14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (2024)

Are you considering bringing a Goldendoodle into your life? Wondering whether there is a Goldendoodle rescue organization near you? Then we’re happy you’re here.

To help make your search for a rescue Goldendoodle a little easier, this comprehensive list of 501(c)(3) Goldendoodle rescues is organized by region of the country. Also, many of the organizations on this list specialize not only in finding forever homes for Goldendoodles but also beloved Poodle mixes (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Doodles dogs), Golden Retrievers, and Poodles too.

14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (1)

Why do people put dogs up for adoption?

If you’re considering adopting a Goldendoodle or Doodle dog from a rescue organization, you may be wondering why pet parents may relinquish a dog. According to a study on relinquishment of dogs/cats conducted by the National Council on Pet Population and published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science (JAAWS), there are a many reasons why people make the difficult decision to give up their dogs to shelters or rescues.

Reasons sited in the study for giving up a dog include:

  • Moving to a new location
  • A landlord doesn’t allow pets
  • The dog parent already has too many animals in their home
  • The cost of care became too much
  • Behavioral problems (In the study, 96% of dogs relinquished had not had any obedience training.)
  • Other personal problems

In doing research for this article, I could not find any statistical research studies that have been done specifically about why people give up Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, or other Doodle dogs.

However, it’s fairly safe to say that many of the situations listed above would apply to Poodle mixes, too. Additionally, from anecdotal stories I’ve come across about rehoming or giving up Goldendoodles, pet parents may have been misinformed about the amount of exercise required for these energetic dogs, the Goldendoodle grooming requirements, and the breed’s need for companionship. Additionally, some people site they have pet allergies.

Goldendoodles and Doodle mixes do require plenty of exercise and mental enrichment for dogs. If they don’t get the activity and attention that they require, like many dogs, Goldendoodles are smart and will do what dogs do—make their own fun and satisfy their own curiosity. Also, unfortunately, because Goldendoodles look like teddy bears, some people may assume that they are as easy to care for as a teddy bear.

14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (2)

Why should you adopt a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles are eager to learn and they are eager to please you. They will keep you active, keep you laughing, and keep you on your toes. Grooming and caring for their fluffy coats can be wonderful bonding experience. By adopting a Goldendoodle, you’re making a commitment to a lifetime of adventure.

As an aside, have you heard of the 3-3-3 rule of thumb for adopting a dog? This guideline suggests that there are three milestones dogs will cross as they become familiar with their new home. The first three stands for the 3-day milestone—the amount of time a dog needs to decompress and adjust from the current living situation to the new living situation. The second three stands for the 3-week milestone—the guideline for the amount of time a pupper needs to start to learn a new routine in a new home. The last three stands for the 3-month milestone—the amount of time a dog needs to start to feel at home.

Rescue organizations across the U.S.

Disclaimer: All pet rescues and organizations in this article have not endorsed or recommended any products or training methods featured on HappyGoDoolde.com. Content on HappyGoDoodle.com is solely ours and has not received any input from organizations listed in article.

IDOG Rescue

  • National not-for-profit foster-based 501(c)(3) rescue specializing in Labradoodle and Goldendoodles
  • Works with shelters across the U.S. to make sure Doodles are pulled as soon as possible
  • Accepts owner-surrender Doodles and offers re-homing services
  • Has Doodle dogs in foster homes across the U.S.A.
  • Has been rescuing and rehoming Doodle dogs since 2006
  • Based in Houston, TX

Would you like to know more about adopting, rehoming, or fostering through IDog Rescue?

  • Go to IDOG Rescue for more information
  • Check IDOG’s page on Petfinder.com at doodles.petfinder.com
  • Follow IDOG Rescue’s Facebook page

PetFinder

  • Nationwide organization
  • Locates animals (dogs, cats, and other animals) in you location
  • Provides shelter contact information in your location
  • Offers a pet matching tool on their website

Would you like to learn more on how to adopt from Petfinder?

