I have been a volunteer transporter specializing in "long hauls" for 12 years. Somehow, many of the dogs I transport seem to know they have been rescued and show their gratitude.Our partner vets,clinics and shelters always give GRRA dogs priority. The great group of volunteers that work together to save dogs makes the early mornings,crazy traffic,GPS hiccups and the over 25.000 miles I've traveled well worth it. GRRA rocks !!
I volunteered with this group for over 6 years. Moved out of the area but still make donations. This is the greatest group. I volunteered with another group for 13 years and this group is so much better.
My family has adopted twice with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA). We love this group so much that I've stepped into a volunteer role with the organization for the past few years. The group has the dog's interest and wellbeing at the forefront of everything it does. GRRA is filled with loving, passionate people who go above and beyond to care for the Golden and Labrador Retrievers that come into the organization.
I started out as a "Foster" for dogs coming into the system and moved my way up to a "Dog Consultant" helping with placement. What a great and committed group of humans, where the dogs always come first! I have been blessed to have adopted 2 GRRA dogs over the years (Liesel now 11 and Hans now 8). I look forward as I get closer to retirement being able to return to actively supporting GRRA!
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100% Volunteer-Driven Rescue for Golden Retrievers and Labradors
As a proud volunteer with Golden Retriever Rescue Atlanta (GRRA), I can confidently say that this organization is truly one of a kind! From day one, I was amazed at how passionate and dedicated everyone is to the mission of rescuing and rehoming golden retrievers, golden mixes, and Labradors. What really stands out is that GRRA is 100% volunteer-driven—there are no paid volunteers, not even the Board Members. Every single person involved contributes their time, energy, and love to these wonderful dogs simply because they care.
The level of commitment and transparency is outstanding. This rescue does a phenomenal job of making sure each dog gets the care, attention, and love they need to find their forever homes. I’ve seen firsthand how the team works tirelessly, not just to place dogs, but to ensure that every adoption is a perfect match. Sometimes these dogs are very sick or badly injured when they arrive. GRRA picks up those veterinary costs to help the dogs heal and be well enough to be adopted.
I can’t say enough about the collaborative spirit of this organization. Volunteers are always willing to lend a hand, share knowledge, and make the work enjoyable and meaningful. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that operates with such heart and integrity, and I’m proud to continue volunteering with them.
-Beth M
I have been a volunteer, and have rescued two dogs from GRRA; both experiences changing my life in every way. The loving and devoted volunteers of GRRA are above and beyond anything imaginable. The leadership and energy, the pooling of resources, the consistent care and concern for the dogs is inspirational. I cannot say enough wonderful things about GRRA, nor recommended it higher for anyone looking to rescue a dog, or volunteer for an exceptional and worthwhile cause.
This is a group of very dedicated volunteers who are unmistakably focused and dedicated to their shared mission - finding loving homes for this lovely breed of dogs. Our family has shared the past three decades with twelve golden retrievers through the years and we can't imagine not having one of these gentle, loving and devoted dogs in our mix. So, it is easy for me to want to donate my time to the GRRA cause as a volunteer. GRRA allows me to give back to the breed in a general manner through it's well run structure and leadership.
I have been volunteering with GRRA for the past 9 years, mostly in helping to place our rescued dogs into their perfect homes. It can be heartbreaking to hear some of the stories of why various dogs have been surrendered, and is such a rewarding experience to be able to help find a match for them and to see how happy both the dogs and their adopters can be.
I have volunteered with GRRA for over 3 years now, starting as a foster and now a board member who is still very active in the fostering role. GRRA truly cares about the dogs they bring into their organization and provide the much needed medical care for so many that have been discarded. Life may not have been easy for the dogs prior to coming into our rescue, but they will never want for anything ever again. Our adopters are well vetted to ensure our dogs will be going to perfect homes. Our volunteers work tirelessly every day (and many times well into the night) to be able to provide the best care, environment and enrichment for the dogs at GRRA. Signed - Proud volunteer, adopter, board member & foster.
