Have you ever wanted a hypoallergenic Golden Retriever or an even cuter Poodle? Breeders have come up with a marvelous crossbreed that’s all this and more — the Goldendoodle. It’s adorable and an excellent pet for people with allergies.
Instead of buying a Goldendoodle, consider adopting one from a rescue or shelter. You won’t save the world, but you’ll save at least one life. But that’s not an easy task, so we’ll help you find the best Goldendoodle rescue centers in the US. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Meet the Goldendoodle: Breed Overview
- Five Generations of Goldendoodles
- Goldendoodle Rescue Near Me: The 15 Best Places Across the US
- What You Must Know Before Adopting a Goldendoodle
- Goldendoodle Wanted: Rare and Expensive?
- Tips on How to Be Selected for a Goldendoodle Rescue
Meet the Goldendoodle: Breed Overview
Goldendoodle breeding began during the 1960s, and one popular breeder is Charles Dickens’ great-granddaughter, Monica. She crossed a Golden Retriever and a Poodle in 1969. The original aim was to create a hypoallergenic dog.
This sweet furry pal is very affectionate, gentle, and friendly, so it makes the perfect family dog. Goldendoodle rescue dogs come in three sizes: large, small, and miniature. Generally, they’re 13–24 inches tall and weigh 15–90 pounds.
These delightful pups have curly or wavy coats in white, golden, black, red, apricot, grey, or reddish-brown. Their playful nature and light shedding quickly gained their popularity.
Five Generations of Goldendoodles
Before adopting a Goldendoodle, you should know that the first generation is half a Golden Retriever and half a Poodle. That means it’ll inherit the excessive shedding from the Golden Retriever, which isn’t convenient for people prone to allergies.
There are five dog generations you should know about before going on a Goldendoodle rescue adoption.
Note on labeling standards:
- “F” means “Filial Hybrid” — a crossbreed between two purebred dogs
- The number after the letter shows the Goldendoodle generation.
- “B” means “Backcross” — a Goldendoodle bred back to a purebred Poodle.
F1 Goldendoodle
An F1 Doodle mixes a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This type of dog has better biological functions, decreasing the risks associated with purebred dogs.
Most F1 dogs have light to heavy shedding. We highly recommend trimming the fur every few months for better maintenance. People with severe allergies should avoid this generation of Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. It’s only suitable for those with very mild allergies.
F1b Goldendoodle
An F1b dog is a hybrid between a Doodle and a purebred Golden Retriever or Poodle. It’ll have intensified traits inherited from the purebred parent. Mainly, the backcrossing purpose is to get a pup with as low a chance of shedding as possible.
Shedding depends on the purebred parent, so you can expect low to high levels in this case. The grooming needs are moderate to high, and the chances of getting a hypoallergenic dog are 50%.
F2 Goldendoodle
An F2 Doodle is a hybrid between F1 Goldendoodles. Sadly, breeders don’t recommend this type of dog due to a high chance of shedding. This results from the dog carrying genes from the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents.
Allergic people shouldn’t adopt an F2 Goldendoodle. But if you don’t have allergies, consider looking for a mini Goldendoodle rescue.
F2b Goldendoodle
An F2b dog is a hybrid between an F1 and F1b Goldendoodle. We can tell the genes from the F1 parent, but the F1b genes are mysterious. If you’re curious about that, genetic screening can help you learn about the possible health diseases your dog might encounter.
Before adopting an F2b puppy, choosing a breeder who runs allergy tests is crucial.
F3 Goldendoodle
This multigenerational dog is a bit broader. An F3 Goldendoodle is born by breeding:
- F1b and F2b
- F1b and F1b
- F3 and F3
- F2b and F2b
- F2 and F2
To decrease the chances of shedding and diseases, careful breeding and genetic testing may be of help. For instance, breeding two Goldendoodles with 0% shedding would give non-shedding babies. So, an F3 Goldendoodle could be perfect for people with allergies.
Goldendoodle Rescue Near Me: The 15 Best Places Across the US
We made you a list of the 15 best rescues across the US. Let’s check them out:
Doodle Rescue Collective
This volunteer Doodle rescue started back in 2008. Here’s what it does:
- Take care of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles by providing:
- Warm and safe home
- Transport
- Veterinarian care
- Rehabilitation
- Provide educational materials for Doodle parents
- Provide support services for current and future Doodle parents
Before applying for adoption, you need to read the adoption policies carefully.
E-mails:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
Address:
Doodle Rescue Collective Inc.
