If you’re thinking about getting a Goldendoodle puppy, then you might want to consider adopting from animal shelters or rescue groups instead of heading to a breeder. To begin with, it’s much cheaper as adoption fees are usually a fraction of the price that breeders charge.
Secondly, and more importantly, you’ll be giving a much-needed home to a pup in need. We’ll go into this in more detail at the tail end of this article, but in the meantime, here are some excellent Goldendoodle rescue groups that you could contact.
Goldendoodle Rescue In Florida
Who better to start our best Goldendoodle rescue for adoption list with than Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida? This 100% volunteer-run group relies on around one hundred foster homes to care for neglected, abandoned, abused, and unwanted pooches. Each foster family is carefully vetted to ensure that they are the right match and that they can provide a safe, loving home for dogs in need.
They don’t have a physical address as all of their rescue dogs are placed in homes after being assessed. Senior dogs and those with special needs are sent to foster families with the experience to handle them and whose homes are adapted to their needs. For example, senior dogs or those with impaired vision would go to homes without stairs or pools, which could pose a hazard.
Poodle and Pooch Rescue doesn’t only take in Goldendoodles, although you might find one on their list.
To adopt one of their dogs, you need to complete an application form. Following the initial checks, the foster carer will contact you by phone to discuss the dog as they know the animal best.
If this goes well, then a meeting will be arranged, either in a neutral location or at your home, whichever is considered the most convenient and best for the dog. If this is successful, then the adoption process moves forward and is finalized, but only if the foster carer believes that you are a good match for the dog.
But what sets them apart from most other rescues is that they focus on the dogs that are often overlooked by others. These are usually older dogs or those that have behavioral problems or even injuries and medical complications. All of these will be at high risk of being euthanized if they’re left with animal control. Poodle and Pooch Rescue believe that these dogs deserve a loving home just as much as any other.
If you want to check whether they have a Goldendoodle and find out about their adoption fees, look them up here:
Website: Poodle and Pooch Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Goldendoodle Rescue In Texas
Next on our list of best Goldendoodle rescue for adoption is Doodle Rock Rescue, based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. This is another excellent example of how a Goldendoodle rescue should be run!
Like most others, it’s a nonprofit organization run by unpaid volunteers. This wonderful team of devoted dog-lovers is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned Doodles in need. They rescue dogs from all over the US, with a special focus on the southern Texas area as there are many high-kill shelters there.
Established in 2017, Doodle Rock Rescue also branched out in 2019 to form CHEW, an amazing venture that provides high-quality veterinary care and services to rescues and low-income families. CHEW is an acronym that stands for compassion, hope, education, and wellness. They aim to educate people to be responsible pet owners and end euthanasia, as well as to provide affordable pet healthcare.
Adoption fees vary from around $150 to $750, depending on the dog’s age, breed, and size. This fee includes microchipping, sterilization, vaccinations, and grooming. Some dogs also require behavior modification and medical care, which has to be taken into account.
You can get in touch with them here:
Website: Doodle Rock Rescue
Facebook: @DoodleRockRescue
Email: [email protected]
Also in Texas, you can find Doodle Dandy Rescue. They have over 500 volunteers working to provide safe, loving homes for Doodle dogs. They aren’t happy just helping these dogs survive, but they make it their mission to see them thrive in their new homes.
This devoted and dedicated team serves the Dallas/Fort Worth area, as well as Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. All admissions to shelters are monitored, and they act quickly when they are notified of a Doodle in need. Many of these dogs are in a bad condition when they reach foster homes. They are often dirty and matted or in need of medical assistance. Some are undernourished or injured; others are terrified and confused.
It takes a lot of love, patience, and skill to care for these dogs, and Doodle Dandy Rescue does an amazing job of helping them through their trauma.
This organization strives to keep dogs out of shelters and even runs a rehome service for people who no longer feel able to look after their precious family pets. During the 2020 lockdowns, many families bought dogs but now realize they can’t keep them – or they don’t want them. Others have been affected negatively by the Covid-19 pandemic and have lost their jobs or are on a reduced income, making it difficult to find the money to care for a dog properly. Doodle Dandy Rescue will do its utmost to help find a loving home for dogs in this situation rather than see them go to a shelter.
This excellent group definitely deserves its place in our best Goldendoodle rescue for adoption list.