Rescue organizations by region Of United States

EAST REGION

Doodle Rescue Collective

  • Rescuing Labradoodles and Goldendoodles since 2008
  • Volunteer based rescue comprised of 800 registered volunteers nationwide
  • They do not operate a shelter, but foster through the volunteers
  • Have saved and re-homed 4,000 Doodle dogs to date
  • Program provides refuge, safe haven, vet care, transport, and rehabilitation
  • Provides support systems and re-home assistance
  • Rescue partner of Humane Society of United States and Best Friends Animal Society
  • Based in Warwick, RI

Would you like to know more about adopting from Doodle Rescue Collective?

Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR)

  • Open since 1993
  • Located in Pennsylvania
  • Specializing in Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and Labradoodles
  • 501(c)(3) not-for-profit

Would you like to know more about adopting from DVGRR?

Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue

14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (3)
  • The Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue’s mission is to rescue companion dogs, especially senior dogs who are at risk of euthanasia from overcrowded shelters
  • Rescues primarily Poodles, Doodles, Poodle mixes, Bichons, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and low-shedding hypoallergenic companion dogs
  • Rehomes dogs surrendered by owners
  • 501(c)(3) run by volunteers and donations
  • Established in 2013 and has rescued over 1,500 dogs
  • Dogs stay in private foster homes throughout Northern Virginia
  • Based in Fairfax, VA

Would you like to know more about adopting from Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue?

G.R.I.N. Rescue (Golden Retrievers In Need)

  • Incorporated in 1992 by a group of Golden Retriever enthusiasts
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 500 active members
  • Serves northeastern and central Ohio, western PA, and western NY
  • Dogs come from shelters, pounds, and owner surrenders
  • Dogs stay in private foster homes

Would you like to know more about adopting from G.R.I.N. Rescue?

Carolina Poodle Rescue

  • Offers an S.O.S. (Saving Our Seniors) program—a loving sanctuary for senior and special needs dogs
  • Provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, and rehoming for Poodles, Poodle mixes, and other small breed dogs
  • Houses over 150 animals at any given time
  • Limited entry rescue group

Would you like to know more about adopting from Carolina Poodle Rescue?

For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue

“We are seeing so many doodles being surrendered by owners or we are notified that they are in shelters. We try to rescue as many as possible but the need lately has been overwhelming. We started out as just a small dog rescue but with all the covid doodles being abandoned, we find ourselves rescuing larger dogs, and there have been doodles of every mix—Huskypoos, Danadoodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles too.” ~ Terri at For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue

  • 501(c)(3) rescue for Doodles from high kill shelters and owners that can’t provide for their pets
  • Founded in 2013 in Richmond, Virginia
  • Helps small to mid-sized dogs of all breeds
  • Makes sure all dogs receive medical attention they need, including spay or neuter, as well as dental work and training if necessary
  • Helps new parents adjust to pet parenting and offers a return policy if the adoption doesn’t work out

Would you like to know more about adopting from For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue?

SOUTHERN REGION

Doodle Rock Rescue

  • Located in Dallas, Texas
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization run completely through donations
  • Founded in 2017 with the mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home neglected, abused, and abandoned Doodles (Poodle mixes) in need
  • Places dogs in temporary foster homes to work on individual and behavior needs before finding a home
  • Priority is to help dogs in south Texas shelters

Would you like to know more about adopting from Doodle Rock Rescue?

Doodle Dandy Rescue

  • Doodle Dandy Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home Doodles in Texas
  • 501(c)(3) based in Dallas, Texas with satellites in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio
  • Rescues Doodles from shelters and other situations where the dog is in neglect or in danger
  • Has a foster network of over 1,000 foster homes in Texas
  • Founded in 2018 and has adopted over 600 Doodles since that time
  • Offers a re-home/owner surrender program
  • All volunteer organization

Would you like to know more about adopting from Doodle Dandy Rescue?

Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc.

  • 501(c)(3) founded in 1994
  • St Petersburg, Florida
  • Dedicated to the rescue of Poodles and Poodle mixes
  • 115 volunteers with over 10,000 dogs rescued since its inception
  • Dogs are placed in foster homes

Would you like to know more about adopting from Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc.?