What an amazing organization to volunteer with for the past 20 years! The stories of the dogs coming in will absolutely break your heart. Many of these animals have been abused or abandoned to fend for themselves on the streets facing starvation and injuries. One of my dogs was left to die when the owners moved leaving no food for him. GRRA pulled him from a shelter moments before he was to be euthanized. Hundreds of breeder dogs are being surrendered to rescues like GRRA because their owners can no longer afford to feed them. These dogs come to us completely unsocialized. Our Moto is "IT IS ALL ABOUT THE DOGS". Please help us rescue and fully vet even more dogs this year by donating to GRRA. To volunteer or adopt, please go to our website at www.GRRA.com and apply today.
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This beautiful young Golden was abandoned when his previous owners moved. Thanks to the kindness of neighbors who fed him and then called animal control to help him, he was just hours away from being euthanized when a GRRA volunteer found him in the animal shelter. He had heart worms, kennel cough, canine flu, worms, allergies and was severely malnourished. GRRA fully vetted him before he found his way to my home. He is the most loving dog my family has ever owned. GRRA is an amazing group of volunteers that truly cares for all of the dogs that are brought into its program. These hard working women and men have fully vetted and rehomed thousands of dogs since GRRA was formed 30 years ago! Keep up the good work Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta .........
I am the adopter of two dogs from GRRA. My recent adoptee Rosey was found on the side of the road about three months ago and was taken into GRRA's rescue program. Rosey was in terrible shape -- you can imagine! She had been living as a stray for who knows how long. She appeared to be 12 years old, had pneumonia, a terrible infestation of fleas, ear infections in both ears, a tooth that stuck out at an odd angle, spondylosis, and toenails that were so long that they curled under and made walking difficult. On top of all of this, she had never been spayed. GRRA promptly arranged for a vet to house Rosey while treating all her various maladies and probably spent more than $4000 getting her into adoptable status. My previous GRRA dog had recently passed away, and I was looking to adopt another dog. When Rosey came along, I was smitten. Without GRRA, this dear dog would have been euthanized by the shelter that first picked her up. Thanks to GRRA and the many kind folks who contribute generously to GRRA's mission, I have a new companion and Rosey has a roof over her head, food in her tummy, a loving home, and several good years of life yet to live.
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Rescue organizations are not just for strays -- they are for any dog who finds himself without a home. GRRA took in a dog named Fido who had been a pet in a home for six years, but whose owners could no longer keep him. Fido was assigned to a volunteer foster to house, feed, and care for him until he could be placed with a new family. Meanwhile, he needed surgery on his hind leg, so GRRA arranged for and paid for the surgery, the post-op care, and the physical therapy so that Fido would be in tip-top shape when his new owners received him. As luck would have it, by the time Fido was ready to be placed, his foster volunteer had become attached to him, so he was adopted by his foster family (known as a "foster fail" in rescue circles). Even though Fido's medical expenses were almost $5000, the adopting family only paid the usual fee of $500. And Fido and his foster family are going to live happily ever after. (PS: I am the foster volunteer).
I had taken a hiatus from GRRA, and something was missing from my life. I’m back and it’s like being back with family, all with the common goal of saving goldens.
I loved fostering. It's such an important necessary role. I've made many friends at GRRA. This group of people really put the dogs first. Many spend countless hours helping these Retrievers. I even became a recipient of this group's work. A GRRA friend kept telling me that I needed to check out a dog that was at GRRA. I kept telling her that I didn't want another dog. Well, my friend wore me down and brought Zoey to meet me. Long story short, I adopted Zoey six days later. Zoey's so loving and funny. Everyone Zoey loves her. I'm glad my friend pushed me to meet Zoey. My life is so much richer because of Zoey. Many thanks to this great nonprofit.