Here’s how to contact them:
Website: Doodle Dandy Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Goldendoodle Rescue In Ohio
As there don’t seem to be any dedicated Goldendoodle rescue groups in Ohio, let’s look at the next best thing.
The Canine Collective is a no-kill shelter that looks out for all breeds, but you might just find a Doodle there!
They get their dogs from high-kill shelters, hoarding situations, and families in crisis. They aim to give these dogs another chance of having a forever home.
The best way to proceed is to complete an adoption application, as once this has been approved, you don’t need to go through the process for each dog you are interested in, and the application is good for about 6 months. Bear in mind that some dogs might have several people interested in them, so you may not get your first choice.
You can contact the shelter here, and email is probably the quickest method:
Website: Canine Collective
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 614-800-1712
Georgia Goldendoodle Rescue
Georgia Poodle Rescue, based out of Alpharetta, GA, also helps Poodle mixes, so you may find that they have a rescue Goldendoodle for you. The difference with this rescue group is that they don’t adopt out of state, so you must be a registered Georgia resident.
Another way they are different is that they also take in other animals as well as Poodles and mixed breed dogs. On their about us page, you’ll see their mission statement: they aim to educate people in responsible, cost-effective ways to care for their pets.
It’s a great way of reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters while helping those that are already there!
Georgia Poodle Rescue isn’t out to impress anyone by boasting of how many animals it has rescued. This organization takes its time to find new homes for its dogs, to break the ‘rescue cycle.’
Each dog is given obedience training, potty training, leash training, and socialization sessions before being sent to its new home. The new owners are also given instruction, support, and guidance for the lifetime of the dog they have adopted. And before they head out to start life in their forever home, the dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, brought up to date with any shots they need, and given any medical treatment necessary.
The adoption process starts with a $20 application fee (non-refundable), which gets you on the list if you are approved. The application form requests information about your lifestyle, past pet ownership, and your plans for the rescue dog. Once you have been approved, Georgia Poodle Rescue will contact you to arrange a meet and greet session, which is intended to be a fun time for you and your potential new dog to get to know each other. All family members in the household must be present for this.
You’ll then be given some time to consider things before going ahead, and there is no pressure either way. If you do decide to adopt, you will need to sign an agreement that you will look after the dog properly and return it to the shelter should you be unable to keep it for any reason.
Each dog has its own adoption fee according to its age, size, and breed, usually up to around $500, sometimes more.
One note of warning: they don’t adopt to families with children under 10 years of age for safety reasons.
You can get in touch with them here:
Website: Georgia Poodle Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-624-0444
Goldendoodle Rescue California
Similar to the previous group, NorCal Poodle Rescue isn’t strictly a Goldendoodle rescue, but it does deal with Poodle mixes, such as Labradoodles and Bernedoodles.
This excellent group was established in 1985 when Standard Poodle breeder Patty Moulthrop decided that she could no longer justify breeding dogs when so many were facing an uncertain future in shelters.
Unlike some of the other Goldendoodle rescue groups, NorCal Poodle Rescue has kennel space for some of its dogs. This is partly due to being unable to find suitable foster homes, but also because of 3-dog per household limits in some cities and counties.
This kennel space has allowed NorCal Poodle Rescue to take in more dogs and provide more specialized treatment.
All of NorCal’s dogs are spayed/neutered and microchipped, and Standard Poodles will have a gastropexy procedure at some stage. This medical procedure dramatically reduces the risk of bloat, a devastating and potentially fatal condition that can affect large, deep-chested dog breeds.
You won’t find many rescue groups in our best Goldendoodle rescue for adoption list that goes to such lengths to care for their dogs!
Adoption fees vary from $100 for a senior to senior adoption (where a dog over 10 years goes to a human over 65) to $700 for a dog that has had the gastropexy procedure.
It’s best to check out the different fees and options available and get in touch with NCPR if you have any questions:
Website: NorCal Poodle Rescue
Phone: 925-322-0223
Facebook: @NorCalPoodleRescue
Arizona Goldendoodle Rescue
If you’re looking specifically for a Mini Goldendoodle, then somewhere like Arizona Small Dog Rescue might be able to help.
This nonprofit group is proud of its reputation as a no-kill shelter that strives to find loving homes for abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs in Arizona.
