The Golden Retriever is known for its trustworthiness and its desire to please its humans. Unfortunately, there are thousands of the breed in Canadian shelters each year. British Columbia is no exception; hundreds of Goldens are in BC rescues, just waiting for someone like you to bring them home.
New puppies are fun, but you’ll make a bigger difference in the life of a Golden when you choose to adopt from a Golden Retriever rescue in BC. Take a look at the list of shelters, rescues, and other resources below to begin your search for a new-to-you, deserving Golden Retriever.
Before you read this list of Golden Retriever rescues in BC, check out: 4 Best Dog Rescues in British Columbia! (2023) and 7 Best Dog Breeders in British Columbia! (2023).
1. Golden Rescue
Golden Rescue is a Canadian shelter that focuses primarily on Golden Retrievers. They’re located in Ontario, but the team adopts dogs out to residents of each of the Canadian provinces. British Columbians can find a Golden in this shelter’s system and bring him or her home with just a bit of coordination with the Golden Rescue volunteers.
To adopt from Golden Rescue, you’ll first need to fill out an adoption application. Tell the volunteers about your prior experience with dogs, and let them know about your family and household. Do you have a fenced yard? Do you work long hours? The Golden Rescue team will want to hear all about it.
Once you’re approved to adopt, you’ll be matched with the most appropriate pup. If you have a preference as to which dog you’d like to take home, let them know! They’ll do their best to approve you for that pup. Otherwise, the placement will be based on the dog’s temperament and your family dynamic.
Your dog will be nose-to-tail vet-checked when it’s time to go home with you. He or she will also be spayed or neutered to help reduce the instance of dog homelessness in British Columbia.
Golden Rescue Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Phone Number: 416-657-2445
- Email: info@goldenrescue.ca
- Website: Golden Rescue
2. Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society
Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society is next on our list of the top Golden Retriever rescues in BC. British Columbians will find Goldens, Boxers, Terriers, and even Yorkies for adoption.
They don’t specialize in any particular breed of dog. Instead, this small-scale rescue takes in dogs that are unwanted and would be otherwise sent to high-kill shelters.
The adoption fee for a dog from Northern Hope is $500. Your dog will be spayed or neutered upon arrival at your home unless it is too young to undergo the procedure.
If you adopt a puppy that has not been altered, you can expect to pay $600 plus a $100 refundable deposit. You’ll get your deposit back once you show proof from the veterinarian.
You’ll find an application within each adoptable dog’s biography. Once you find a dog you’d like to bring home with you, fill out the application and let the volunteers know a bit about your pup preferences and the people in your home. From there, the shelter will contact you with next steps — you can expect a meet-and-greet.
Not sure adoption is right for you? That’s fine! Apply to foster a dog. A Golden Retriever or other pup will be placed with your family temporarily until he or she finds a forever home. You’ll be responsible for basic care; all supplies and expenses are paid for by Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society.
Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society Details:
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Email: northernhope.drs@gmail.com
- Website: Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society
3. Rescue Me Dog Adoption
British Columbians who wish to assist their neighbors to the south should check out Rescue Me Dog Adoption. This charity works to rescue homeless dogs in shelters in the state of California.
Once the dogs are taken from the high-kill shelters, Rescue Me Dog Adoption will rehabilitate and rehome them with families in British Columbia.
Foster and adoption opportunities are available. Should you be in the process of deciding whether adoption is right for you, why not apply to become a foster home?
The dog’s medical costs are covered; you’ll provide transportation, food and basic necessities, and cuddles. If you’re ready to adopt, this is ideal! Find a dog you’re interested in and apply for permanent placement.
Dogs are listed on the Rescue Me Dog Adoption website when they’re available. You’ll be shown a biography and you can view the adoption fee. Once your application is approved, you can pay the fee and bring home your spayed or neutered, vet-checked family member as soon as possible!
Rescue Me Dog Adoption Details:
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Phone Number: 604-762-1129
- Email: sales@frivolous.ca
- Website: Rescue Me Dog Adoption
4. SNAPP Society
SNAPP stands for the Squamish Neighbourhood Animal Partnership and Protection Society. They’re a not-for-profit charity that’s run by Squamish First Nation members. There is no physical Golden Retriever shelter in British Columbia. Instead, rescued dogs are brought into foster homes until a permanent placement can be found.
