini Goldendoodle who is getting his very first chance to experience life as a beloved pet. After spending his life in a comme…

Diane's Pet Rescue • Pottstown, PA

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Golden Retriever dogs by state

California35Florida17Arizona16Texas15New York14New Jersey11South Carolina6Connecticut5Illinois5Tennessee5North Carolina4Pennsylvania4

Other breeds

Pit Bull Terrier6637Labrador Retriever3815German Shepherd3650Mixed Breed2739Terrier1924Chihuahua1764Staffordshire Terrier1689Australian Cattle Dog1171Siberian Husky1036Shepherd964Husky762Boxer728

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.