Ready to Adopt?

Bringing a rescue dog into your family is exciting, and we want you to know exactly what to expect before you apply.

Take a few minutes to review the process below. It answers many common questions and will help make your adoption experience as smooth as possible.

Adoption Process Overview

Our adoption process is designed to find the best possible match for both the dog and the adopter. Because every dog has different needs, we focus on finding the right fit rather than selecting applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 1: Find Your Dog

Browse our available dogs and read each profile carefully. Each dog has unique needs, personality traits, and home requirements.

RAGOM is a foster-based rescue. Our dogs live in foster homes across our five-state service area, so it is unlikely you’ll meet a dog before submitting an application.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Complete the adoption application and submit the $35 application fee.

Step 3: Foster Family Review

Our Adoption Team carefully reviews every application to ensure it meets the dog’s core requirements. We’ll let you know when your application has completed the review process. If your application qualifies and the dog is still available, it will be shared with the foster family for consideration. If it isn’t a match for this dog, we’ll let you know that, too.

Step 4: Meet Your Dog

Many dogs meet their potential adopters through a scheduled Meet & Greet. Some dogs also attend RAGOM events. When they do, it will be noted on their profile page so you can meet them in person.

Step 5: Home Visit

If the Meet & Greet is successful, a RAGOM volunteer will schedule a Home Visit. Home visits help ensure your home is a safe and appropriate environment for your new family member and give you an opportunity to ask questions before adoption. Home Visits may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on your location and circumstances.

Step 6: Finalize the Adoption

Once the Home Visit is complete and everyone agrees it’s the right match, you’ll sign the Adoption Agreement, pay the adoption fee, and complete the adoption.

Step 7: Welcome Home!

Congratulations! Your new family member is officially home. Welcome to the RAGOM family! At RAGOM, bringing your dog home isn’t the end of our journey together—it’s just the beginning. We’re here to support you and your dog long after adoption day.

Applying for Another Dog?

Your application remains active for six months. If you become interested in another RAGOM dog after applying, simply email application@ragom.org. There’s no need to complete another application.

RAGOM’s Adoption Territory

RAGOM places dogs in homes throughout:

Minnesota
Iowa
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wisconsin

Outside Our Adoption Area

In some cases, we may consider applicants who live outside our service area for:

Dogs that have been available for adoption for more than 60 days
Dogs with significant medical or behavioral needs
Dogs that are more difficult to place because they do not have the traditional Golden Retriever appearance

Please note: If an out-of-area adoption is approved and the dog is later returned to RAGOM, the adopter is responsible for transporting the dog back to its point of origin.

Before You Bring Your Dog Home

Before your adoption is finalized, you’ll:

Pay your adoption fee online. Directions to pay online are located here.
Sign the Adoption Agreement
Receive important information about your dog’s care and transition into your home

Adoption Fees