Get To Know Your Surrogacy Agency With These 10 Tips

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most personal and important steps on your path to parenthood. With so many agencies out there, it can be difficult to know what to look for—or even what questions to ask. At Donor Concierge, we’ve helped thousands of intended parents like you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

As an independent search service, we work with over 80 trusted surrogacy agencies across the U.S., helping you find a match that aligns with your values, preferences, and timeline. Whether you're just getting started or comparing a few options, these 10 tips will help you make an informed and empowered decision.

Tip #1: Understand the Agency's Reputation

A strong reputation isn't just about online reviews—it's about transparency, trust, and follow-through. Here are some questions to ask:

• How long has the agency been operating?

• Can they connect you with past clients?

• How do you screen your surrogate candidates?

• What type of refund policy do you offer?

• What can I expect from the surrogacy process?

At Donor Concierge, our 95% match rate and two decades of experience speak for themselves. We're proud of the long-standing partnerships we've built with surrogacy professionals nationwide.

Tip #2: Ask About the Agency's History & Industry Relationships

Surrogacy is a team effort. The best agencies have solid relationships with fertility clinics, attorneys, and mental health providers. These partnerships make your journey smoother and more successful.

As an independent matching service, we've cultivated deep, lasting connections with top-tier agencies, helping you find the right fit faster, often in under 60 days!

Tip #3: Learn What the Agency Offers Intended Parents

Some agencies simply match you with a surrogate. Others walk beside you through the entire journey. Ask what kind of support is included:

• Will you have a dedicated case manager?

• Do they offer help with legal, emotional, and medical resources?

We know that growing your family is more than the logistics of finding a surrogate, and that the journey can get overwhelming. As such, we have mental health resources available for our intended parents so that you never feel alone!

Tip #4: Explore the Agency's Support Network

Emotional support is crucial—before, during, and after your surrogacy journey. You want to find a surrogacy agency that is ready to fill in gaps you didn't even know existed. Ask how the agency builds community among intended parents.

At Donor Concierge, our "Parent to Parent" network connects you with other intended parents who've walked this path. Talking to someone who's "been there" can offer insight and comfort that no brochure can provide.

Tip #5: Dive Into the Screening Process

The best surrogacy agency for you is the one that adds your surrogate preferences to a rigorous, thorough screening process. Remember: you're choosing to partner with a surrogate for the duration of a pregnancy (and sometimes even beyond) in an effort to build your family. You deserve to feel like your opinion matters.

You'll want to understand:

• What medical and psychological evaluations are done?

• How are surrogates matched to your preferences?

At Donor Concierge, we screen each surrogate to ensure they:

• Meet guidelines set by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine

• Satisfy your fertility clinic's criteria

• Are available and ready to move forward

  
  

From there, we tailor your options based on your unique values and goals.

Tip #6: Understand the Full Scope of Services

Look for an agency that acts as a home base: a single place to go to for resources on anything surrogacy-related. Your agency should help manage the many moving parts of your journey, including screenings, legal coordination, clinical communication, and more.

Donor Concierge offers Standard and Preferred Surrogate Searches, legal and financial guidance, an in-house medical team, and a collaborative approach with your fertility clinic, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Tip #7: Decide How Much Location Matters

While it's natural to want a surrogate agency nearby, the best match may not be local. The key is clear communication, not just proximity.

Keep an open mind that a surrogacy agency that meets your needs, hears your worries, and finds you the top surrogate matches can be the right choice for you, even if it's not in the city or state you imagined.

Tip #8: Ask How Relationships Between Surrogates and Parents Are Supported

Your relationship with your surrogate is incredibly meaningful, but you shouldn't overlook your relationship with the agency as well. A strong agency will help facilitate healthy communication and establish expectations early on.

We help set the tone from the first match call and encourage respectful, honest dialogue throughout your journey. The right agency doesn't just create connections—they nurture them.

Tip #9: Understand the Agency's Financial Approach

Surrogacy is an investment. You invest your time, money, and faith into each surrogacy search. A good agency should be upfront about:

• Fees and refund policies

• Legal obligations

• Payment timelines

For instance, we offer a one-time flat fee ranging from $5,500 to $9,500. Our website provides a full breakdown of our services, and our in-house team of case managers and experts is always available to answer questions and walk you through what you can expect to invest financially throughout your surrogacy.

Tip #10: Trust Your Gut—and Your Support Team

Ultimately, the best surrogacy agency is the one that feels right to you. You should feel heard, supported, and informed every step of the way.

At Donor Concierge, we're here to guide you through the exciting moments—and the hard ones. You don't have to figure it all out alone, and you deserve the highest level of attention, care, and empathy.

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about surrogacy costs or how our matching services work? Explore our blog or contact us to schedule a free consultation with our expert team.