Adoption Process
To be considered for one of our wonderful dogs you MUST first fill out an online application.
J&L APPLICATION
Applying for a J&L rescue dog begins with the submission of the Adoption Application. The application is reviewed, and if it appears to meet adoption criteria for a rescue dog, the process moves on to the next steps:
1. A Veterinarian Reference Check
2. Phone Interview
3. Home Visit
J&L APPLICATION
Applying for a J&L rescue dog begins with the submission of the Adoption Application. The application is reviewed, and if it appears to meet adoption criteria for a rescue dog, the process moves on to the next steps:
1. A Veterinarian Reference Check
2. Phone Interview
3. Home Visit
Our thorough application process is intended to help us place each dog in its final, loving home. The process helps us learn about you and helps us work with you to find the best match for you and for the dog.
The J&L Adoption Committee determines if the application should be approved, and once approved, works with applicants to find the most suitable match.
Please note that there are usually more approved applicants waiting for a dog than there are dogs available. The more receptive an applicant is to a dog’s gender, age, and individual characteristics, the more quickly a dog may be matched.
Only APPROVED applicants can be considered for adoptions. Rescued Goldens are very special and a few will require some patience and training. All adopters MUST demonstrate an understanding of the nature of rescue and a willingness to work with their dog, if needed. It is always WELL worth the effort!
When a match is found, a J&L Contract for that dog is signed, with submission of the adoption fee.
Adoption Fees - Effective October 1, 2024
$1000 Purebred Puppy up to 12 months
$1450 Purebred Puppy Pair up to 12 months
$450 Dogs under 7 years
$250 Seniors, 7+ years
$650 Pairs
Adoption fees for dogs (subject to change)**
The J&L Adoption Committee determines if the application should be approved, and once approved, works with applicants to find the most suitable match.
Please note that there are usually more approved applicants waiting for a dog than there are dogs available. The more receptive an applicant is to a dog’s gender, age, and individual characteristics, the more quickly a dog may be matched.
Only APPROVED applicants can be considered for adoptions. Rescued Goldens are very special and a few will require some patience and training. All adopters MUST demonstrate an understanding of the nature of rescue and a willingness to work with their dog, if needed. It is always WELL worth the effort!
When a match is found, a J&L Contract for that dog is signed, with submission of the adoption fee.
Adoption Fees - Effective October 1, 2024
$1000 Purebred Puppy up to 12 months
$1450 Purebred Puppy Pair up to 12 months
$450 Dogs under 7 years
$250 Seniors, 7+ years
$650 Pairs
Adoption fees for dogs (subject to change)**
FAQs
I sent in an application, when will I get my dog??
We review applications in the order in which we receive them. It can take weeks to process your application. If you are looking to adopt immediately, we are probably not the best avenue for you. We urge all applicants to apply to other rescues. Submission of an application or completion of any or all of the approval process does not guarantee a dog will be placed with you.
Do I need to have a fence??
Of course the ideal home for every active dog is one in which they get to romp and play in a safe area. For most of our dogs this means a fenced-in yard. We have had many adopters who have had very good success with electric fencing when it is installed professionally and used properly. At no time will we ever approve of keeping any dog outside without supervision regardless of the style of fencing.
If you do not have a fence this does not mean you are ruled out as a potential adopter. If you are an active walker, we may find a middle aged dog that would do well with regular and lengthy leashed walks. If you are someone who is only moderately active, a senior Golden may find your lifestyle accommodating. We use common sense when matching available dogs to available approved applicants. However, if you have children and no fencing, we will likely not be able to find you a match.
If you are agreeable to fencing in your yard, you MAY be conditionally approved pending completion of your fencing. This does not mean we would hold any dog for you. You would simply be reconsidered for a dog who is available at the time your fencing is complete. We will not however, under any circumstances, approve the use of outdoor pens, tie outs, or runners as means a means of containment for any of our dogs. If you have indicated you plan to use one of these, we cannot consider your application further. If, however, you are considering some sort of fencing – we would be happy to reconsider you when it is in place, or to consider you for an older less active dog once your pen, runner, or tie out has been removed.
Do you place dogs with families who have small children??
The simple answer is yes, but with caution. We do not rule out any family with children but again, common sense prevails. If you have children under eight at home, we are not likely to place a young active dog that needs training with you or one whose history with that age group is unknown. If you have children under 16 and no fencing, we likely will not be able to find you a match. The majority of our dogs come to us as strays – therefore the wait for families with young children for a dog whose history has shown them to be compatible with children can be quite long. Our goal is to make the rescue experience work for both the family and the dog – but the dog will always be our primary concern. Too many people make the incorrect assumption that Goldens just “know” how to be with kids. Dogs need to be taught how to behave in all situations – including with children. And, children need to be taught how to behave with dogs. If you do not have the time to train and supervise your dog 100% of the time with your kids, we will not be able to place a dog with you.