MIDWEST REGION

Golden Retriever Rescue Resource

  • 501(c)(3) serving Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana
  • Concentrates on Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes
  • Comprised solely of volunteers and donations
  • Located in Waterville, Ohio

Would you like to know more about adopting from Golden Retriever Rescue Resource?

WEST REGION

NorCal Poodle Rescue

  • Established in 1985 and serving Northern California
  • Specializing in Poodles and Poodle mixes
  • 97% of all donations are dedicated to the dogs

Would you like to know more about adopting from NorCal Poodle Rescue?

Canada

SPIN (Standard Poodles in Need)

  • Canadian nonprofit foster organization primarily concerned with the welfare of standard Poodles, but will also help Poodle mixes, Toy Poodles, and Miniature Poodles if resources permit
  • Started in 2013 to help Poodles get the medical care they need and find a great home
  • Any Standard Poodle in Canada will automatically receive entry into the program

Would you like to know more about adopting from SPIN?

14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (4)

How much does it cost to rescue a Goldendoodle?

The adoption fee at a reputable Goldendoodle rescue organization varies greatly. In general, you can plan to pay anywhere from to $200 to $1,000. Typically, this fee helps cover expenses incurred by the rescue to care for all the dogs in their program. Some of these expenses are veterinary care, vaccinations, shelter, food, etc. Occasionally, an organization may have special events where the fees may be lowered. The best way to find out more about a specific organization is to follow the rescue group’s social media accounts.

Ways you can support Doodle dog rescue organizations

Many of the rescue organizations on this list rely on volunteers and monetary donations to operate. If you’re interested in helping a rescue organization care for the dogs they take in, there are many ways that you can show your support.

  • Monetary donations—Veterinary care. Dog food. Shelter costs. Grooming. The list of costs goes on and on. To cover the essentials, most rescues rely on people giving monetary donations to support their mission.
  • Physical donations—From dog toys to towels to treats, there are many small items that shelters use daily and need to continually replenish.
  • Fostering—Many rescue organizations rely on foster families to provide a temporary home.
  • Amazon Wish List—Some dog shelters and rescue organizations are set up on Amazon to receive donations. Much like a gift registry, you can select an item from the list and it is sent directly to the rescue organization.
  • Chewy’s Wish List—Some shelters have a list of items they need listed on Chewy.com through a program called “Wish List.” Through Chewy’s Wish list program, you can choose a shelter you wish to support, shop that shelter’s list of items they need, and check out. Chewy takes it from there by shipping directly to the shelter.
14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (5)

Summary: Goldendoodle rescues

There are many reputable organizations that specialize in finding forever homes for Goldendoodles, Poodle mixes (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Doodles dogs), Golden Retrievers, and Poodles. By doing your research, you’re well on your way to making a choice that works best for your family and your specific situation.

Thank you for loving Goldendoodles as much as they love us.

Disclosure: The above information is a resource. Happy-Go-Doodle does not endorse any specific rescue group or website listed in this guide or the policies and procedures of that organization. Please make sure to do your homework and research.

14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide (2024)

FAQs

What not to do with a Goldendoodle? ›

Punishments such as hitting or shouting at a Goldendoodle are not recommended and can inhibit the Doodle training process. Crate training and alone time training are highly recommended, as Goldendoodles can suffer from separation anxiety.

What is the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle? ›

Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs that can live 10–15 years, but they are prone to common health conditions of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds. While you can't ensure your Goldendoodle will be free of health problems, you can purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, says Jamie Whittenburg, DVM.

Do Goldendoodles pick one person? ›

Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate dogs who love to give and receive outward signs of love. They have the propensity to become more attached to one person, but their drive for attention prevents them from limiting their interactions in this way.

What does F3 mean for Goldendoodles? ›

When two F2 Goldendoodles are bred, you get an F3 Goldendoodle which simply means that the F3's parents and grandparents were both Goldendoodles. After F3, Goldendoodles who continue to be bred with other Goldendoodles are typically just called “Multi Generational.”

