If you are thinking about bringing a Golden Retriever into your home, consider looking into Illinois rescues. There are many purebred Golden Retrievers who are great pets waiting for someone like you.
Adopting has many benefits for you, the dog being rescued, and all dogs in general. Here are the best Golden Retriever rescues for dog lovers in Illinois.
Before you read this list of Golden Retriever rescues in Illinois, check out: 6 Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Illinois! (2023) and Best Golden Retriever Breeders in the Midwest! (2023).
1. As Good As Gold
Over the years, As Good as Gold has grown to be a statewide rescue group of volunteers helping Golden Retriever and Golden mixes. The non-profit relocates dogs from commercial breeders and works to prevent any dogs from falling through the cracks, regardless of age or medical conditions.
Their volunteer team runs all of their programs 100% by themselves, with the assistance of experienced volunteer leaders overseen by the organization’s board of directors.
They design and manage their dog programs carefully as part of their commitment to dog rescue and placement within forever homes.
Each program adheres to the principles of continuous improvement, good stewardship, and maximizing charitable impact made possible by generous members and donors. They strive to make everyone they work with feel good about themselves, especially their dogs.
As Good As Gold Details:
- Location: 518 S. Route 31, Suite 178, Wheeling, IL 60050
- Phone Number: 630-588-0115
- Website: As Good As Gold
2. Animal House Shelter, Inc
As a rescue organization, Animal House Shelter has cared for homeless animals since June 2002. In most of their cases, they receive dogs and cats at risk of being euthanized by high-kill facilities due to a lack of space. The majority have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
The adopted pets are carefully matched with their future owners once they are rehabilitated and ready. They accept some in the form of owner surrenders, as many people have problems with time because they change their work schedules, move, suffer from allergies, or have a baby.
The unique personalities of animals are similar to those of humans. As a sanctuary, they take great pride in treating their animals like their own.
Animal House Shelter, Inc Details:
- Location: 13005 Ernesti Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
- Phone Number: 847-961-5541
- Website: Animal House Shelter, Inc
3. Love a Golden Rescue
In 2001, Love a Golden Rescue was founded by a small group of volunteers who saw a need to assist Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes throughout Central and Eastern Missouri and Central and Southern Illinois. During the past 22 years, they have rescued over 1400 dogs with their volunteers.
Their rescue program has saved Goldens who needed major surgery immediately after they were brought into their care. After spending all their lives in a breeding facility, Golden Retrievers are quickly adopted by great families.
Rescue is so important to them because it allows them to see the happy faces of the dogs when they are reunited with their new families-cuddling on the couch with two-legged and four-legged siblings or romping on the beach during a vacation.
Aside from rescuing Golden Retrievers with special needs, they also help senior dogs. Love a Golden cherishes the opportunity to adopt seniors, and their Senior Life program recognizes the extraordinary families that adopt senior Goldens.
No matter their age or medical condition, they strive to help Goldens who are in need of a home. Their owners often return for a second dog, as the families learn that adopting a Golden and providing it with a forever home is an extremely rewarding experience.
It’s important to note that all foster dogs require veterinary care, including some that require extensive care, which means that the costs of veterinary care far exceed the typical adoption donation. In order to accomplish this, they engage in fundraising activities on a regular basis.
Love a Golden Rescue Details:
- Location: P.O. Box 27621 St. Louis MO 63146-0621
- Phone Number: 314-963-5232
- Website: Love a Golden Rescue
4. Golden Retriever Club of America Rescue (Central)
The Golden Retriever Club of America safeguards the Golden Retriever breed. Its members help determine codes of ethics, performance standards, and breed standards. Members have a voice in influencing bylaws and breed standards changes.
Among the members of this organization, no other breed is more protected or improved in America than the Golden Retriever. In addition to providing education, the GRCA provides guidelines for acquiring and caring for healthy Golden Retrievers from reputable breeders.
The foundation raises public awareness about the Golden Retriever breed in general. It strives to gain a better understanding of the health problems and illnesses that Golden Retriever owners, in particular, suffer from.
The Golden Retriever Club of America publishes educational materials pertaining to Golden Retriever care, training, breeding, health, and development. Its rescue efforts focus on bringing displaced Golden Retrievers to safety, rehabilitating them, and placing them in good homes.
Golden Retriever Club of America Rescue (Central) Details:
- Location: Illinois
- Website: Golden Retriever Club of America Rescue (Central)
Tips For Choosing The Right Rescue
The decision has been made to adopt a rescue dog but now you’re super overwhelmed by the options available. Are there any dogs that you should avoid? Do you have a size preference? Do you have an age preference? It can be difficult to narrow down the choices.
Know Your Reasons For Adopting
Find out what motivates you. How did you hear about rescue dogs? Why are you interested in adopting one? Do you want your dog to have a specific type of relationship with you? It’s not a good idea to get a dog with separation anxiety if you work a lot.
Adopting an independent and aloof dog would be a bad idea if you’re looking for a companion.
The more time you spend away from them, the better the dog will be, whether it’s more independent or more dependent on constant attention. Finding the dog that suits your personality will make your life both enjoyable and rewarding. Your perfect dog is out there.
Visit the Facility
Any dog rescue facility you wish to work with should be visited in person. See what conditions they keep the rescued dogs in. Find out how their organization operates by speaking with them.
The majority of dog rescues house their rescued pets in foster homes instead of at their facilities; others combine fosters and facilities.
Visit facilities and examine the kennels, runs, and overall facility when you are there. What is the smell like? What is the level of lighting and ventilation for the animals? Do the dogs get out of kennels often, and how are they socialized with people and other animals?
Dog rescues are great places to rehome stray or abandoned dogs if you are an animal lover. Find the best dog rescue in your area to make sure the dog is well taken care of and is placed into the best hands possible.
Ask to See Credentials And References
Find out what credentials rescue organizations require in your state. Ask any rescue you consider about their credentials if they require certain licenses or certifications.
Referrals from past adopters and local animal control facilities are helpful. If you have any references, you should contact them and ask about their experiences with the rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 for a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder in Illinois. Prices will vary depending on the individual breeder and the dog’s pedigree, health, and temperament, so plan accordingly. To save money, consider looking at Golden rescues and shelters.
In terms of grooming, exercise, training, and mental stimulation, Golden Retrievers are not low-maintenance dogs. They are energetic, lively, and loving companions, but they have undeniable needs.
The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 10 to 12 years.
Conclusion for “4 Best Golden Retriever Rescues in Illinois”
Thousands of dogs are rescued each year, both domestically and internationally. When looking for a Golden Retriever, it’s worth taking the time to research rescues and shelters before automatically going with a breeder. You’ll find the experience rewarding and even save money in the process.
For guides similar to this list of Golden Retriever rescues in Illinois, check out:
- Are Golden Retrievers Smart? (2023)
- Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle – Breed Comparison! (2023)
- Dwarf Golden Retriever vs. Miniature Golden Retriever – What is the Difference? (2023)
Learn more by watching “Golden Retriever: The Pros & Cons Of Owning A Goldie” 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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