Golden Retriever Splashes Through Water

Golden retrievers have always been some of the best dogs that you can bring into your home. What makes them special is their loyalty, potential for love, and trainability. Plus, they’re medium-to-large sized dogs who get along well with children and the elderly. Their friendly faces are easily spotted on TV shows and in movies because of their popularity.

While golden retrievers are great dogs to welcome into your home, they’re not for everyone, and you need to understand more about the breed and the process. You need to prepare your home for their arrival with adequate fencing, securing dangling cords, and only keeping toys on the floor. You need to have several hours per day to spend with them, along with a training plan in place.

While this sounds like a lot to take in, our guide has you covered. Read on and learn how to adopt a golden retriever in Illinois.

Golden Retriever Adoption in Illinois

There are several steps you need to follow in order to adopt a golden retriever in Illinois. You also need to meet a handful of requirements, and some organizations may have unique ones. For example, some shelters may not let you bring home a golden retriever if you have children who are under the age of six years old.

That said, most requirements are based on having approval from a landlord, if you have one, a photo ID, and meeting minimum age requirements, which tend to be around 18. From there, you also have to have enough financial resources to care for the golden retriever and enough to pay the adoption fee. Then, you should proceed with filling out the application.

The application will ask you for information about your job, income, and free time. It will also ask for references that they can contact and any previous veterinarians you’ve worked with. Then, most organizations will want to visit your home and meet everyone who lives there, including pets.

After about a week or so, you’ll know if you’ve passed the adoption process. Then, you can pay the adoption fee and bring home your golden retriever. Before you do, make sure you have a fence if you have a backyard.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeZara

Zara

Chicago, IL
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Age: puppy
Adopt MeNola

Nola

Morton Grove, IL
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Age: 11 mos
Adopt MeKallie

Kallie

Morton Grove, IL
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Age: 6 yrs 10 mos
Adopt MeKoda

Koda

Morton Grove, IL
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Male
Age: 3 mos
Golden Retriever Running In The Field On A Sunny Day

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Golden Retriever in Illinois?

The cost to adopt a golden retriever in Illinois varies based on the organization. Expect to spend around $50 to $500 (in most cases), and the cost tends to be influenced by the age and health of the golden retriever. That said, some rescues, like Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois, will charge you a processing fee of $10 to $35 for your application.

Other costs associated with adopting a golden retriever include crates, toys, and food, all of which can cost a couple of hundred dollars in the first year.

How Should I Train a Golden Retriever?

Training a golden retriever doesn’t have to be challenging, but it does help if you know where to start. If you find yourself asking, “How should I train a golden retriever?” We recommend starting with our online golden retriever training program.

In about three hours, you’ll learn everything you need to know about golden retrievers, how to train them, and why positive reinforcement is always the best method. Ultimately, it helps you establish a solid foundation for training your golden retriever, and you’ll find that there’s a little something for dog training veterans and first-time dog parents alike.

Once you have a foundation, you can really open things up with additional socialization, training that focuses on helping your golden retriever conquer hiking trails, and much more.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Golden Retriever Joyfully Explores The Snowy Landscape

Find the Right Golden Retriever in Illinois for You

You can’t go wrong with a golden retriever. These canine companions love to spend time with you, learn new things, and even go on adventures. Whether you want to experience the beauty of Illinois’ nature or bring a buddy with you to your favorite outdoor spots in Chicago, golden retrievers are always one of the best options.

That said, make sure you’re prepared to adopt them. Prepare your home for their arrival, prep your references for a phone call, and consider learning even more about how to adopt a golden retriever in Illinois with help from our more in-depth breed guides.