I've been volunteering with GRRA for over three years. At first, I started out as a foster. It's one of the most rewarding things that I've ever experienced. Soon after that, I joined the Dog Consultant Group in which I helped find the perfect home for the dogs. That lead me to being part of the Canine Behavior & Training Team. We helped new adopters with any issues they may have with the new member of their family. Now I am a member the Newsletter Team. One of my responsibilities is to write articles about our dogs. I also am a mentor to New Fosters. Why do I do this? It's because it's wonderful to see dogs happy in their new homes. This year, I adopted a GRRA dog. She's great. All the work we do is solely done for the dogs. It's worth every minute that we put into it.
I have been volunteering for GRRA for almost 1.5 years and they are such an excellent organization. They care deeply about the animals they rescue and strive to ensure the best adoption fit for every family and dog. The medical care the rescued dogs receive is so important and also sets the dogs up for success when going to their forever homes. I can’t speak highly enough about this organization and am so glad to be part of it.
I am one of the top dog sitters in my area. I Forster for GRRA during my slow months. I have worked with other recuses and this one by far is the best. They take great care in making sure the adoptable dogs are healthy and socialized. They take the time to work with all dogs to get them to a new loving home. There is never any rush to place a dog just so they can move it out. We usually take their foster dogs that need a little more attention before being placed in its forever home. Their dedication to their dogs is amazing.
GRRA is the best. This all volunteer organization has been in existence since 1991. It began in Peachtree City GA, started by a golden retriever breeder intent upon placing all goldens and labs in forever homes. But, before putting these beautiful sociable dogs up for adoption, GRRA makes sure that they are in very healthy condition and rarely hesitate to spend thousands of dollars on one retriever to get it ready for a happy, healthy life. Adopting families are interviewed in depth to find the perfect match for each family and rescue.
If you volunteer for this group or donate to support it, you will just feel better about yourself for supporting happy families with dogs they will adore.
Kate Lipchiz
I have adopted from GRRA and volunteered for GRRA in many capacities over the years. Wonderful group of people giving their time to helps dogs in need.
We are currently fostering to adopt a golden retriever through GRRA. We've never owned a dog before, so we had a lot of questions! The GRRA volunteers have been so helpful and supportive! I get texts throughout the week, asking if we have questions, checking in, and offering advice and support. It's truly beyond what we expected in terms of support. It's clear to see that the GRRA team clearly loves what they do, and is motivated that each family and dog have the best possible match and outcome.
I did the hardest thing ever, I had to ask for help to get my dogs rescued and not sent to a cold nasty pound.I am sick and wanted to find my 3 dogs a rescue/foster home so they don't end up in the pound maybe even uthenized. My time was very short 3-3.5 wks before I would start treatment. Ms. Amanda gave me a call and asked what was going on I explained to her that I am sick starting treatment and I did not want to chance my dogs to be left alone days on days if I'd have to stay in the hospital. And Ms. Amanda within 7 days give or take , she found fosters for them . It was so hard for me to meet (heart in million and millions pieces) with this loving lady that did transport for them to get to the vet and their new homes , i broke down infront of her and she hugged me and reassuring me her and Ms. Amanda will make sure they are loved and well cared for.. The dogs was scared and I was crying bad , and the lady turned in her seat and talked to the dogs and petted them .
I guess what I am saying is this is the #1 Best Rescue. Ms Amanda has to really love what she does and so do transportation ppls too . Please let this rescue get recognized for going over the top to help these poor dogs that gets turned in and needs a 2nd chance.
No words can tell you how relieved I am/was when Ms Amanda text/called saying they had a foster and it be their permit housing maybe at the time . Within 8-10 days foster home has opened their hearts up to my dogs and going to own them. Are world needs more foster families and loving caring ppls like Ms. Amanda and the transportation ppls.
If anyone can help foster or help donation. Would be well worth it . I just can't say enough people spay and neuter your pets please. If people like this rescue wasn't around there would be alot of pets dying and not a HAPPY TURN OUT like mine . This rescue and the people working for Rescue .I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️. Thank you my Angel's
We have now adopted twice from GRRA, and feel blessed to have been matched with the perfect pups! The application process is easy, and you can tell everyone involved wants what's best for the dogs and the applicants.
