11 REAL Goldendoodle Rescues USA (2024)

To be perfectly honest, there aren’t a lot of Goldendoodle rescues because they’re a very popular dog breed. That doesn’t mean that Goldendoodle rescues are nonexistent. Multiple shelters put up Goldendoodles for adoption in the United States.

Family dog expert Chris Allen conducted a broad survey, asking real owners, email subscribers, Reddit, forums, and real Goldendoodle rescue owners where they adopted their Goldendoodles from. This first-hand, real knowledge was invaluable to curate this list of places to rescue a Goldendoodle in the USA.

While it’s true that Goldendoodles are not as commonly found in shelters or rescue organizations as other breeds, don’t let that deter you. There are special organizations dedicated to helping people find and adopt these sweet pups.

In this article, we provide a list of rescue shelters that may have a Goldendoodle for you to adopt. Since it’s a very popular breed with few owners giving them up, you’ll notice that none of the places we named are exclusively for Goldendoodles. However, they may have Goldendoodles from time to time. With some luck and research, perhaps you’ll find the perfect Goldendoodle to welcome into your home.

Best USA Goldendoodle Rescues

1. Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue

As the name suggests, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue initially started as an adoption center for golden retrievers. However, they started rescuing Goldendoodles in 2012 since they’re a mix between a poodle and a golden retriever. At the time, they rescued and put up for adoption 24 Goldendoodles that were rescued from a breeding center that needed to be shut down. 

In addition to Goldendoodles, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue also rescues and puts up labradoodles for adoption. If you’re interested in adopting a Goldendoodle or labradoodle, they have an online adoption application. 

Be forewarned that adoption isn’t as easy as it seems. Delaware Rescue has strict guidelines that must be followed. For example, you must have a yard that’s fenced, keep small children away from dogs, and can never leave your adopted dog unattended. To date, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue has rescued over 5,600 dogs. 

2. IDOG Rescue 

IDOG Rescue focuses on rescuing Goldendoodles, poodles, and Labradoodles. This is one of the largest doodle rescue and adoption centers in the world. IDOG also helps in rehoming poodles if the previous owner wasn’t able to take care of the animal. IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but they receive calls and entertain inquiries from around the country. 

IDOG Rescue has an adoption fee that ranges between $100 to $750. There aren’t as many Goldendoodle puppies that are put up for adoption. They mostly rehome and set up retired Goldendoodle adults for adoption. Some pups are rescued, but they are extremely rare. 

Lastly, they don’t allow you to adopt based on fur color or gender so you have to be open to receiving whichever dog is assigned to you.

3. Doodle Dandy Rescue 

The Doodle Dandy Rescue only caters to people who are within a 4-hour distance from the Dallas Fort Worth region. This means that if you’re not a Texas local, you probably won’t be able to adopt a Goldendoodle. They rescue a large number of Goldendoodles and even rehome a majority of them, but like the other centers, they don’t get a lot of Goldendoodle puppies. 

If you want to adopt a Goldendoodle, then Doodle Dandy Rescue is a great option. They have strict guidelines for adoption that must be met. The entire adoption process is quite long and rigid, so your adoption request can take some time to get approved. 

4. Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption 

If you’re in California but not LA, you may want to visit this rescue center.

Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is a certified non-profit organization with people specializing in rescuing and looking after poodle breeds like the Goldendoodle.

They are currently based out of North Carolina and cater to humane societies, pet owners who have given up their poodles, and shelters. Another great thing about the Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is that they are equipped to handle the dogs’ medical needs which can mean intensive surgery or something as common as neutering. 

Close to 97% of Norcal’s donations go to the dogs they rescue and put up for adoption. The remaining 3% goes towards staff expenses and basic day-to-day needs. In addition to adoption applications, they also accept shelter volunteers.

5. Doodle Rescue Collective

Based out of Southern California, Doodle Rescue Collective was established in 2008. They have saved close to 4,000 doodles. They primarily focus on rescuing and nurturing Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Although they are based in California, they have over 800 volunteers nationwide who help rescue and get Goldendoodles adopted.

With over 800 dedicated volunteers across the U.S. and some parts of Canada, they collaborate with local shelters to temporarily foster doodles until a forever home is secured.

Per their website, they’ve successfully rescued and re-homed over 4,000 doodles through their “Rescue/Rehome Program.”

They rarely have Goldendoodle puppies for adoption, but when they do, they provide transport and help the puppies find a new home. Doodle Rescue doesn’t operate from a particular facility so it isn’t a shelter per se, but more of a network of people working nationwide to rescue and find Goldendoodle’s new homes. 

The Doodle Rescue collective serves the following states and areas for Goldendoodle and Doodle dog rescues.

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), District of Columbia (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), North Dakota (ND), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Virgin Islands (VI), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY) and parts of Canada

6. GRIN Rescue 

GRIN stands for Golden Retrievers in Need. As the name suggests, the center primarily focuses on the rescue and adoption of golden retrievers and its mixes. 

