Golden Retriever Splashes Through Water

Golden retrievers. One of the few dog breeds that you can’t go wrong with. As long as you have a home with a backyard and don’t live in a small apartment in the heart of St. Louis or Kansas City, golden retrievers only need your love and attention to thrive.

Plus, with a little bit of training, you’ll find that golden retrievers are some of the most trainable canine companions around. Whether you want to go on a hiking adventure or out to your favorite outdoor brewery or restaurant, golden retrievers can be trained to accompany you just about anywhere.

That said, before you pick up the phone and start contacting local animal shelters and rescues, stick around and learn more about the adoption process. It’s not as simple as going to a breeder, so preparing beforehand is helpful. Read on to learn more about how to adopt a golden retriever in Missouri.

Golden Retriever Adoption in Missouri

Adopting a golden retriever in Missouri has never been easier, and you can thank online guides and resources for that. Still, you need to meet the minimum requirements before you start filling out applications. For example, most animal adoption organizations require applicants to be at least 18 years old and to have a photo ID. If you rent, you’ll also need permission from your landlord, and the organization will likely follow up with them.

Aside from these requirements, most organizations also want you to pass a home check. This requires someone visiting your home and verifying that it’s a good fit for a golden retriever. During this time, you may also be asked to have everyone who lives with you, including pets, home to meet the golden retriever. This is known as a meet-and-greet, and for breeds like the golden retriever, it’s a necessary process.

Once you’re able to meet these requirements and pass them, you can fill out the necessary paperwork, pay the adoption fee, and welcome your new golden retriever into your home. Just remember to give them a few days to adjust to their new home.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeAngel

Angel

Springfield, MO
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Age: 2 yrs 8 mos
Adopt MeBella

Bella

Osage Beach, MO
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Age: senior
Golden Retriever Standing On The Grass In The Autumn Park

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

Adoption fees vary, but golden retrievers tend to cost around $50 to $500 to adopt. Expect to have to pay a licensing fee, as well, because cities like Warrensburg require you to have a license if the dog is more than six months old.

Thankfully, most counties only charge around $5 to $30, and the cost can depend on whether or not the dog is spayed/neutered. Luckily, the dogs you adopt tend to be neutered or spayed by the adoption organization.

How Should I Train a Golden Retriever?

The good news is that training a golden retriever is easy. Yes, you read that right, it’s a breeze. However, it’s only easy if you understand the fundamentals of dog training. This is because training a golden retriever is only easy compared to other dog breeds. In other words, they’re one of the easier breeds to train, but you still need to learn how to train them properly.

Thankfully, we have golden retriever training resources available. These are online courses that will teach you how to train your golden retriever, the right way. You’ll learn about the wonders of positive reward-based training, along with why having a consistent schedule is helpful for the adoption process.

Once you know the basics, training a golden retriever becomes easy. Whether you want to hike through Missouri’s various state parks or you want to socialize them to go on walks with you through the busy streets of St. Louis, your golden retriever is likely up for the challenge. In fact, they shouldn’t have a hard time even if they’re older dogs. So, yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Golden Retriever Running In The Field On A Sunny Day

Find the Right Golden Retriever in Missouri for You

Finding a golden retriever to adopt is the hard part of the process. The good news is that whether you’re just outside of St. Louis or closer to Kansas City, plenty of golden retrievers should be available for adoption and from breeders. That said, the trick is knowing how to find one. When it comes to adopting a golden retriever in Missouri, it helps to act fast, which is why we have some additional golden retriever adoption resources that can help.

While finding a golden retriever can be challenging, always avoid rushing into the process. You want to make sure you’re adopting a dog that you bond with, not just the first one you find. Visit them frequently throughout the adoption process, and don’t be afraid to bring the whole family.