I am a longtime Golden Retriever owner and volunteer with GRRA; 3 of my 4 Goldens were/are from GRRA. Aa way of giving back to the organization, I have fostered dogs & have provided countless Home Check Visits over the course of 20+ years, interviewing perspective families interested in adopting a new family member from us. The leadership now directing GRRA is the most cohesive, compassionate, and dedicated group I have ever been associated with; it is an honor & privilege to be part of this long serving amazing group.
Great organization - we have gotten three great family members (goldens) from GRAA! Many people make this group special!
I have been a volunteer with Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA) for about 25 years and have loved every minute of working with this dedicated group of people. We all have the common bond of love of golden retrievers. It is the nicest group of people i have ever worked with. I have adopted five of my last eight goldens from this wonderful organization and they all have enriched my life beyond words. Golden retrievers are the most wonderful dogs and all the volunteers are the most wonderful people i have ever known.
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I have been a volunteer with golden retriever rescue for over 15 years and have adopted my last five golden from the organization. I cant say enough good things about GRRA. It is the most wonderful organization with the most dedicated volunteers i have ever been associated with. I will continue to volunteer with GRRA for many years to come because I love golden relievers and love all the volunteers!
Susan DeDeyn
I adopted a beautiful sweet Golden girl from GRRA recently through their foster-to-adopt program. I had a great experience through the entire process. This is an incredibly well-run nonprofit with an amazing group of volunteers at the helm.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta is a fabulous organization, doing a great job rescuing Goldens, Labs and mixes from throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding area. Even the most difficult, down-and-out, dejected and rejected dogs are welcomed, cared for and placed in loving homes. What a valuable asset GRRA is to the dog rescue community. Our sweet Luna fortunately came to us through GRRA and led us to volunteering with them to help other needy dogs find a safe, happy furever home.
GRRA is an amazing rescue. They work tirelessly to save dogs from terrible situations and help them become lovable family pets.
I have adopted 3 dogs from GRRA and volunteered with them for over 15 years. The group is staffed entirely by volunteers, many of whom volunteer almost as many hours weekly as they do in their paid jobs. Dogs are completely vetted and microchipped prior to adoption. The adoption process is designed to find homes best suited for each dog's needs. A wonderful organization staffed by big hearted volunteers!
I'm a volunteer and an adopter for this wonderful organization. The volunteers are a great group of folks that work so hard to make a positive difference in both canine and human lives.
I adopted my Gracie from them. Gracie had been dumped on the side of the road and GRRA swooped in to change her life. She's been a part of our family for almost five years now and I couldn't imagine our home without her.
GRRA is a great organization. I began as a foster and ended up adopting one of my fosters. He fit into our family so wonderfully, we couldn’t let him go. I am now more involved, taking on more volunteer roles within the rescue and I absolutely love this place. They take in some of the worst cases, get the dogs back to health and finally adopt them out into their forever homes. Truly a wonderful organization
Golden Retriever Rescue Atlanta has been rescuing Retrievers in need for 31 years. This all volunteer non profit organization has led the way in Georgia, saving this beautiful breed from shelters and homes in need of surrendering their dog. Each dog is fully vetted, micro-chipped, evaluated for temperament before the search begins for the perfect home. Working with GRRA is a wonderful experience!
Now in its 31st year of operation, Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta was incorporated in 1991. GRRA is the oldest Golden Retriever Rescue in Georgia, is the largest rescue organization of Golden Retrievers in the Southeastern US and in the top 10 in the nation. GRRA fully vets and places Golden Retrievers, Labs, Golden Doodles and Labradoodles in loving homes. We take dogs into our program from shelters, owner turn-ins and breeders in the US (not from foreign countries). As an all volunteer organization, GRRA relies on countless volunteers. Check out our website at www.grra.com
We have worked with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA)on two separate occasions to adopt a precious fur baby. In December of 2014, we adopted Micks, sweet English Cream Golden, who was severely abused by his former owner. Sadly, we lost Micks to cancer in January 2022, and my husband and I both cried buckets of tears. At the end of April, I contacted GRRA to begin the process of adopting a second golden. At the end of May, we adopted Buddy, a golden/border collie mix. From the day that I completed the application, to working with our Adoption Coordinator, everyone worked diligently to help us find and bring home a dog that brings much joy to our lives.
