foster

Hundreds of beautiful Golden Retrievers are abandoned or surrendered each year in the Phoenix metro area.  We couldn't save any of them without our fosters.  Every Golden we save finds sanctuary in one of our foster homes, giving us the time to find each one a safe, loving, and permanent home.  For testimonials from our fosters, click here.   Please consider becoming a foster today, and help us save a life!

What is a foster?

An AZGRC foster is someone who opens their heart and home and agrees to give temporary shelter to a rescued Golden Retriever.  Most families foster each AZGRC Golden for an average of 1-2 months, but we never know how long it may take for our Goldens to find their forever homes.  You can let us know what kind of Golden Retriever you'd like to foster, (age, size, sex, activity level, etc.,) and how long you'd like to foster.  We will do everything we can to accommodate you and your family.

foster testimonials

In their own words, our fosters talk about why they choose to foster, and what it means to them here.

What is expected?

SAFE SPOT:  We ask that you give your foster Golden a safe place to rest his head while he's up for adoption.  You will be responsible for a name (if he doesn't already have one,)  food, water, and shelter.

LOVE LOVE LOVE:  When your foster Golden first meets you, he will be very disoriented and feeling out of sorts.  He is his most fragile in the first few days of foster care.  Love him up and let him know that everything will be OK.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU:  After your Golden gets a little more comfortable, spend some time getting to know him.  Learn the Golden's personality and help us determine what family best suits him.

DR. KNOWS BEST:  Follow any health guidelines set up by the veterinarian in his initial health check.  He may need to gain weight, or go on a diet.  He may have medicines or other special needs.  [NOTE: all vet bills are borne by AZGRC, and any emergency visits are reimbursed by AZGRC.]

GOOD DOG: Help us make sure your foster Golden is "family friendly."  Most of our Goldens have good manners, but some may need a bit of basic obedience and indoor etiquette.

THE BIG DAY:  Be open to arrangements to meet any interested applicants, whether they come visit your foster Golden in your home - or an AZGRC volunteer arranges a greeting. 

How do I get started?

apply online

Please fill out our online application, the easiest and quickest way to become a foster.  We will try to contact you within 5 days of receipt to start the review process, and answer all of your questions.  For more info, email info@azgrc.org.

download application

Or, you can download the application form and fax or mail the completed form back to us here.  A volunteer will try to contact you within 5 days of receipt to start the foster process.  If you would like more information, please email fosters@azgrc.org.