AZSDR has four keywords at its heart: integrity, excellence, education, and compassion, and these are displayed in its work. Although rescue dogs are the main focus, AZSDR also helps reunite owners with their lost dogs and educates people about responsible pet ownership.
This brilliant group even runs its own microchipping service for $25 with free lifetime registration.
Each dog is fully vetted and medically treated (if necessary), and a file is created that contains any information about its behavior and medical conditions. This file includes any educational information that the new owner might need.
Every effort is made to ensure that the dog is a good fit for its new family, and AZSDR will always be on hand to offer support.
Adoption fees vary from around the $160 to $260 mark.
You can find out more here:
Website: AZ Small Dog Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Arizona Small Dog Rescue
Phone: 602-944-2440
Colorado Goldendoodle Rescue
2 Blondes All Breed Rescue operates out of Denver, CO, and is committed to a ‘no-kill nation.’
This requires a lot of dedication and hard work on behalf of the team of volunteers, vets, trainers, boarding facilities, and shelters.
Since its conception in 2015, 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue has rescued, fostered, and adopted over 10,500 dogs of different breeds! Many of these have been rescued from overcrowded high-kill shelters.
Like some other rescues, they only serve a selected area. This is because they have built a rapport with veterinarians and rely on specific volunteer bases in their chosen area, and they know that they can trust these people.
The adoption fees are split into three categories: young puppies (12 months and below) $575, older puppies (13 to 24 months) $375, and adults (2 years upwards) $325.
This fee goes towards vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming.
You can find some very helpful information in the FAQ section of the 2 Blondes website, as well as some great advice in the section called Bringing your new dog home. You should also read the Before you adopt section before completing the application.
Visit 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue online for further details:
Website: 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue
Facebook: @2BABR
Goldendoodle Rescue Illinois
We’ve seen groups dedicated to rescuing all breeds and others devoted to specific breeds, such as the Poodle and Poodle mixes. Most have some flexibility, as the aim is to save lives and provide homes.
As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois deals with the other side that makes up the Goldendoodle, also taking in any Golden Retriever mixes. As well as providing this essential service, it also educates pet owners and the general public about the importance of spaying and neutering, as well as how to care for dogs properly, including diet and exercise, proper training, and seeking medical treatment.
This program is designed to raise awareness and train people to treat animals humanely.
To this end, As Good As Gold has established a code of ethics that it expects all of its volunteers and staff to adhere to.
Like most rescue groups, there are certain stipulations and conditions attached to the adoption process, and you will need to agree to these before the dog is released.
Fees vary from $200 to $550, although dogs rescued from China are $1,000.
You can check them out here:
Website: As Good As Gold
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @ASGOODASGOLD.ILGOLDENRESCUE
Goldendoodle Rescue Indiana
Lucky Dog Retreat Rescue, Inc. is based in Indianapolis. Once again, they look out for all breeds, so they aren’t a Goldendoodle rescue. After all, every abandoned or neglected dog deserves a second chance!
At Lucky Dog Retreat, they spend as much time arranging fund-raisers as they do rescuing and caring for pooches in need. Needless to say, they are kept very busy!
They allow their dogs to mingle together in a playroom during the day before placing them in a crate to eat and sleep at night.
Lucky Dog Rescue’s website is a real mix of happy and sad. It has a bright and positive feel, but on the stories page, you’ll see heartbreaking photos of rescue dogs when they were first picked up. Emaciated, broken, and fearful, with matted fur and skin infections, many of these dogs came from puppy mills.
However, this is balanced out by photos showing the same dogs after receiving the TLC they need and deserve!
All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. The standard fee is $150, reduced to $100 for senior dogs.
To start the process, you must complete an application form that will be assessed by the adoption coordinator. They will contact you if they feel that you are a good fit for one of their pooches.
You can find them here:
Website: ldrrescue
Facebook: @ldrrescue
Goldendoodle Rescue New Jersey
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) is based in Pennsylvania but also serves New Jersey and Maryland.
Don’t be fooled by the name; this group helps other breeds, and you’ll find Labrador Retrievers, Doodles, and Golden Mixes on its files!
DVGRR has been rescuing dogs since 1993, helping around 6,000 animals find loving homes.
