Application Approved? What Happens Next?
Once your application with RAGofAZ is approved, you will be notified by one of our adoption team members, either by a phone call or an email.Here is what to expect after you've gotten approval notification:
We Have a Waiting List. There is a waiting list of anywhere between a few weeks and several months. Depending on your individual needs and desires, and the dogs we get into the rescue program, will determine your waiting time.
We've been on the waiting list for over a month, and no one has called us yet to come adopt a dog. We appreciate your staying in touch with us, and the adoption coordinator works very hard to make the best match between the rescued dog and the approved to adopt family. When a dog comes into rescue that the adoption coordinator feels would make a good match, and your name is now at the top of the list, then the foster family of that dog will call you and discuss the details of the dog with you. If you both agree this dog does indeed, sound like a good fit with your family, then you will be invited to come meet the foster dog.
Bear in mind, that if you do not feel like this is the right dog for your family, then it's best to speak up ASAP. Occasionally, families just don't 'click' with the dog they were invited out to meet, but that does not count against you. Sometimes, it is a matter of waiting and the next dog that comes in turns out to be the dog for you. Most of the time, however, the first dog you meet will be the one.
Children: If you have children in your family, it's best to discuss the potential Golden with the foster family that calls you before mentioning the dog to your children. We'd hate to have disappointed children in your house, in case the dog turns out NOT to be the one for your family, once you have met with the foster family. All family members are required to meet the dog, but no promises should be made to the younger family members in order to avoid disappointment.
The Foster Family: Please be on time for your appointment to meet the dog once a foster family calls you. It is expected and customary for you to spend around an hour at their home, asking questions and interacting with the foster dog. All family members need to come. If you have current pets, we suggest that a second meeting take place on neutral territory (i.e., a park) between your current pets and the foster dog. All dogs should be on leashes and introduced carefully without any toys or bones around. Use caution and common sense. At no time will the foster family be allowed to let you take their foster dog home for an 'overnighter' or a trial run visit, due to liability issues.
Our family met the Golden and its foster family and we want to adopt the Golden, what's next? Let the foster family know asap that you are wanting to adopt the dog you met. The final say in the adoption process, belongs to the foster family. They have housed the rescued dog, know it's particular needs and if they do not feel the dog would be best served by being placed with your particular family, they will refer you to another dog in the program or advise you to wait. We'd rather you'd not adopt if it is not going to make a good placement. Our goal is to get these Goldens permanently placed in 'forever' homes.
If all parties agree it is a great match, after the meeting, then there is a 24 hour waiting period which we enforce. We want you to think it over carefully, adding a family member is a very important decision. After the waiting period, can you make arrangements with the foster family and then there is a contract called 'terms and conditions of adoption' that will need to be signed and there is an adoption fee that will need to be paid. This fee covers our aggregate costs and NEVER goes to the person that originally turned the dog into rescue. The fee is used to cover our vet costs and other expenses that it takes to run the rescue program. The fee is dependent on the dogs age.
We've adopted a dog from your program, do you offer any follow up? At RAGofAZ, we do offer support after the adoption. If you EVER have any questions, concerns, or just want to send us an update, click here to send an email to contact us. We love to hear from you. It's what makes our hardwork rewarding. A few weeks after you've adopted your Golden, you will be contacted by our Follow Up team and you will be receiving literature in the mail.
Finally, Stay Patient. We know it is hard. Once you are approved, it is a very exciting time. The waiting is the hardest. We do our best to get you the Golden Retriever that is best suited for your lifestyle, but sometimes it takes a while. If you do get a dog from another source, please do let us know and we will remove your name from the waiting list.