GRIN is a non-profit organization that operates with over 500 volunteers. Like the Doodle Rescue Collective, GRIN doesn’t have a facility that they operate from. Rather, they are a group of people and homes scattered all over Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. 

If you’re looking to adopt a younger dog, GRIN has a waiting list for pups and young dogs. They advise you to apply for a younger dog in advance through their website. They have rigid guidelines for adoption that must be met and their acceptance period takes anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. 

7. Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue

Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue focuses on rescuing Poodles, Poodle mixes, and other hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, they mainly serve the Northern Virginia area and use foster homes to assess dogs before adoption.

Founded in 2013, they’ve successfully helped over 800 dogs find their forever homes.

You can visit Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue’s website and Facebook page for more info.

8. Carolina Poodle Rescue

This nonprofit rescue started focusing on poodles but has expanded to help all breeds in need. Adopters need to visit their South Carolina headquarters at Dreamweaver Farm to meet both the pup and caregivers before completing the adoption process.

Volunteers are spread across multiple states, including North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, New York, and Georgia, aiding in rescue efforts.

Although they still primarily assist poodles, they’ve diversified to include poodle mixes like Goldendoodles every year.

To learn more about Carolina Poodle Rescue, you can find them on their website and also on Facebook.

9. FLOP (For the Love of Poodles) in Richmond Virginia

Adoption fee: $300

Founded in 2013 in Richmond, Virginia, For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue honors the memory of the founder’s cherished toy poodles, Callie and O’Brien. The organization aims to provide loving, permanent homes for dogs, expanding from small to mid-sized breeds. Prior to adoption, each dog is spayed or neutered and given necessary medical care, including specialized treatments like restoring sight and dental work.

Adoptive families receive support to ensure a successful, lifelong match. The dog is always welcomed back into the rescue if an adoption doesn’t work out. All dogs are microchipped for added safety. The rescue thrives with the help of volunteers, donors, and partners, all united in their love for poodles and pooches.

See what rescue Poodle and Goldendoodles are available and learn about the $300 adoption process on their website.

Where Else To Look To Adopt a Goldendoodle

It’s true that Goldendoodles are not as commonly found in shelters or rescue organizations as other breeds. They have become increasingly popular, which means finding one for adoption can be challenging. However, don’t be discouraged; there are still ways to bring one of these loving fur babies into your home.

You can also reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to inquire about Goldendoodles in need of a loving home. Sometimes, shelters may have a Goldendoodle or a similar breed that hasn’t been listed online yet.

You can be among the first to know when a Goldendoodle becomes available for adoption by expressing your interest.

Another option is to join social media groups and forums dedicated to Goldendoodle enthusiasts. These communities often share information about Goldendoodles in need of homes, upcoming adoption events, and more. Being part of such groups can increase your chances of finding a Goldendoodle that needs a loving family.

When searching for a Goldendoodle to adopt, it’s essential to be patient and persistent. Keep in mind that the adoption process may take some time, as these organizations want to ensure that the dogs are placed in the best possible homes. You may need to complete an application, provide references, and even have a home visit.

Another thing to consider is offering your home as a residence for a family dog that is part of a breeders program. Many breeders offer free or very discounted dogs as long as you are okay with them having a litter or two throughout their life. It never hurts to reach out or ask the question in a local Facebook group for the Goldendoodle breed!

Why ARE Goldendoodles Rehomed? 

Goldendoodles aren’t always put up for adoption. It’s rare to see a Goldendoodle being adopted (we’ll come to that in a bit), but some Goldendoodles are adopted. 

Mostly, Goldendoodles are rehomed because their initial owners weren’t fit to take care of them. Let’s find out why that is.

Goldendoodles Are Attention Seeking Animals 

Goldendoodles are social animals. They require a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for more than a few hours, they can be difficult to manage. You’ll start noticing considerable changes in their behavior if you don’t give them enough attention.

A lot of people are initially enthusiastic before adopting a Goldendoodle but very quickly realize how much time they have to spend with these little canines. A word of advice, if you have an 8-hour job that requires you to report for work every day, don’t adopt a Goldendoodle. 

Goldendoodles thrive in environments where people are at home at all times.

Goldendoodles Tend to Bark a Lot

Compared to smaller dogs like cockapoos, Goldendoodles don’t bark much, but their barking can be annoying. Like other smaller dogs, Goldendoodles bark as a defense mechanism. Sometimes pet parents put these dogs up to be rehomed because they don’t know how to deal with their barking.

If you adopt a Goldendoodle that barks a lot, take the time to get your dog trained. Their barking usually doesn’t get out of hand, but you should always be prepared. 

Sometimes Life Gets in the Way

Most of us get enthusiastic before adopting a doodle dog because we feel we’re going to take care of them for the rest of their lives, but we don’t consider the changes we need to make. We might get sick or move, and sometimes we may need to find a new job. 

