If you dream of having a doodle but it’s important to you to adopt rather than buy a dog, one of the doodle rescues on this list is likely to be perfect for you.
It can be difficult to find a doodle available for adoption since this type of dog is in such high demand.
However, if you keep an eye on the available dogs from the following rescues and submit an application ahead of time when possible, there is a very good chance that you will be able to find your perfect match.
Here’s what you need to know about adopting a doodle in Florida, as well as which rescues to consider.
Things To Keep In Mind When Adopting A Doodle
Be Wary Of Breeders Advertising As Rescues
If you search for “Florida doodle rescue” in Google, you may actually find as many breeders as you do rescues.
For instance, Doodle Sanctuary comes up when you search for rescues and certainly sounds like rescue, but it’s actually a breeder.
Look carefully at the doodle rescues that you are considering to ensure that they really are rescues.
If you see lots of puppies available, the chances are good that it’s not truly a rescue.
Consider A Guardian Home Or Adult Rescue
As you begin your search for a doodle to adopt, you may find that there aren’t as many options available as you would like.
Doodle breeds are in high demand, and even dogs that have medical conditions or special needs can be hard to find.
One solution is to become a guardian home.
Breeders often place dogs in guardian homes so that they can have a larger breeding stock without housing dogs themselves.
The dog may be bred a certain number of times and then be spayed or neutered and remain with the guardian family.
Breeding dogs may also be retired or adult and adolescent puppies returned to the breeder and then placed up for adoption.
Consider contacting quality breeders for programs like these if you have your heart set on a doodle but don’t want to purchase a puppy or keep searching for a rescue doodle.
At CharityPaws our hope is that you will adopt your next dog and not support a breeder.
Be Aware That Your Rescue Doodle Is Likely Not To Be Hypoallergenic
Many doodles that are surrendered to shelters or rehomed are being given up because they are not hypoallergenic like their families thought they would be.
Many times doodle breeds are advertised to be hypoallergenic, but in fact, the degree to which the dog sheds depends on genetic factors.
Poodles mixed with breeds like Labradors or golden retrievers that are typically heavy shedders often shed at least to some degree.
Doodles that shed are the ones most likely to be rehomed, and therefore the ones most likely to be available.
This certainly isn’t always the case and it is possible to find a hypoallergenic doodle available in a rescue, but it is typically more challenging.
Consider Fostering
Do you think that you want a doodle but you are not entirely sure?
Fostering for one of the following organizations can be a great solution.
Fostering enables you to get to know what doodle ownership is like.
It can also let you try out dogs until you find the perfect match for you.
Not to mention, fostering for a rescue enables them to take in more dogs and save more lives.
The majority of the following organizations function entirely out of foster homes, so opening up your home to a foster dog means that more lives will be saved.
1.) Poodle And Pooch Rescue
Poodle and Pooch Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Deland Florida.
They don’t have a physical shelter location. Instead, all of their available dogs are housed in foster homes.
They seek out dogs that are unlikely to be adopted because they are older, neglected, abused, or have special medical needs.
When they are considering taking a dog from a shelter, they first assess whether the dog is general population, special needs, or a senior.
The dog’s care will be addressed depending on what categorization they receive.
Frequently, dogs require significant diagnostics and medical treatments to be adoptable.
Diagnostics include:
- A heart evaluation
- Orthopedic exam
- Palpation for tumors
- Geriatric blood work
- Radiographs
Some dogs have such significant medical or behavioral concerns that they cannot be adopted out.
These dogs may become permanent residents within the foster program, cared for by the rescue for the rest of their days.
Poodle and Pooch rescue also takes rescue dogs from puppy mills.
These dogs require special care, particularly the doodle-type dogs who have severely matted fur.
Poodle and Pooch focuses on poodles and poodle mixes, but they also take other breeds.
Typical adoptable dogs may include:
- Goldendoodles
- Maltese mixes
- Yorkshire Terriers
Poodle and Pooch rescue typically does not take in dogs directly from the public.
Rather, they take dogs from shelters that may not otherwise be adopted or rescue dogs from puppy mill situations.
To adopt from Poodle and Pooch Rescue, simply fill out an application and let them know which dog you Are interested in.
Dogs are only adopted within Florida and applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Poodle and Pooch Rescue will not hold dogs, but they will pay for further vetting that is known at the time of the adoption in most circumstances.
If you are looking for a specific type of dog, it’s a good idea to contact Poodle and Pooch rescue and let them know what you are looking for so they can contact you when a matching dog becomes available.
It’s also a good idea to follow their social media pages to receive regular updates on available dogs and how they are doing in their foster homes.