One issue that DVGRR bravely raises is the meaning behind the term no-kill. This is often used as a slogan without proper understanding. As dog and animal lovers, nobody wants to see them needlessly destroyed simply because they don’t have a home or there aren’t the resources to care for them.
However, there are occasions when euthanasia has to be considered, such as when dogs are too sick with no chance of recovery. When their quality of life has deteriorated so far, it is often unkind to prolong their suffering. Also, if a dog has shown extreme aggression and presents a danger to humans and other animals, then euthanasia may be the only option.
This is a difficult and emotive subject that will divide dog lovers, but DVGRR never takes euthanasia lightly! In 2020, they successfully rehomed 95.6% of their rescue dogs, which qualifies them as a ‘no-kill’ shelter.
The DVGRR website is certainly worth a look if only to take advantage of the helpful advice in their education section and check out their online shop. You might find their terms and conditions daunting, but it’s a good sign that these people really know what they’re doing and have everyone’s best interests at heart, especially the dogs!
This rescue group goes over and above what many others do in terms of health care and testing before the dogs are rehomed. This includes the usual vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming. They also get heartworm medication, followed by flea and tick treatment, which is pretty standard. But on top of this, DVGRR dogs get behavior evaluation and obedience training, dental cleaning (and extraction if required), professional grooming, a blood chemistry profile, optional chest and abdomen X-ray, lump removal/biopsy, and a thyroid test, to name a few extras!
Adoption fees reflect this, starting from around $300 and going as high as $1,000.
If they sound like your kind of rescue group, check them out here:
Website: Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 717-484-4799
Facebook: @DVGRR
Goldendoodle Rescue Michigan
The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) is probably the oldest in our list of Goldendoodle rescue groups, as it was established in 1953!
This really is a different breed of shelter, as MARL has its own very impressive building where cats and dogs are given the utmost care and attention. MARL is also different in that it employs staff and relies on a team of dedicated volunteers.
MARL’s mission is to provide the highest quality of life for rescue cats and dogs. These animals in need are given everything they need, including medical care, socialization, and behavioral support. If possible, these animals will be adopted into forever homes. In the meantime, they are given short or long-term sanctuary in caring foster homes. MARL also provides education and outreach to raise awareness of animal welfare issues to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned pets.
For MARL, it isn’t just a question of housing animals until they are adopted. The time in between rescue and adoption is used to shower these unfortunate pets with as much love and affection as they can take!
Adoption fees for dogs (including puppies) are set at $225. To begin the adoption process, you need to view the available dogs, then complete the application form. A staff member will be in touch to review your application and discuss what happens next.
This is an extremely efficient and well-run rescue. MARL’s website inspires confidence and the photos of the premises, with smiling humans and happy animals, creates an overall feeling that this is a place you can trust.
You can see this for yourself and contact MARL here:
Website: Michigan Animal Rescue League
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 248-335-9290
Wisconsin Goldendoodle Rescue
Fetch WI Rescue, based in Verona, Wisconsin, is a community-focused rescue group with an emphasis on helping abandoned dogs locally. Since 2013, it has rescued over 3,000 dogs!
This is another nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. Even so, there’s a real sense of competence and professionalism on its website, which is clear and well-presented. It contains some very helpful advice, explained in a way that’s easy to understand. The FAQ section is well worth a look, as it gives you all the information you need.
The dedicated team at Fetch WI Rescue ensures that every dog is assessed and evaluated while in foster care. Behavioral and medical issues are taken care of, and each foster home has a maximum of two dogs so that they can get the individual attention they need.
Each dog is thoroughly checked, given dental work where necessary, and is brought up to date with any age-appropriate vaccines. Transparency is important to this rescue group, and all new owners will be advised of any medical or behavioral issues. Fetch WI Rescue will work with new owners to overcome any problems and provide specialist help from an animal behaviorist if necessary. They also assist with training, providing a free lesson worth up to $90 for all newly-adopted dogs.
The adoption fees are reasonable: puppies (8 weeks to 12 months) $400, adults (13 months to 7 years) $350, seniors (8 years plus) $200.
To adopt from Fetch, you can contact them at:
Website: Fetch WI Rescue
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @FetchWisconsin
Other Goldendoodle Rescues
Aside from these wonderful Goldendoodle rescue groups (and other breeds) mentioned above, you might also want to take a look at some of these online resources:
• Petfinder – a fairly simple and straightforward website to help you find a rescue dog (or other pets) nearby. Be aware, though, that this will simply provide the details of the dog and rescue center you need to contact. It’s up to you to check out the rescue group.
