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.
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.
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?
- Go to Petfinder.com for more information
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?
- Go to Doodle Rescue Collective for more information
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?
- Go to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR)
- Visit the DVGRR Facebook page for dates and information about monthly open houses
Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue
- 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?
- Go to GrinRescue.org
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?
- Go to CarolinaPoodleRescue.org
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?
- Go to DoodleRockRescue.org
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?
- Go to DoodleDandyRescue.org
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.?
- Go to FloridaPoodleRescue.org
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?
- Go to 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?
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.
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.