Adoption Info

NOTE: To adopt one of our dogs, you must be a resident of North Carolina and reside within 100 miles of Raleigh, NC. Due to the impact of COVID-19 we have seen a temporary fall off in the number of dogs in need of rescue and a drastic increase in the number of applications. Until further notice provided on this section of our website, this distance restriction applies to new applications. Once this situation eases we will go back to our existing requirements.

If you are just beginning the process to apply for one of our posted dogs, please be aware that previously approved applicants will be given priority.

We are so glad you are choosing to adopt a rescue dog and have found NRGRR. Because of the popularity of this breed we receive far more applications than we have dogs in our program. If you are beginning your application process today and you are interested in a specific dog on our website, chances are, the dog will have been adopted by the time we complete your application process. Be patient. Our volunteers are committed to ensuring that every dog finds the perfect home.

The decision to place one of our dogs into an adoptive home is our most important work. We reserve the right to deny any application and we do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Our goal is to find the absolute best forever home for our dogs with the best adoptive family.

Steps to Adopt From NRGRR

Complete the application below. Once you submit your application, you will be directed to a payment link for our application fee. Our application fee is non-refundable. If you do not have access to email, call us at (919) 676-7144 and leave your contact information. A volunteer will call you back within a few days and send an application to you and you can mail it to us. Please be aware that this extends the time for approval.
A volunteer application advisor will be assigned to you and will contact you to discuss your application. If you currently have any dogs or have had a dog in the last few years we will contact your veterinarian for a reference and to verify your dog(s) is up to date on all vaccinations and heartworm prevention. If you have never owned a dog or it has been several years we will schedule a home visit.

Image courtesy of RAGZofAZ

If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email. Approved applications are good for one year from the date of approval. An application approval with NRGRR does not guarantee an adoption of a dog from our organization. In general the ratio of approved adopters to dogs in our rescue is 3 to 1 or greater.
When dogs are ready to be adopted we will post them on our website. Check the Our Dogs webpage and/or come to our Meet and Greet Events to see what dogs we have available for adoption.
If you see a dog(s) that you like make sure you carefully read the dog’s profile to be sure you would be a great match; paying special attention to the notes about children, fences, cats or schedules for that dog.
If you think you would be a great match email your application advisor ASAP to let them know you are interested in one or more dogs.
After a careful review of a number of applications and matching criteria, the foster decides who to call and possibly visit. The foster knows best about the total needs of the rescue dog.
We ask you to trust our process and wait patiently as the foster makes the decision on which applicants to contact. Your application advisor will provide feedback as it becomes available. If the foster thinks your application is a fit they will contact you for a meeting to evaluate the match.
If the foster meets with you and decides you are the right adopter for their foster dog they will contact you to verify that you are still interested in adopting our dog. If you are not selected the foster or your application advisor will contact you and let you know.
If it is agreed that you will adopt our dog a date and time will be set for you to sign our contract, pay the adoption fee and pick up the new member of your family. We’ll provide instructions on how to get the dog’s vet records transferred to your vet, and your information will be added to the dog’s microchip after adoption.

You can print a copy of the "Steps to Adopt from NRGRR" here.

You can download and review a sample copy of the NRGRR Placement Contract here.

Application and Adoption Fees (Effective March 2, 2020):

Application Fee:

$40

Adoption Fees:
International dogs (all ages)	$700
8 weeks - 1 year	$400
1 year, 1 day - 4 years	$350
4 years, 1 day - 9 years	$300
Senior - 9 years, + 1 day	$150
Seniors to seniors*	No Fee

*Senior dogs 9 years + 1 day for approved applicants who are 65 years and older.

Adoption fees help cover expenses, averaging over $1000 per dog. Most recently NRGRR has brought Golden Retrievers to the Triangle from China. Our fees include travel, vet care, vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter, heartworm, and flea and tick preventatives and other care as needed such as heart worm treatment, diagnostics, surgery, medications, or training costs as required by individual dogs.

Click here to fill out and submit your application. Please be prepared to fill out the form in one sitting. It will take approximately 45 minutes to complete, so please have appropriate phone numbers and reference check information with you before you begin. Be concise when you are answering questions on the form. If you have problems with the form, let us know by contacting us at: nrgrrapplications@hotmail.com

To adopt one of our dogs, you must be a resident of North Carolina and reside within 100 miles of Raleigh, NC.

Thank you again for your interest in adopting one of our dogs.