• IDOG Rescue – this online not-for-profit group works closely with shelters around the country to remove Doodles as soon as possible. They also have foster homes of their own and offer a rehoming service. Just like other groups, they ensure that all dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, treated for heartworm, ticks, and fleas, and checked out by a vet before they go to new homes. Their fees average between $100 and $750. This group encourages people to find a local rescue dog as they feel that shipping dogs cause too much trauma and discomfort.
• Doodle Rescue Collective Inc – endorsed by the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA), this organization has been helping Doodles of all types since 2008. Using a network of more than 800 volunteers and foster carers throughout the nation, DRC provides a haven and much-needed help for sick, abused, and abandoned Labradoodle and Goldendoodle dogs across America. This network also provides educational support and resources for Doodle owners and enthusiasts. You can find a wealth of information on the DRC website as well as guidance on adopting. Note: only use the following website Doodle Rescue Collective Inc with Jacquie Yorke as Director! Sadly, this organization has been targeted by fraudulent activity for many years.
While these organizations should be able to direct you to a reputable Goldendoodle rescue, you should always avoid adoption through private individuals on social media and sites like Craigslist. It’s always best to approach established organizations that have built a reputation for being trustworthy. Arranging an adoption from a stranger via the internet is asking for trouble!
Use this guide to find a Goldendoodle rescue that you can trust, and always be sure to read the terms and conditions before going ahead.
Do Goldendoodles End Up In Shelters?
Since they first appeared on the scene in the 1990s, Doodles of all kinds have been extremely popular! The Goldendoodle has proved to be the favorite, possibly because of the teddy bear look that some of them have.
Even so, in answer to the question in the title, you can sometimes find these beautiful, affectionate dogs in shelters or rescue centers.
Why do people give up their dogs? For all manner of reasons, including lack of finances, sickness, marriage break-up, death of the owners, or simply that the dog has been lost and picked up by animal control. Some young dogs are given up by elderly owners who can’t cope with the pup’s energy levels. Others may have been taken in by claims that the dog was 100% hypoallergenic but found that they still had an allergic reaction.
Sadly, many people give up their dogs because they just didn’t figure that they would need so much care and attention. Puppies are adorable, but they can be hard work. And then the puppy grows, and it needs feeding, walking, grooming, taking to the vet, and a whole lot of love and affection.
If you’re not willing to commit to this, then you have no business getting a dog in the first place. These are precious lives, not toys or cute ornaments to be discarded when you get bored with them!
Here’s a sobering fact: approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year in the US, according to the Humane Society.
When you do choose your furry friend, it’s good to keep an open mind about things like coat colors, coat types, and even the sex of the dog. If you stipulate that you want a female Goldendoodle of a particular color, then you might have a long wait!
Final Thoughts
There are thousands of responsible and reputable breeders in North America. Sadly, there are also around 10,000 puppy mills, all contributing to the problem and flooding the market with puppies. Pet stores often get their pups from these places or import pups from abroad.
You can help by avoiding pet stores and puppy mills and having your dogs spayed or neutered. Most good breeders include a spay/neuter clause in their contracts, with strict conditions and severe penalties for those who break the agreement, usually a fine of around $10,000 or more. They’ll also stipulate that you must contact them if you can no longer look after the dog for any reason. They will either take the puppy back or rehome it with a loving family. Under no circumstances will they allow you to send the pup to a shelter.
Many of these breeders will urge you to adopt from a shelter rather than buy a dog, even from themselves. This is a sure sign that they care about dogs rather than money!
So, as tempting as a cute puppy might be, always consider a rescue dog first. You never know – you might just find a puppy there. If not, you’ll definitely find your new best friend.
Spread the word to friends and family about puppy mills, pet stores, and irresponsible backyard breeders. Never be fooled by the argument that buying from a puppy mill saves a life. All it does is keep them in business and ensure that a dog stays in the shelter, where it stands a good chance of being destroyed.
You have a chance to save a life, so why not take it and give a dog a forever home?
Read Next: 14 Admirable Dog Rescues In Wisconsin: Adopt, Don’t Shop