We had such a great first experience with GRRA that we trusted them to match us up with a 2nd Retriever. Now we have two amazing dogs that feel like family. Great organization to work with. They keep in contact to make sure you and your fur baby are doing well together. GRRA may not be the biggest Golden Rescue out there, but they certainly feel like the best.
GRRA helped us find the right retriever for our home. We felt like they made an effort to get to know our family, our needs and what we could offer one of their Rescues. We also found their organization to be more professional than other Rescues in the area.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta is a fantastic group to volunteer for and to adopt from. I have had a very rewarding experience from both. We adopted our beloved Red and Ruby and they supported us in every way with the heartworm treatment for Red. I would highly recommend GRRA to anyone!
We adopted Blue from GRRA in 2020. They are a wonderful and caring organization. I went on to volunteer for them because I love their commitment to the dogs they serve!!
I’ve been a proud foster mama for GRRA since last year. The majority of my foster dogs have been heart worm positive. This means they have very specific medical needs and require 2 months+ to recover. While this can cause difficulties and anxiety, I’ve always felt that our GRRA volunteer group was there to support me as a volunteer and our four-legged best friends. All of my pups were able to find the absolute best forever homes because of the patience and love of GRRA.
In 2004, I decided that I wanted to foster a dog. I was single at the time and always loved goldens. I was contacted to foster a puppy and when I met her, I instantly fell in love and adopted her myself. Her name was Poppy and was the sweetest. I lost her in 2015 along with a piece of my heart. Being a foster failure was the best decision. I have been volunteering to do home checks since 2004 and I am always happy to do my small little part to help get a wonderful golden into a loving home.
I fostered for GRRA for several years, met some fantastic people and incredible Goldies. The people were knowledgeable and helpful in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs that were going through bad experiences. The staff was always available to answer questions on proper treatment for medical issues and training tips to help the dogs become comfortable. Foster days, social, gatherings and fund raisers provided a setting where new members could learn the best methods to find deserving dogs great vetted homes. I would highly recommended using their services when seeking Golden Retrievers in the Atlanta area.
As a volunteer I have had the best experience with this dog rescue. Although they are a specific breed rescue, they do have a heart for all dogs and help as many as they are able to. They spare no expense when it comes to medical care of the dogs, and they will do whatever it takes to get a dog into the perfect home. They just care so much!
We have fostered every year one time a year for the last three years. This organization is ran by the most caring and loving people. Please consider donating or volunteering with this wonderful group if you love to help find loving homes for precious ones who are looking for love!
I have have volunteered with GRRA almost a year now and they are very friendly and communicative. They love what they do and the dogs always come first!
I have volunteered with GRRA for two years. It is a group of wonderful people who share a passion for helping dogs, especially Golden Retrievers! They have been fabulous to work with and have helped save so many dogs and place them into their perfect forever home.
I really was not looking to add a fur baby to my household. But this one guy, a handsome, red, smaller golden boy, I just couldn't get off my mind. He had some behavior issues that made it hard to get adopted. I followed my heart and agreed to foster him. No promises of adoption. A member of the GRRA training team brought him to my home (a four hour round trip for her) and spent three hours at my house making sure everybody was comfortable. That included introducing him to my three dogs and ensuring they were all able to get along. Over the next week, someone from the GRRA training team called daily to answer any questions I had and make sure all was going well. Two weeks later we adopted him and have lived happily since. GRRA is a great organization and is truly interested in providing a total experience.