77 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
Fax: 1-866-422-8803
IDOG Rescue
It started as a non-profit rescue for Labradoodles and Goldendoodles in 2006 in Houston. Here’s how it helps:
- Collaborates with shelters to provide a faster saving of Doodles
- Accepts Doodles if owners can no longer take care of them
- Looks after dogs with behavioral or medical problems
- Offers rehoming services
To apply for adoption, you need to fill out the form. The rescue publishes available Doodles on its Facebook page.
E-mail: [email protected]
You can also reach the rescue via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Address:
IDOG Rescue Inc.
6711 Stella Link Road
Suite 344
Houston, TX 77005
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR)
It started as a non-profit organization in 1993 for Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Here’s what it does:
- Saves and provides new homes for thousands of dogs
- Offers rescuing and rehabilitation of mill breed dogs
To apply for the adoption of a furry baby, you need to check the adoption application requirements.
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact information:
DVGRR, 60 Vera Cruz Road,
Reinholds, PA
17569
Doodle Rock Rescue
This non-profit started in 2017 in Dallas, Texas. The team might rescue the Goldendoodle that could be your new baby. Here’s what they do:
- Offer rescuing, rehabilitation, and rehoming to abandoned, abused, and neglected Doodles
- Offer foster homes to take care of their needs and help them find a permanent home
You can find all the necessary information about the available and upcoming pups on the website. To adopt a Doodle, you should read the requirements and fill out the form.
Contact the team directly via the official website.
Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue
This charity organization from New Jersey started in 2013. It mostly saves Bichons, Poodle mixes, Poodles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, and other hypoallergenic dogs. The charity helps by:
- Saving senior dogs, especially those at risk of euthanasia
- Providing medical treatment
- Finding foster homes before placing dogs in permanent homes
According to the website, the organization doesn’t allow families with kids under 10 years old to adopt a doggo. So, if your child is older, you can try this Golden Retriever Poodle mix rescue.
Contact information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Golden Retriever Rescue Resource
It started in 2003 as a non-profit organization in Ohio, but it now serves Indiana and Michigan, too. The team primarily takes care of Golden Retrievers. Since it’s a small group of volunteers, the adoption may be a bit slow, but they do this work entirely out of love!
Before applying, you need to read the adoption policies carefully. After you do that and you’re certain that you meet the criteria, you should send an e-mail to [email protected] for an application where you should include the pal you want, your address, your dog history, and home life. This may not be a Goldendoodle rescue in Ohio, but you can undoubtedly find a friendly furry companion there.
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: P.O. Box 57, Waterville, Ohio 43566
Phone: 1-888-980-1326 (see note below before calling)
GRIN Rescue
This non-profit organization started in 1992 in Cleveland. This is what it offers:
- Saving Goldens from pounds, shelters, and owners who cannot take care of them anymore
- Saving Goldens from Turkey
- Finding foster and permanent homes
- Veterinarian help
On the website, you can check out the available dogs for adoption. To apply, you need to fulfill the conditions and read the adoption policy.
You could send an e-mail via the website or use the address below.
Contact information:
Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 24365
Cleveland, OH 44124
Doodle Dandy Rescue
This volunteer rescue center is set in Dallas but collaborates with shelters across Texas, too.Here’s its mission:
- Rescue Doodles
- Offer rehabilitation for Doodles in crisis
- Find suitable temporary and permanent homes in Texas.
- Offer training for Doodles
- Offer veterinarian help
You can choose your next Doodle buddy on the website. Before applying for adoption, you need to read and understand the adoption policy.
Contact information:
- Youtube
E-mail:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
NorCal Poodle Rescue
NCPR started in 1985 in California. Let’s check out its mission:
- Rescue miniature, toy, standard Poodles, and dogs of a Poodle mix.
- Spay and neuter each pup
- Vaccinate, groom, and micro-chip before adoption
- Offer veterinarian care, foster homes, boarding, and training
- If the adoption doesn’t go as planned, there’s also a return policy.
Your future teddy bear Goldendoodle rescue may be hiding in this “Adoptable Poodles” section. All the necessary information for filling out the application is available online.
Contact information:
You can also reach the organization via the website.
Carolina Poodle Rescue
This non-profit rescue organization is set in Carolina. It helps by:
- Rescuing small dogs, Poodles, and Poodle mixes.
- Taking care of senior dogs and dogs with special needs.
- Offering rehabilitation, a permanent sanctuary, and finding new homes
- Supporting the termination of euthanasia as a way of population control
You can check out which furry pals are available on the official website. Before applying for adoption, you need to read the adoption policies.
Contact information:
E-mail: [email protected]
For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue
According to the Petfinder Goldendoodle rescue, a rescue center in Richmond offers the adoption of small to mid-sized dogs but only within a three-hour drive outside Richmond. Before adoption, the team provides:
- Neuter/Spay
- Vaccines
- Microchip
- Heartworm test
- Return policy
You can find more information on the website. Before applying, keep in mind that the process may be slow because the rescue team is small.
