Impossibly adorable with a sweet, loyal temperament to boot, it’s easy to understand why the Cavapoo – a mixed breed between the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – is in high demand across the United States. However, many pet owners surrender them to Cavapoo rescue. Dogs are a lot of work, and unfortunately not all pet parents are prepared for this.
Cavapoo rescue pups are in shelters for a variety of reasons. Owners move, divorce, and pass away. Some can’t afford care. Other owners neglect their Cavapoos, leading to their confiscation.
You can make a difference in the life of a dog when you adopt your designer dog from a shelter. Here are your top options for Cavapoo rescue opportunities across the United States.
However, while there may not be a rescue organization dedicated specifically to Cavapoos, dozens of organizations across the United States specialize in saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming Poodle mixes.
Prefer to watch a video? We created a video on the best Cavapoo rescue organizations below:
Best Cavapoo Rescue Organizations in the United States:
1. Doodle Dandy Rescue (Texas)
- Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, Texas
- Website: Doodle Dandy Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Instagram
Doodle Dandy Rescue was launched in 2018 by a group of dedicated dog lovers. The rescue has grown to take in dogs and also to train and rehabilitate them! The pup you receive from the shelter will be family-ready, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated.
If there aren’t any Cavapoos on their website, keep checking back! In the meantime, peruse the other Doodles at DDR that are searching for the right person to adopt them. DDR even makes videos of each dog; you can get to know them before you meet them in person.
While they can’t know for certain what breed of dog each rescue is, they make an educated guess based on the input of their veterinarians and foster families.
One thing to know about DDR is they only serve clients within a five-mile radius of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. DDR enforces this radius because you must come to meet your Cavapoo rescue (or other future fur-ever friend) in person. They do not transport dogs. If you don’t live in or near east Texas, check out the other rescue organizations on our list.
2. Doodle Rock Rescue (Texas)
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Website: Doodle Rock Rescue Cavapoo Rescue
- Contact: (709) 023-5228
- Social Media: Facebook Page and Instagram Page
Since its founding in 2017, Doodle Rock Rescue has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over 1,200 dogs! It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run solely by volunteers. Doodles are placed in foster homes, never kennels, where they are rehabilitated as necessary and made ready to join families like yours!
While in their foster homes, DDR lists the rescued Doodles on their website’s “Upcoming Dogs” page. Once they’re ready to match with a family, your pup’s bio will be relocated to the “Available Dogs” page! Scroll through the list of who’s available, then pick the pup you’d like to bring home with you.
Sadly, it’s thought that southern Texas has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country, though that’s still being studied. You can help reduce this number by adopting from DRR. The catch? You must live within 250 miles of the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
3. Doodle Rescue Collective (East Coast)
- Location: Rhode Island (and across the nation)
- Rhode Island website: DRC Rhode Island Website
- National website: DRC National Website
- Contact: [email protected]
As with other Cavapoo rescue organizations on our list, Doodle Rescue Collective doesn’t utilize a kennel. Dogs go home with foster families where they are vet-checked, socialized, and made ready to join forever homes. The group has saved over 4,000 Doodles since their launch, and their 800 volunteers serve the Canadian and United States populations.
We love the DRC message boards – if you have a question or are looking for a particular type of dog, post it on the boards! You’ll also find educational resources about topics like health, how to adopt in your state, and updates on Doodle rescue organizations.
There are a few points to keep in mind if you’re considering adopting from this rescue. First, they won’t ship your dog – you must pick him up. Second, if you have kids under the age of 10 you’ll be disqualified from adoption. Finally, first-time dog owners are not permitted to adopt. Be sure to review DRC’s adoption policies, procedures, and requirements before applying to adopt a Cavapoo.
The DRC works on a national scale, and they aren’t just rescuing Cavapoo puppies but all sorts of Doodle dogs. Check their website to become part of their rescue network.
4. Poodle Rescue Connecticut (and the surrounding New England States)
- Location: Naugatuck, Connecticut
- Website: Poodle Rescue CT
- Phone: (203) 729-8846
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook Page
Poodle Rescue Connecticut (PRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with an excellent track record of giving poodles and poodle mixes a new lease on life. Their stats speak for themselves. Between 2012 and 2021, they’ve saved an average of over 100 dogs per year, including some Cavapoo rescues! Their adopters come from all over Connecticut and the neighboring New England states.