I travel a bit too much to have my own dog but am fortunate enough to be able to serve as a foster for Golden Retriever Rescue Atlanta (GRRA). Dogs come into fosters' homes with a variety of issues - medical, behavioral, emotional - and in every case, GRRA is there to support fosters with encouragement, expertise, and training to prepare foster dogs to move on to their “forever” home. I’ve found GRRA volunteers in all capacities to be hearty and dedicated folks, ready to respond anytime a need is there. Nearly 300 dogs are GRRA “beneficiaries” each year. However, that figure understates GRRA’s true impact, as each of those dogs represents a family, an older person, a couple, or a young adult whose days are made more complete by the addition of a loyal and loving canine companion in their lives.
I am very satisfied with Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta. Having worked in the animal welfare industry (I served as ED of a Georgia Humane Society organization), I am extremely familiar with the numerous challenges in managing organizations focused on adopting pets. A little over one year ago we adopted Coulson, a flat-coated retriever mix (with some Boykin Spaniel). The entire process was seamless. The paperwork required was appropriate, our in-home inspection and get to know our potential family addition was simple. The volunteers who operate GRRA are committed, professional and from my perspective, very much appreciated. GRRA is an awesome organization! They are to be commended and as a "satisfied customer," our family could not have been happier with the entire process. Hat's off to GRRA
GRRA is a wonderful organization. The volunteers are caring and dedicated.
GRRA makes a positive impact in both human and canine lives.
I've been volunteering with GRRA for a few months now and have been so impressed with all aspects of the organization. The dogs are in such good hands once they come through GRRA as the whole team is fully dedicated to the dogs best interest. I would recommend to anyone!
GRRA is a wonderful organization dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for Golden Retrievers, Labs, Golden Doodles and Labradoodles and mixes. As a volunteer the organization helps me to feel like I make a difference in the rescue of these wonderful dogs.
I have been volunteering with GRRA for a couple years now and find it to be a very reputable organization who is truly looking out for the best interest of the Goldens, Labs, Flat Coat Retrievers, and Doodles that they rescue. I look forward to many more years of helping these special pups find their furever homes!
I began my journey with GRRA as an applicant and quickly decided that I wanted to be more heavily involved. The volunteers truly care about the dogs they rescue and always make decisions based on what's best for the dogs. I've had a great experience as both an adopter and volunteer!
I first became acquainted with Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta when I adopted my first rescue golden, Dakota. I was so thrilled with the process and people I encountered while adopting Dakota, and of course her! A few months after adopting Dakota, I became a volunteer. Since that time I have functioned in just about every volunteer role. I have fostered numerous heart worm positive dogs because the support provided by other volunteers and the organization gave me the confidence and direction I needed to care for these sweet, beautiful dogs through their treatment, recovery, and adoption to their new forever homes. My involvement with GRRA has been a life changing experience for the dogs and me! Thank you!
GRRA is a wonderful, caring organization. They are thorough, organized, friendly, and very conscientious when matching the personalities of the dogs with the right families. What started out to be a fostering situation, lasted only twenty minutes because we fell in love with our foster Golden at first sight. The transition process from fostering to adopting was very easy. He was in really good care when we picked him up, and the volunteers were always quick to respond to any questions, and happy to see photos of Gunner in his new home.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta is an incredible organization. They were so easy to work with, organized, and communicative. We adopted our two beautiful boys in February, and have been very pleased. I was so happy with how smooth the process was, that I am now a GRRA volunteer.
I have fostered dogs with this organization and love how they spare no expense for the dogs' needs. They have a Behavior & Training team that is unique and innovative for a rescue. I love how they also rescue different types of retrievers and mixes.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA)is a terrific group. I have adopted a golden retriever from them, and subsequently have become a member, a donor and a volunteer. They "do things right" when it comes to their treatment of dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative and made current on all shots. The organization is entirely manned by unpaid volunteers and has negligible fundraising costs; almost all donated funds and membership fees go directly towards helping dogs.