If you know that these factors could potentially hamper the time you devote to your dog, you may have to put your dog up for adoption. A good dog owner should realize if they’re fit enough to take care of a dog. 

It is a challenging and sad decision to have to make, but if our situation makes it difficult to raise a dog, it’s the right decision to rehome your little canine friend. 

Why Is Adopting a Goldendoodle Rare?

Although this is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle rescue shelters and networks in the United States, most of them may not have Goldendoodles up for adoption when you check. Some adoption facilities have never received any Goldendoodles at all despite being open for their rescue. There are a couple of reasons for this.

Goldendoodles Are Incredibly Popular

Firstly, Goldendoodles or any similar mixes are very popular. If these dogs get on any adoption websites or similar websites, they will likely be gone within the first day. 

Also, many of these Goldendoodles aren’t even registered for adoption because people will express their interest in the dog before they are made available to the public.

This can lead to a puppy mill or dodgy breeder scenario where the popularity makes the breeder chase litter after litter without caring for the dog. A dog owner who adopts from a breeder must take appropriate steps to ensure it is not a puppy mill, and is in fact an ethical and reputable breeder.

Goldendoodles Are Highly Social Dogs 

These cute canines are extremely social. They form strong bonds with their owners. If owners face any problems with their dogs, they would rather find ways to work through these problems than give them up for adoption.

Why Should You Adopt a Goldendoodle?

By now you probably know that adopting Goldendoodles isn’t for everyone, especially people with full-time jobs. However, Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest and most social dogs out there. 

Desirable Goldendoodle Personality

Goldendoodles are extremely adventurous. Due to their mixed genetics, their personalities aren’t as predictable as other dogs. Generally, these cute canines are outgoing, friendly, and happy dogs. 

They love meeting new people and dogs. If you want your Goldendoodle to be well-rounded, socialize him/her from an early age. One thing to remember about these dogs is that they do well in open spaces like spacious yards or country homes. 

Their affection, intelligence, and bubbly personalities make them great therapy and working dogs. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities. For example, Goldendoodles are known to be able to smell peanuts in foods for people suffering from nut allergies. 

Goldendoodles Are Energetic Dogs

Goldendoodles are an energetic Poodle mix. To satiate their need for activity, you will have to take them out for walks and runs daily. 

Goldendoodles are also known for enjoying swimming and playing in the water. 

They Are Good with Children

Adopting a Goldendoodle is a great choice if you have children at home. These dogs play well with kids. They are gentle, loving, and patient around young kids which is one of the reasons they make great family dogs. 

Now, that doesn’t mean you should leave your child unattended around them. You should still exercise caution and check on their behavior. You must also teach your children how to behave around dogs. Prevent your child from agitating your Goldendoodle with ear or tail pulling and other rough activities. 

It’s also smart to keep your children away from your Goldendoodle when they’re eating. Like any other animal, dogs are protective of their food and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat. This may not be true for all Goldendoodles, but you should still take precautions to protect your kids. 

Goldendoodles Bond Well with Other Dogs

If you have other dogs at home or if you’re planning to adopt another dog, you don’t need to stress about your Goldendoodle bonding with other dogs. These dogs are social animals and love interacting with other dogs. 

They hardly show aggression when they’re around other dogs making them a good fit if you’re looking to adopt more dogs. 

These Dogs Practically Don’t Shed

A big plus with Goldendoodles is they are light shedders. However, they still need a certain amount of grooming. 

To prevent them from shedding, some people cut their hair short. If you choose to keep your doodle’s hair long, you will have to brush their hair at least once a week. Even with short hair, you’ll have to brush their hair at least once a week.

Apart from brushing and cutting their hair, Goldendoodles don’t need to be bathed that often because their bodies naturally produce oils that keep their fur moisturized and soft. 

Goldendoodles Are Clingy (Warning)

Even if their previous home wasn’t the best, they will still miss their owner. It will take some time for the rescue dog to get comfortable around you and you may have to deal with issues like separation anxiety.

They Need to Be Exercised

Even a Mini Goldendoodle puppy will need their daily dose of exercise. Goldendoodles require a few hours of activity every day. You will have to spend time walking and playing with them daily. Active play, a visit to a dog park, or fetch are appropraite activities.

Grooming Is Imperative

Though your new doodle puppy will likely shed lightly, you will still need to groom their coats or have a pet groomer take care of their grooming once a month.

Conclusion 

Adopting a Goldendoodle or any dog isn’t an easy decision to make, but if you’re certain that you want to go ahead with adopting a Goldendoodle, you’re bound to have a fulfilling and fun adventure ahead of you.

Just remember to do your research before adopting a dog. You should be certain about the dog you’re adopting because that decision will impact your life and the life of your dog. 

If you are looking for other Poodle Mix rescues – check out the top Cockapoo Rescues, Cavapoo Rescues, and our guide to the best Labradoodle Rescues. There are similar Bernedoodle and Maltipoo rescue and adoption places also.