PRC has tons of experience caring for Poodles and poodle mixes. As part of your application process, they will ask for references from your veterinarian and your groomer! Anyone who has owned a Doodle or has done their research knows how important regular grooming is for your Doodle.
Adopting from PRC will cost about $350-600; your adoption fee is used to help offset the Cavapoo rescue costs. Once you adopt a dog, Poodle Rescue Connecticut will check in with you at regular intervals to make sure the adoption is successful. If you come from this area and would like to be next, contact them at the details listed above.
5. Florida Poodle Rescue
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Website: Florida Poodle Rescue
- Phone: (727) 265-1766
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook Page and Instagram Page
Patricia “Tricia” Bonati and Martha Harrington founded Florida Poodle Rescue in 1994. They have since saved the lives of over 10,000 Poodles, Poodle mixes, and “Poodle wannabes.” Tricia and Martha can attest that there is no greater feeling than rescuing a poodle and being part of this magical transformation process. Since the Cavapoo is a Poodle mix, you’ll often find Cavapoos at Poodle rescues.
This dedicated rescue group wants to educate the public about the unique benefits of adopting a Poodle or Poodle mix. They are looking for forever homes where these sweet-tempered, loyal companions, once abused or mercilessly tossed away, will be treated like the cherished family members they were always intended to be. Florida Poodle Rescue even provides funding for expensive medical procedures to save otherwise dire causes. They also want to make you aware of the overall benefits of pet adoption; be sure you check out the Florida Poodle Rescue resources available on the website.
6. Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR)
- Location: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia
- Website: Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue
- Telephone: (410) 963-0079
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook Page
Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) is a volunteer-network rescue that finds homes for unwanted or abandoned Poodles of all varieties and mixes. The volunteer network stretches to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. MAPR does not own any facility or shelter. They place all their rescue Cavapoos in foster homes across their volunteer network, mostly in Baltimore.
The Poodle mixes that come through their system have experienced hardships no dog should ever have to endure, and it takes a special adopter to restore them to their natural trusting nature. To start the Cavapoo adoption process, you must first request an application through their website. Once you complete the application, MAPR will use your information to match you to the perfect Cavapoo rescue for you.
Not all rescue dogs are listed on their website, so feel free to inquire with a volunter. If your perfect pup isn’t currently available, they will keep your application on file until they find the Cavapoo that will be the best fit.
There are a few things you should know before adopting from MAPR. You must live within a two-hour drive from Maryland. MAPR requires a fenced yard if you rescue a Cavapoo for adoption. They don’t usually adopt dogs to homes with electric fences but will consider them on a case-by-case basis.
All dogs are up-to-date with vaccinations and are tested for heartworms and Lyme disease. If you live on the East Coast and are interested in Cavapoo adoption, contact MAPR.
7. Poodles and Pals (Southern California)
- Location: Nuevo, California
- Website: Poodles and Pals Cavapoo Rescue
- Contact: [email protected]
Poodles and Pals serves southern California, specifically northern San Diego and western Riverside counties. They cater to Poodles of all sizes and Poodle mixes. Their organization may be as small in size as some of their Cavapoos, but the hearts of the volunteers are big, focusing on abandoned dogs or those most at risk of euthanasia at local shelters.
Poodles and Pals consider themselves to be savvy matchmakers. They research the potential adoptees and really get to know their Cavapoos for adoption so they can make the best match. Poodles and Pals also make sure all medical needs, such as spaying or neutering and vaccinations, are taken care of.
This team will ensure that any home they place a dog in has the financial means to care for these vet visits in the future. Therefore, as with anyone hoping to adopt or rescue a Cavapoo, you can expect a thorough home visit before bringing your new fur-baby home.
8. NorCal Poodle Rescue Adoption (Northern California)
- Location: Grass Valley, California
- Website: NorCal Poodle Rescue
- Telephone: (925) 322-0223
NorCal Poodle Rescue (NCPR) is a group of volunteers who rehabilitate and rescue Poodle mixes like the Cavapoo. They currently serve the northern California area and respond to shelters, humane societies, and pet owners who surrender Poodle mixes.
NorCal Poodle Rescue founded in 1985 by a former Poodlebreeder, Patty Moulthrop, who couldn’t justify breeding Poodles when so many were in shelters. Since then, NCPR has become the third-largest Poodle rescue in the United States. Although Patty passed away in February of 2022, NCPR’s team of two dozen volunteers continues their Poodle rescue mission. Since its foundation almost 40 years ago, NCPR has helped over 3,000 Poodle and Poodle mixes.