I work long hours – is this a problem??
All dogs require time and attention. Many people adopt a dog and then leave it for 9 - 10 hours a day and wonder why the dog is demonstrating separation issues or destroying their belongings out of sheer boredom. If you work full-time, J&L will consider your application for a dog over the age of 5 years. The needs of young dogs for exercise and companionship can generally not be filled if their family is gone all day, even with a dog walker coming during the day. If a dog is bored and has excess energy he/she can become destructive. We will not place young dogs or puppies into homes where they will be left for long hours. Crating a dog of any age for a full work day is unacceptable.
I have never owned a dog as an adult -- is this a problem??
The goal with every adoption is to match each dog to a family who is able to meet that dog’s needs. Rescue dogs often require experienced owners. If you have never owned a dog as an adult you are not ruled out as an adopter but your application will be compared to others with more experience. We choose applicants who appear to be best equipped to provide a rescue dog with a permanent home. Rescue dogs are dogs for whom life may not have been consistent and loving. There can be a great deal more involved with the care and training of a “second-hand” dog. If you have no dog experience, you may be considered for an older dog who has very little training needs as opposed to a puppy or young dog who will benefit from an experienced handler. Families with experience will be selected first.
Why can’t I come and meet the dogs??
All our dogs are either fostered in private homes or kenneled before adoption. We do not have a facility to visit. We can make arrangements with approved applicants only to meet the dog we feel is a good match. Our desire is for you to know everything we know about that dog before you decide to adopt. Many rescue dogs come with baggage – our job is to find families who are prepared and willing to deal with that baggage. Although we cannot guarantee the temperament of any dog – you will be given as much information as possible about their personalities, behaviors, and needs. Our experience helps to ensure the dog you adopt will become a happy member of your family.
Are the dogs healthy??
Every dog receives a vet exam prior to being placed in a foster or adoptive home. Each dog is spayed or neutered if old enough, brought current on all vaccines, given a heartworm test, and provided with treatment for any obvious medical issues. Please understand that the medical history of most of our dogs in unknown. Our role is to get the dogs out of kill shelters and into adequate home situations, brought up to date on vaccinations and help them to become healthy enough for adoption. It is the responsibility of the adopter to complete that rehabilitation process – this is what rescue is!!! All adopters will be given the health information we have on each dog. Adopters are encouraged to have their vet and the rescue vets discuss their dog – our vets are always happy to do this! Most of our dogs did not have the luxury of a dutiful loving owner monitoring their health. We cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any dog. You are contractually required to take your new dog to the vet within 7-14 days of adoption. If your dog presents with a medical condition for which you are unprepared or unwilling to handle, we will take the dog back into rescue and refund your adoption fee. It is important to understand the risks involved in adopting a rescue dog – most have not had access to regular vet care in the past.
If you have never owned a dog – we strongly urge you to research the costs involved in providing vet care. A routine “well pet” vet visit with vaccinations and preventatives can cost $250 or more. Additional medical tests and treatments can easily double and triple that cost – so BE PREPARED for the financial responsibility of adopting a rescue dog. When you adopt a rescue dog you are assuming the responsibility of continuing the rehabilitation of that dog - in both body and spirit. That is what it means to RESCUE.
We review applications in the order in which we receive them. It can take weeks to process your application. If you are looking to adopt immediately, we are probably not the best avenue for you. We urge all applicants to apply to other rescues. Submission of an application or completion of any or all of the approval process does not guarantee a dog will be placed with you.
Do I need to have a fence??
Of course the ideal home for every active dog is one in which they get to romp and play in a safe area. For most of our dogs this means a fenced-in yard. We have had many adopters who have had very good success with electric fencing when it is installed professionally and used properly. At no time will we ever approve of keeping any dog outside without supervision regardless of the style of fencing.
If you do not have a fence this does not mean you are ruled out as a potential adopter. If you are an active walker, we may find a middle aged dog that would do well with regular and lengthy leashed walks. If you are someone who is only moderately active, a senior Golden may find your lifestyle accommodating. We use common sense when matching available dogs to available approved applicants. However, if you have children and no fencing, we will likely not be able to find you a match.