If you’re looking forward to adopting a dog or a puppy through this North Vancouver, British Columbia rescue, please take a look at their Facebook page.
The most recently available dogs will be viewable on the social media page and you’ll be able to easily contact the organization through Facebook Messenger. “Like” the page to receive updates on dogs that come through the SNAPP Society program.
The adoption fee for your dog may vary based on your dog’s health, breed, and age. Foster and adoptive families are both welcome to apply. Email the team for an application.
SNAPP Society Details:
- Location: North Vancouver, BC
- Phone Number: 778-384-3226
- Email: info@snappsociety.com
- Website: SNAPP Society
5. Regional Animal Protection Society
Regional Animal Protection Society is located in Richmond, British Columbia and is one of the top Golden Retriever rescues in BC. While this group does not specialize in Goldens, you’ll frequently find the breed available for adoption. Check the website frequently for the most updated information about which dogs are available at any given time.
You can expect to pay an adoption fee between $300 and $600 to adopt your dog depending upon its age, breed, and health. Pets are listed on Petfinder and you can view pictures and a brief biography of each dog there.
Once you’ve found a Golden Retriever you’d like to adopt, fill out the application on the RAPS website and wait for contact from the volunteers.
Your dog will have been vet-checked from nose to tail, and will be spayed or neutered. In most cases, RAPS will match a puppy or dog to your family by temperament. Should you find a dog you’re in love with, let the team know. They’ll do their best to place the dog with you when it’s appropriate.
While you’re checking out the available Golden Retrievers, be sure you take a look at the other species in need of homes, too! Cats, rabbits, and ferrets are just a few of the pets that are adoptable through RAPS.
Regional Animal Protection Society Details:
- Location: Richmond, BC
- Phone Number: 604-275-2036
- Email: info@rapsbc.com
- Website: Regional Animal Protection Society
7. Kijiji
Kijiji is last on our list of the best Golden Retriever rescues in BC. However, this platform isn’t solely a rescue, nor is the Golden Retriever the focus of this site. Instead, Kijiji is a classifieds-style website that allows breeders, owners, and shelters to list Goldens and other dogs.
No matter where you live in British Columbia, there’s likely a Golden Retriever near you waiting for a home like yours.
To use this site, you can simply enter “Golden Retriever” in the search box, then select the city in which you live to bring up applicable listings. Note that Kijiji does not screen posters. Interview the dog’s current owner — whether a shelter or an individual — thoroughly before exchanging money.
Golden Retrievers listed on Kijiji will come from a variety of backgrounds. Some will have come from situations of abuse or neglect while others may have come from responsible and reputable breeders.
Bring a trusted friend with you for safety when you pick up your dog, and always have your pup checked by a vet as soon as possible following adoption. This will help to ensure that your Golden Retriever remains a member of your family for years to come.
Kijiji Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: Kijiji
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden Retriever puppies can be tough to manage after they turn eight months.
Compared to other Retrievers, English Cream Retrievers are calm dogs, but they still require daily exercise. That said, it’s best to see a new dog in person to get a feel for its individual personality.
The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 10 to 12 years.
Conclusion for “Best Golden Retriever Rescues in British Columbia”
Golden Retrievers are faithful family dogs, and they’re companions for life. Unfortunately, and usually through no fault of their own, hundreds of these dogs find themselves in shelters across British Columbia.
While purchasing a new puppy is fun, it may be worth your while to check out the top Golden Retriever rescues in BC. The dogs that are waiting to be adopted are deserving of your love and affection and are ready to integrate seamlessly into your household.
For guides similar to this list of Golden Retriever rescues in BC, check out:
- 6 Best Golden Retriever Rescues in Canada! (2023)
- 5 Best Poodle Breeders in British Columbia! (2023)
- 5 Best Cavapoo Breeders in British Columbia! (2023)
Learn more by watching “Golden Retriever Facts” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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