Surrender A Golden

AGK goldens come from two sources – owners who need to rehome their dogs for many different reasons, and shelters who partner with us to find homes for strays and for dogs whose owners have turned them in to be rehomed. We consider it a privilege to respond to owners and shelters. In addition, our volunteers and friends also reach out to us when they find a golden in need. When possible, AGK also will take a golden mix or Labrador Retriever depending on the temperament of the dog, the availability of a foster, and the adoptability of the dog.

Owner Surrenders

We realize rehoming a golden retriever is a difficult decision for an owner to make and appreciate the owner’s confidence in asking AGK to help in this process. If you need to rehome your golden for any reason, please know that we are happy to help. To start the surrender process, you should:

Submit an owner surrender application which asks for detailed information about the golden’s life. We use this information to help us ease the dog’s transition into a new home. If you would like to talk with someone before you submit the application, please leave a message at 865-940-0688 and a volunteer will get back with you.
Email several photos of your dog (front and side views), along with their name, to surrender@adoptagoldenknoxville.org. If it is easier for you to text the pictures, email AGK at this address and a volunteer will respond with a cell number you can use to text the pictures.

Once your application is received, a volunteer will contact you within 48 hours to clarify any questions either you or AGK may have and to let you know if we can take your golden. The volunteer also will help work out transport details. At the point you surrender your golden to AGK, you will sign an Owner Release Contract. We recommend that you go ahead and review the language in the contract in case you have questions.

Shelter Transfers

AGK works hard to establish and maintain partner relationship with shelters and support their missions. We appreciate the work that shelter staff do to help all dogs in need, but especially goldens and golden mixes. If your shelter would like to transfer a golden to AGK, please contact us at info@adoptagoldenknoxville.org or call us at 865-940-0688.

Have you Found a Golden Retriever or Other Dog?

If you find a golden or other dog and cannot locate its owner, you must go through appropriate legal steps to try and find the owner before you can surrender the dog to Adopt a Golden Knoxville or any other rescue, rehome it, or keep it yourself. More information about what to do if you find a lost dog.