Contact information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc.
This Florida Goldendoodle and Poodle rescue organization takes care of unwanted, abandoned, neglected, and abused furry pals. It was founded in 1994 and offers:
- Veterinarian care
- Vaccination
- Spaying/Neutering
- Dental procedures
- Microchips
- Necessary surgeries, including hip surgery, broken bone repairs, cataract surgery, and facial reconstruction
- Foster homes for adaptation before permanent homes
You can find out which dogs are available on the website. Before applying for adoption, you should read the requirements and information on the process.
Contact information:
Florida Poodle Rescue
P.O. Box 7336
St. Petersburg, Florida 33734
(727) 2651766
E-mail: [email protected]
PetFinder
Why not search for your next baby dog from the comfort of your home? PetFinder lists about 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations in US, Mexico, and Canada.
The team updates the website daily. Instead of searching for “Doodle shelters near me,” all you have to do is type in your city, state, or ZIP.
Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida
It’s a non-profit organization set in Florida that saves unwanted, abused, senior, or sick dogs. It offers:
- Rescue
- Rehabilitation
- Socialization
- Rehoming
- Veterinarian care (vaccination, spaying/neutering, dental procedures, diagnosis, and surgeries)
If you’re willing to adopt or foster a doggo, you should check which dogs are available. Before applying, carefully read the requirements.
Contact information:
You can contact the non-profit directly via the website. Alternatively, you can reach the team via Facebook or Instagram.
E-mail: [email protected]
Sugar Pine Doodles
If you want to buy or rehome a Goldendoodle, you can check this organization set in Amador County, California. Besides breeding Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles, the team also rescues, rehabilitates, and finds new homes for all types of Doodles.
Sugar Pine can also lend you a hand if you need a service dog. All you need to do is contact the team for more information. Before applying for adoption, learn more about the requirements.
Contact information:
What You Must Know Before Adopting a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are amazing family pets, but they have their needs. Here’s what you need to know about them to prepare for your new puppy:
- Goldendoodles are needy.
- Expect a messy home at the beginning.
- Weekly brushing is essential, so schedule a grooming appointment often.
- They’re usually pricy dogs.
- A bad breeder means getting a Doodle with bad genetics.
- They’re prone to skin issues because of their curly and thick coat that keeps a lot of moisture on the skin.
- They may stink if not dried out properly after bathing or swimming.
- Some Goldendoodles have lots of energy.
- They need proper training for behavioral issues like barking, jumping, or mouthing people.
- You’ll need food, treats, and toys. Check out the Pupbox reviews for new puppy parents before purchasing toys.
Why Adopting a Goldendoodle Will Be the Best Decision of Your Life
Golden rescue groups can help you find your perfect pet. Here’s why you should adopt one:
- They’re loyal to their families.
- They have a bubbly personality.
- They’ll get you off your couch.
- The allergy response is lower than other dogs.
- They love cuddling.
- They’re mostly quiet pets.
- They’re perfect with children.
Goldendoodle Wanted: Rare and Expensive?
Since a Goldendoodle looks like a teddy bear, it’s a very popular mix, which means a higher price. It starts from $500 and could get to $4,000. It also depends on whether you want to adopt or purchase.
Breeders with a good reputation would sell you a Doodle for an average of $2,100. Interestingly, toy-sized and multi-colored Goldendoodles are much more expensive, around $3,000–$5,000. That’s because a teacup mini Goldendoodle isn’t easy to breed.
Tips on How to Be Selected for a Goldendoodle Rescue
Before the dog enters your life, you should learn how to be the pet owner rescues would select. For starters, you must know what you’ll need for a new puppy. Here are a few more tips to prepare:
- Read the rescue organization’s requirements.
- Have a safe yard — get a fence.
- Learn as much as you can about the breed you want to adopt.
- Find a good veterinarian.
- Find a trainer and learn about the positive dog training methodology.
- Vaccinate all your other pets.
- Show willingness to meet the pet.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the rescue organization.
- Provide thorough information when filling out the adoption application.
Each rescue organization has its requirements, so you’d need to do some research before applying for a pet. But don’t get discouraged if some of them reject you.
Conclusion
Opening your home to a dog isn’t easy, but it’ll change your life. Finding a good Goldendoodle rescue will make you feel better about saving a life.
There are lots of Doodles waiting for their new home. If you’re prone to dog allergies, a carefully chosen Goldendoodle would be an excellent choice.
Find the best rescue organizations near your home, do your research, and apply for adoption. Before your new furry baby gets to your home, provide some welcoming gifts, and enjoy your journey as a Goldendoodle parent.