If you are agreeable to fencing in your yard, you MAY be conditionally approved pending completion of your fencing. This does not mean we would hold any dog for you. You would simply be reconsidered for a dog who is available at the time your fencing is complete. We will not however, under any circumstances, approve the use of outdoor pens, tie outs, or runners as means a means of containment for any of our dogs. If you have indicated you plan to use one of these, we cannot consider your application further. If, however, you are considering some sort of fencing – we would be happy to reconsider you when it is in place, or to consider you for an older less active dog once your pen, runner, or tie out has been removed.
Do you place dogs with families who have small children??
The simple answer is yes, but with caution. We do not rule out any family with children but again, common sense prevails. If you have children under eight at home, we are not likely to place a young active dog that needs training with you or one whose history with that age group is unknown. If you have children under 16 and no fencing, we likely will not be able to find you a match. The majority of our dogs come to us as strays – therefore the wait for families with young children for a dog whose history has shown them to be compatible with children can be quite long. Our goal is to make the rescue experience work for both the family and the dog – but the dog will always be our primary concern. Too many people make the incorrect assumption that Goldens just “know” how to be with kids. Dogs need to be taught how to behave in all situations – including with children. And, children need to be taught how to behave with dogs. If you do not have the time to train and supervise your dog 100% of the time with your kids, we will not be able to place a dog with you.
I work long hours – is this a problem??
All dogs require time and attention. Many people adopt a dog and then leave it for 9 - 10 hours a day and wonder why the dog is demonstrating separation issues or destroying their belongings out of sheer boredom. If you work full-time, J&L will consider your application for a dog over the age of 5 years. The needs of young dogs for exercise and companionship can generally not be filled if their family is gone all day, even with a dog walker coming during the day. If a dog is bored and has excess energy he/she can become destructive. We will not place young dogs or puppies into homes where they will be left for long hours. Crating a dog of any age for a full work day is unacceptable.
I have never owned a dog as an adult -- is this a problem??
The goal with every adoption is to match each dog to a family who is able to meet that dog’s needs. Rescue dogs often require experienced owners. If you have never owned a dog as an adult you are not ruled out as an adopter but your application will be compared to others with more experience. We choose applicants who appear to be best equipped to provide a rescue dog with a permanent home. Rescue dogs are dogs for whom life may not have been consistent and loving. There can be a great deal more involved with the care and training of a “second-hand” dog. If you have no dog experience, you may be considered for an older dog who has very little training needs as opposed to a puppy or young dog who will benefit from an experienced handler. Families with experience will be selected first.
Why can’t I come and meet the dogs??
All our dogs are either fostered in private homes or kenneled before adoption. We do not have a facility to visit. We can make arrangements with approved applicants only to meet the dog we feel is a good match. Our desire is for you to know everything we know about that dog before you decide to adopt. Many rescue dogs come with baggage – our job is to find families who are prepared and willing to deal with that baggage. Although we cannot guarantee the temperament of any dog – you will be given as much information as possible about their personalities, behaviors, and needs. Our experience helps to ensure the dog you adopt will become a happy member of your family.
Are the dogs healthy??
Every dog receives a vet exam prior to being placed in a foster or adoptive home. Each dog is spayed or neutered if old enough, brought current on all vaccines, given a heartworm test, and provided with treatment for any obvious medical issues. Please understand that the medical history of most of our dogs in unknown. Our role is to get the dogs out of kill shelters and into adequate home situations, brought up to date on vaccinations and help them to become healthy enough for adoption. It is the responsibility of the adopter to complete that rehabilitation process – this is what rescue is!!! All adopters will be given the health information we have on each dog. Adopters are encouraged to have their vet and the rescue vets discuss their dog – our vets are always happy to do this! Most of our dogs did not have the luxury of a dutiful loving owner monitoring their health. We cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any dog. You are contractually required to take your new dog to the vet within 7-14 days of adoption. If your dog presents with a medical condition for which you are unprepared or unwilling to handle, we will take the dog back into rescue and refund your adoption fee. It is important to understand the risks involved in adopting a rescue dog – most have not had access to regular vet care in the past.
If you have never owned a dog – we strongly urge you to research the costs involved in providing vet care. A routine “well pet” vet visit with vaccinations and preventatives can cost $250 or more. Additional medical tests and treatments can easily double and triple that cost – so BE PREPARED for the financial responsibility of adopting a rescue dog. When you adopt a rescue dog you are assuming the responsibility of continuing the rehabilitation of that dog - in both body and spirit. That is what it means to RESCUE.