Poodle and Pooch rescue runs entirely on donations and the efforts of volunteers.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 1742 S Woodland Blvd #428 DeLand FL 32720
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://poodleandpoochrescue.org/
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
2.) Florida Poodle Rescue
Florida Poodle Rescue has been in existence since 1994 and has found homes for over 10,000 poodles, poodle mixes, and occasionally other breeds since it began.
They take dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or have lost their home for no fault of their people or themselves.
As soon as dogs are taken in, they receive a veterinarian examination, are spayed or neutered and given vaccines as needed, and receive whatever kind of dental procedures or preventive medication that is required.
They also receive microchips.
In many cases, Florida Poodle Rescue performs serious medical care such as treatment for heartworm and major surgeries for hips, cataracts, or broken bones.
All of the dogs with Florida Poodle Rescue are placed in foster homes that are carefully chosen to be the perfect match for the needs of that particular dog.
In order to adopt a dog from Florida Poodle Rescue, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and living on your own.
The pets in your home need to be spayed or neutered and must have updated vaccinations and be on monthly heartworm preventative.
Florida Poodle Rescue will call your veterinarian to confirm.
They will also confirm with your landlord if you rent to ensure that you are allowed to adopt a dog.
Adoption fees range from $150 to as much as $800 depending on a wide range of things.
Reference checks and home visits will need to be conducted before you will be able to meet the dog that you are considering.
It’s a good idea to contact Florida Poodle Rescue ahead of time if you are looking for a particular type of dog so that they can let you know if one becomes available.
If you are interested in surrendering a dog to Florida Poodle Rescue, just get in touch with them and let them know your situation.
They often take dogs from the shelter but sometimes take dogs directly from the public as well.
Florida Poodle Rescue raises money with the help of donations and volunteers provide fostering, transportation, and more.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 7336 St. Petersburg FL 33734
- Phone: (727) 265-1766
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.floridapoodlerescue.org/
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
3.) IDOG Rescue, Inc
IDOG Rescue is based out of Texas, but they rescue and adopt out dogs across the country, including in Florida.
They specialize in the rescue of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.
Since they were created in 2006, they have been a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing.
They house dogs in foster homes throughout the United States.
IDOG Rescue has connections with shelters all the way across the country to make sure that doodles will be pulled as quickly as possible so they spend as little time in the shelter environment as they can.
IDOG Rescue wants to ensure that no doodle is euthanized, regardless of behavior or medical status.
They take Doodles of any color or coat type and they also take heartworm positive dogs.
They will consider any dog with medical or behavioral issues, but will only take dogs if they are confident they can successfully treat and place them.
IDOG Rescue also offers rehoming services to help people who need to find a new home for their dog do so safely and successfully.
They will also take owner-surrendered dogs.
By taking owner surrendered dogs and assisting with rehoming, they hope to keep dogs out of the shelter in the first place, dramatically reducing the stress that dogs have to go through.
Dogs for adoption from IDOG Rescue can be found at their Petfinder site.
If you would like to adopt a dog from this rescue, you will need to find an available dog that is located somewhere near your area, since adopters are considered within a reasonable distance from the foster home.
Therefore, you will want to find dogs being fostered in Florida if you would like to adopt from this rescue.
Applications must be made for particular dogs, not general adoption requirements.
In order for a home to be considered, annual vet exams and minimal vet care is required for existing pets.
Homes are disqualified if dogs are kept outside, bred irresponsibly, not spayed or neutered, or where animal cruelty or neglect charges have been made.
Adoption fees range from $100 to $750 depending on a number of aspects of the dog.
IDOG Rescue raises money through its adoption fees and through donations.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 6711 Stella Link Road Suite 344 Houston TX 77005 (Based in Texas but has adoptions in Florida)
- Website: https://www.idogrescue.com/
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
4.) Coastal Poodle Rescue, Inc.
Coastal Poodle Rescue focuses on rescuing poodles, but they are happy to help out doodles when they find them as well.
They adopt dogs out to anywhere in Florida, but do not adopt outside of Florida.
They were established in 2004 to assist poodles and poodle mixes.
Coastal Poodle Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation run entirely by volunteer efforts.
They concentrate their rescue on the Eastern and Coastal areas of Florida from Duval to Dade County, but they have been known to take poodles and poodle mixes from many other places as well.
Because all of their animals are housed in foster homes, 100% of donations are used for the vetting, grooming, and general care of the dogs that they rescue.
Once a dog is under the care of Coastal Poodle Rescue, they are spayed or neutered, get updated vaccinations, receive a thorough vet exam, and are tested for heartworms and parasites.
Conditions are treated before adoptions and always disclosed to the adopting family.
All of the dogs with Coastal Poodle Rescue are placed into foster homes.