What are the negatives of Goldendoodles? ›

Goldendoodle Common Behavioral Issues. Everybody is a friend to a Goldendoodle and they thrive when they are around people. Conversely, they do not like to be alone for long periods and will become destructive if they aren't getting the attention they need. Goldendoodles can have a hard time with separation anxiety.

What behavioral issues do Goldendoodles have? ›

Issues such as play biting, excessive licking, chewing, mouthing, tugging and wrestling are common among goldendoodle puppies. They're not signs of behavioral problems; they're a natural part of a puppy's development. However, it's essential that you work hard to train your puppy to meet your expectations.

What age is considered old for a Goldendoodle? ›

A Goldendoodle is considered a senior from the age of 10.

Do Goldendoodles bark a lot? ›

While barking is a normal thing that most dogs do, you may feel as though your dog barks excessively, or maybe you find it embarrassing when your dog barks at company. Sometimes Goldendoodles bark, and sometimes they don't; it varies from dog to dog.

At what age are Goldendoodles full grown? ›

Your Goldendoodle puppy grows like a weed during the first half-year or so of her life. Standard Goldendoodles continue growing from one to two years of age; they typically reach their full height by the first 12-14 months, and “fill out” (gain weight) for a few months until they reach their full size.

Is it better to have a girl or boy Goldendoodle? ›

It is impossible to say that one gender is “better than the other”. Both male and female Goldendoodles can be a wonderful addition to an active family. However, some situations work out better for male dogs and others are more suited for female ones.

Why do Goldendoodles stare at you? ›

By looking at you closely it helps them collect information to understand more about their situation. If you've asked your dog to do something and they just stare at you, it might not be that they're being stubborn, but they may just need another hint from you to help them know what to do.

Why do Goldendoodles paw at you? ›

Dog pawing begins as an instinctive behavior in puppies. As they age, they learn pawing is a useful communication tool. Pawing usually results in pet parents tending to their dog. Your pup figures out that if they want something—like food, attention, access, or protection—pawing is a proven way of getting it.

What generation Goldendoodle is best? ›

The most important factor is if you are an allergy sufferer. The best generation that are hypoallergenic and non-shedding are F1B, F2B, and F1BB. If shedding and allergies are not a factor to you, you can never go wrong with F1 or you can choose the generation depending on the coat you want for your Goldendoodle.

Is it better to get an F1 or F2 Goldendoodle? ›

F2 Goldendoodles can have several coat types and typically shed less than F1 Goldendoodles. Therefore, many consider F2 Goldendoodles to be more allergy-friendly (as there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog).

How smart are Goldendoodles ranked? ›

According to neuropsychologist Stanley Coren in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, the poodle is the second-smartest dog breed, while golden retrievers are the fourth. This makes the combination of the two breeds among the smartest crossbreeds recently imagined.

How do you discipline a Goldendoodle? ›

In the case of your Goldendoodle, rewarding good behavior makes it more likely to be repeated. Positive Reinforcement: This involves adding something pleasant, like a treat or verbal praise, immediately following a desirable behavior. The result? Your dog will associate good behavior with positive outcomes.

How many hours can a Goldendoodle be left alone? ›

Don't leave your dog in the crate for too long

You can add an additional hour each month until your Goldendoodle is about 6 months old and potty trained. You should never leave your dog in a crate for longer than 8 hours. The recommended maximum amount of time to leave a dog in their crate is 6-8 hours.

What do I need to know before getting a golden doodle? ›

5 Things to Know about a Goldendoodle
  1. A Goldendoodle can be a small, medium, or large bundle of love. Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere from 15 to more than 100 pounds. ...
  2. This breed needs a good workout. ...
  3. Grooming needs may vary. ...
  4. They love to learn (and make you happy). ...
  5. Watch his health (and visit your vet).

What is the upkeep of a golden doodle? ›

Grooming and Health Needs

Weekly brushing is important, though some owners may want to get their Goldendoodle regularly groomed due to the long fur. Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia and their ears and hips should be checked regularly.

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