Adoption FAQs

Considering adoption but need more information? Review our most frequently asked adoption questions or email rescue@ragom.org.

Adoption FAQs

What does a dog's status indicate?

Adopt Me: The dog is available for adoption and we are currently accepting applications for the dog.

Closed to Applications: Many families have submitted applications for the dog, or the dog is working with an applicant for a potential adoption.

Unavailable: The dog is not yet ready to be adopted, and we are not currently accepting applications for the dog.

Pending Adoption: The dog has found its forever home.

Hospice: The dog will live out its remaining days in the foster home.

Recently Deceased: The dog has recently passed away and will soon be listed on the Memorials page [1].

How are adoption fees determined?

Our adoption fees help offset the cost of rescue, which includes necessary medical, behavior, and training expenses. The fee doesn't directly correlate to the expense incurred for a dog, which varies significantly.

Instead of charging fees based on the individual dog, we chose to set a flat fee structure based on age, with adoption fees for younger dogs being slightly higher than for older dogs due to the higher demand for younger dogs.

Why do you charge higher fees for Goldens from other countries?

The cost of rescuing dogs from Turkey or China, for example, is much higher than the cost of rescuing dogs from within the United States due to transportation costs that RAGOM incurs to bring them into our organization. The "International Dog" adoption fees only offset this cost and does not cover the full expense of these rescues.

How does a dog's age affect adoption considerations?

A dog's age is a very important factor when considering adoption. Just as human needs and expectations change as we progress through life's stages, dogs also experience significant changes from birth to old age.

Puppies require significant time, patience, and energy to address housetraining and obedience training. They also tend to jump, chew, and make a mess!
Youngsters (approximately 18 months to three years) still need training and lots of exercise.
The behavior and demeanor of an adult dog in a new environment depends largely on prior experiences. Patience and consistency are essential.
Adequate time to adapt to a sudden change in their circumstances and proper senior veterinary care are essential when adopting a senior dog.

For more detailed information, review A Dog's Age Is an Important Consideration When Adopting [2].

What should we do if we can’t wait for a RAGOM puppy?

We rarely have young puppies available for adoption. However, if you truly want to bring a puppy into your home and cannot wait for a RAGOM puppy, please find a reputable breeder [3].

If you have read and understand our adoption process [4] and meet adoption eligibility requirements [5], please submit an Inquiry for Application [6].

Submit an Inquiry for Application [7]