They do not have a facility of any kind.
In addition to rescue, Coastal Poodle Rescue educates about the enjoyment and special needs of keeping poodles, promotes spaying and neutering, and speaks out about the problems with over-breeding.
Coastal Poodle Rescue takes dogs in shelter situations and may also take owner surrenders.
Contact them if you need to re-home your poodle or poodle mix.
If you would like to adopt a dog from Coastal Poodles, you will need to pay an adoption fee between $150 and $400 depending on a number of factors including the age and health of the dog.
Home visits and interviews will be conducted.
It is wise to fill out an application even if Coastal Poodle Rescue does not currently have the dog of your choosing available so that if such a dog does become available you can be contacted.
You will need to provide references, your landlord’s information if you rent, groomer information, and information for your veterinarian.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 121142 Melbourne FL 32912
- Phone: (321) 459-2652
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.coastalpoodlerescue.org/
- Social Media: Facebook
5.) A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue
If you are looking for a small doodle, A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue may be right for you.
This organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit small dog rescue.
They take small dogs of all sorts of breeds, but they often have poodles and poodle mixes.
They rescue any small breed dog up to 15 lbs.
They take dogs from the shelter and also take owner surrenders and strays.
They accept dogs throughout Northwest Florida and lower Alabama.
This is a foster-based organization that keeps all of the dogs in their rescue with volunteer fosters in the Pensacola Florida area.
Every day, A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue receives multiple requests to rescue dogs.
Once a dog comes into the rescue, it gets a complete veterinarian check, fecal test, is dewormed and heartworm tested, and given a full set of vaccinations as well as being spayed or neutered.
Each dog is also microchipped.
Any medical care the dog requires, such as surgery, tumor removal, etc. is done.
If a dog is too ill to be adopted out, they go into a foster hospice home where the dog will receive the love and care of the foster family at the expense of the rescue for the rest of its life.
- Available dogs with A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue can be seen here.
Adoption fees are typically between $250 and $450, depending on a number of factors including age, breed, and medical care.
It’s a good idea to contact the rescue even if you don’t see a dog they currently have that you would like to adopt so that your paperwork will be approved when they do get a dog that you would like to take home.
A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue requests a lot of information from adopters and they will confirm what is stated on the application with references, landlords, and veterinarians.
They reserve the right to refuse adoption with no explanation for any reason.
A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue is run entirely on donations and volunteer efforts.
They appreciate any donation and are always searching for more foster homes with whom to place dogs.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 8160 Briese Lane Pensacola FL 32514
- Website: https://aplaceofhoperescue.com/
6.) Florida Little Dog Rescue Group
Florida Little Dog Rescue actually takes a number of dogs that aren’t little at all.
However, if you are looking for a small poodle mix, there is a good chance they may have one.
They also take puppies, like two Labradoodle puppies that they took as owner surrenders from a breeder that did not believe them to be doodle enough to sell.
Florida Little Dog Rescue Group operates entirely out of foster homes.
They strive to rescue dogs with medical needs from shelters that can’t be adopted out to the public, but require rescue from a rescue organization.
They operate entirely on donations and with the help of volunteers.
They take dogs from all different places in Florida, but they focus primarily on Central Florida.
Dogs are fostered in the Orlando area.
When dogs are taken in by Florida Little Dog Rescue Group, they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for parasites including heartworms, and treated for any known medical conditions before they are adopted.
Adoption fees range from $150 to $500 depending on the age of the dog who is being adopted as well as medical issues.
Adoption applications must be filled out for a specific dog that you would like to adopt.
Applications are not kept on waitlist in case a dog that meets your needs becomes available.
Once your application is approved, you may be able to meet the dog you would like to adopt.
Most of the time, Florida Little Dog Rescue Group rescues dogs from shelters, but they will take owner surrender dogs on occasion.
An interesting program that Florida Little Dog Rescue Group offers is the Death Row Dog Program.
For $75, you can have a dog pulled from Animal Control that has medical or behavioral issues and is not otherwise available to the public.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 702364 St Cloud FL 34770
- Phone: (407) 279-1127
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://floridalittledogrescue.com/
- Social Media: Facebook
Adopt Your Perfect Doodle In Florida
Finding the doodle for you isn’t always easy, but with patience and commitment to the search, you are sure to find a wonderful pet.
Keep in mind that the more flexible you can be, the more likely you are to find a great doodle in Florida.
You will have to search long and hard to find a perfectly healthy doodle puppy without any behavioral issues.
However, if you are willing to adopt an older dog, don’t mind giving daily medication, or are okay with having an only dog or working through some behavioral issues, you have a much better chance of finding an excellent dog for your needs.