You can volunteer, foster, or adopt Cavapoos through NCPR. What’s great about the NCPR is they also rehabilitate each dog. This rehabilitation can include extensive surgery or basic spay and neutering. Adoption fees range from $100 to $1100, with various refundable deposits. NCPR has a special “Senior for Senior” discount if the dog is 10 years of age or older and the human is 65 or older.
Adopting a Cavapoo Rescue
If you’re looking for a super cute small dog with a winning temperament, consider rescuing or adopting a Cavapoo. Besides being ridiculously cute, Cavapoos are one of the most sought-after dogs in the world due to their sweet and social temperament. Cross-bred between the Poodle and the Cavalier King CharlesSpaniel, their size can vary, but a Cavapoo will grow to about 10-15 inches tall and weigh between 6-19 pounds.
This is good news for your pet food budget as the Cavapoo won’t consume nearly as much as their close relatives: the standard Poodle weighs 40-75 pounds, and the Goldendoodle weighs in at an average of 40-50 pounds.
Cavapoos are also known to be some of the most intelligent dogs, and with Poodle genes running through their veins, it can be a lot of fun to teach them tricks. This is a small dog with a goofy, outgoing personality who will want to be included in all of your family’s plans.
As a cherished new family member, you’ll be happy to know that your Cavapoo will be a part of your life for up to fifteen human years. The average lifespan for this breed is between 10-15 years (smaller dogs trend toward the upper range), and the oldest known Cavapoo dog lived into their twenties!
Is a Cavapoo Rescue the Best Fit for Your Family?
Your adopted or rescued Cavapoo puppy or dog will immediately become another fully-active member of your family – and deserves to be treated as such.
If you’re looking for a loving, affectionate family dog who will be a loyal companion for yourself or your child, the Cavapoo breed is definitely one to consider. They’re also very dependable running and frisbee partners.
Their affectionate, people-pleasing personality can translate into separation anxiety. If you’re a professional who travels a lot for work, a Cavapoo rescue may not be the best mutual fit – especially if you don’t have the funds to invest in doggy daycare.
Conclusion for the Best Cavapoo Rescues for Adoption
Rescuing and adopting a Cavapoo is extremely hard because this breed is high in demand. They are considered hypoallergenic and nonshedding dogs, which is why they have become popular throughout the United States.
We put together a list of the best Cavapoo rescues in the United States to help you find an adult Cavapoo rescue or Cavapoo puppy for adoption. Please note that many rescues don’t specifically rescue Cavapoos but instead rescue all Poodle mixes. You’ll have to check in regularly with these rescues to find your Cavapoo.
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FAQs about Cavapoo Rescue
I’m having trouble finding a Cavapoo rescue near me – why is that?
The Cavapoo is an extremely desirable pet. Therefore, not many people surrender them. Thus it does not make sense to invest the time or money into operating Cavapoo-specific rescue organization.
Because Cavapoos are part Poodle, Poodle-mix rescue organizations are a good starting point if you’re interested in adopting a Cavapoo. You’ll need to check many rescue organizations, shelters, and humane societies to find a Cavapoo rescue. It won’t be easy.
Where can I find Cavapoo puppies for adoption?
It is nearly impossible to find Cavapoo puppies for adoption. Finding Doodle puppy rescues of any type are hard because these dogs are so popular. Cavapoos are usually only surrendered to rescues once someone has spent time with the dog and realizes they are not equipped to own it or if the Cavapoo’s owner has died. By this point, the Cavapoo is usually an adult dog. However, this isn’t to say it’s completely impossible to adopt a Cavapoo puppy – it will just take a lot of research and digging, and you will likely have to travel to adopt it.
Why are Cavapoos so expensive?
If you choose to purchase a Cavapoo puppy, you’ll likely suffer sticker shock! The dogs are in extremely high demand, driving the price of the little dogs up, up, and away!
Fortunately, you can adopt from a Cavapoo rescue for a literal fraction of the price you’d pay to a breeder. Better yet, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of two deserving dogs: the one you adopt and the one who’s rescued in his place.
Want to learn more information about the “Best Cavapoo Rescues for Adoption”, then check out the video below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.