Compassionate care for your cherished companion

Understanding the surrender process

We are dedicated to saving dogs in need so if you must give up your retriever we are here to help. We know this is heartbreaking. Putting your pet’s welfare first sometimes means making the hard decision to give them up. Please do not take your retriever to a shelter or advertise them on Craig’s List; the potential home your dog may end up in is totally unpredictable should you take that action. We have a multiple step screening process for adoptive homes to ensure your dog gets a good home.

Why surrender?

Life changes

Sometimes life circumstances change unexpectedly, making it difficult to care for your pet. We understand and are here to help.

Behavioral issues

Before surrendering due to behavioral issues, consider consulting a trainer or behaviorist. Many issues can be resolved with professional help.

How to surrender your dog

Step 1: Complete the Surrender Form

Fill out the Surrender Form with detailed information about your dog. This information assists us in placing your dog in a foster home and ultimately their adoptive home.

• Please have two photos available when you complete the form. 
• If you cannot attach the photos to the form, please email one or more photos of your pet to intake@grrmf.org so we can verify your dog is a retriever or a retriever mix.
• Please put your dog’s name in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email.

Step 2: We’ll acknowledge receipt within 72 hours

An intake volunteer will acknowledge receipt of your request within 72 hours. We are an all-volunteer organization and are called upon to help many dogs. Each dog requires the help of several volunteers and appointments. Therefore, please let us know if you are working with other people or organizations and may not need our help.

What happens when you surrender your dog?

The surrender process

Initial Steps

Our transport volunteer will take your dog directly to a vet for an initial check-up.

Foster Care

After the vet visit, your dog will go to a pre-approved foster home. Our foster families undergo the same rigorous approval process as adoptive homes, including a written application, phone screen, home visit, and veterinary reference check.

No Kennels

We do not keep our dogs in kennels. This ensures they receive personalized care and attention.

Long-term care and adoption

Assessment and care

We assess each dog’s temperament and health before adoption. Surrendering owners cannot foster their own dogs during this period.

Commitment to care

GRRMF will care for your dog until they find a suitable forever home, no matter how long it takes. We never euthanize dogs due to the length of their stay.

Humane treatment

Euthanasia is only considered on the advice of our medical professionals to ensure humane treatment.

Confidentiality and updates

Privacy policy

We keep the identity of the new home private to protect confidentiality.

Updates on your dog

Upon request, we can provide updates on how your dog is doing in their new environment.

Help support our mission

Our program is made possible through adoption fees and donations. Adoption fees do not cover nearly all our costs for each dog. We realize that most families giving up dogs are not in a position to make a donation to help, so we do not require any donation when you surrender a dog to us. If you are in a financial position that allows you to make a donation that is a generous gesture. All donations are tax deductible.

We’re here to help

Thank you for trusting us to take care of your beloved pet. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@grrmf.org.