Doodle Rescues in California – Top 5 Adoptions! (2023)

For some people, the dream is to own a purebred dog. Others might dream of rescuing dogs, saving lives, and preventing euthanasia. If you’re looking for a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, or any other doodle, but you also want to save a little money and help out a dog in need, you’ll want to take a look at doodle rescues in California. You might even be surprised just what dogs are out there and how you can bring a needy dog into your own family.

We will preface this article by saying that rescuing and adopting a doodle is difficult. Most owners who own a doodle don’t want to surrender them because they are good dogs with easy-going temperaments. However, people put doodles up for adoption for all types of reasons like the death of the owner, high energy levels, barking, and other high maintenance costs. Our list, which includes a couple doodle-specific rescue organizations, gives you the best chance at finding a doodle to rescue and adopt in California.

Other articles you might like: Goldendoodle Rescues and Labradoodle Rescues.

1. Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc., in Southern California

• Location: All over the United States, with locations in California
• Website: Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc.
• Email: info@doodlerescuecollectiveinc.org

Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. (DRC) is a nationwide organization that works with hundreds of volunteers to find Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and other doodles in need of rescue. DRC doesn’t operate out of a single facility. Instead, it’s more of a group of members nationwide that help work and collaborate to find all kinds of doodles a new home. This organization has been around since 2008 and has a great background in rescuing doodles. To date, they have helped over 4,000 doodle dogs nationwide. 

Before adopting a doodle from DRC, there are a few important things to know. They will not ship your adopted doodle. They will not adopt rescue doodles to families with children under 10 years old. Also, they do not adopt dogs to first-time dog owners. Be sure to review all of DRC’s adoption policies, procedures, and requirements before applying to adopt a doodle.

DRC works with all types of doodles. One perk of the DRC is that they provide additional education and support to those who already own these doodles. If you already have a dog and need some help to keep them, you can turn to Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. to get the help you’re looking for.

2. Lovebugs Rescue in California

• Location: Corona Del Mar, California
• Website: Lovebugs Rescue
• Email: info@lovebugsrescue.org

Lovebugs Rescue in Orange County works with several types of doodle dogs in addition to other dog breeds. While there may not always be Goldendoodles or other doodles in their facility, you can always find a furry friend to take home with you. Lovebugs Rescue has been around for over 10 years and has provided families with loving additions since its founding.

The doodle adoption process is extensive, which you would expect when taking in a rescue dog. Lovebugs Rescue wants to ensure that you will be a good dog owner. They have so many loving pets for you to welcome into your home that the only hard part will be choosing just one. You may find yourself interested in a few extras.

If you live in Orange County, you may want to take advantage of Lovebug Rescue’s events. One of these events is their popular non-anesthesia dental clinic. Lovebug Rescue is also involved in community education about dog rescue, so you know you’ll be adopting your doodle from an organization that truly cares. 

3. Sugar Pine Doodles in Northern California

• Location: Pioneer, California
• Website: Sugar Pine Doodles
• Email: Sugarpinedoodles@icloud.com

Sugar Pines Doodles in Amador County is primarily a doodle breeder; however, they also have a rescue doodle program. You’ll find different types of doodles at Sugar Pine Doodles, though they primarily work with Australian Labradoodles. That doesn’t mean you’re not going to find your perfect pet here. You may find yourself torn between all the different doodles available in different colors, sizes, and ages. And they’re located just a couple of hours from the Bay Area!

If you’re looking for a doodle, you’ll want to look at their adoption process. The puppies and dogs from this facility are a little more expensive than you’ll find compared to some other rescues, but they’re worth it. You also need to reach out to the facility if you’re looking for a rescue doodle rather than adopting one of their litters. One great feature about their rescue program is that they allow a one-month trial basis for your doodle rescue. This way, you can ensure your new doodle rescue is perfect for your family.

4. Dogs Without Borders in Southern California

• Address: Los Angeles, California
• Website: Dogs Without Borders

For those willing and able to work with a foster group specializing in just about any breed of dog, you’ll want to look at this organization. Dogs Without Borders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with all dog breeds and types, including doodle rescues. They rescue dogs from all over the globe, from Southern California to Mexico to Taiwan.

Dogs Without Borders generally have weekly adoption fairs and an online application process that lets you apply at any time you want. Additionally, you can volunteer if you want to get involved or if you’re looking to find that perfect pet to bring home to your family. Dogs Without Borders does not have a dedicated facility. Instead, they rely on their vast network of volunteers to foster and house the dogs.

Dogs Without Borders has helped over 6,000 dogs since it was founded in 2006, and it continues to do a great job finding loving homes for each dog that comes through the door. They always seek volunteers who want to work with the dogs, can staff the adoption events, or can financially support the organization. If you’re interested in fostering or adopting one of their dogs, you can fill out the application on their website. All you have to do is find one you want to bring home!

5. California Doodle Rescue

• Location: Southern California
• Website: California Doodle Rescue
• Contact: use the Contact Form on their website

Founded in February 2022, California Doodle Rescue is a newcomer on the doodle rescues in California scene. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission statement starts:

Our mission is to rescue, foster, and find safe and loving homes for poodles, doodles, and other poodle mixed breed dogs who are lost, abandoned, abused or homeless. This includes Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Aussiedoodles, Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, and many more.

Though they are less than a year old, California Doodle Rescue has been extremely active in the doodle rescue community, participating in their first public event in Huntington Beach in April 2022. They have already adopted out almost two dozen doodles. If you want to adopt a doodle rescue from California Doodle Rescue, fill out an application on their website, and they will match you to your perfect dog. Even if there isn’t a doodle available immediately, they will keep your application on file for 3 months.

You should know a few things before adopting from California Doodle Rescue. They only adopt out doodles that will become indoor pets; they do not adopt out doodles to people who want them to become service animals. You must come to pick up your doodle. They will not transport the dog for you or allow it to be transported via commercial service. Additionally, California Doodle Rescue will only adopt out doodles to individuals or families who previously owned a dog. Like other doodle rescues, if you cannot keep your doodle, you must return it to California Doodle Rescue.

What to Know About Doodle Rescues in California

Why do people even put a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, or other doodle up for adoption once they’ve taken it in? How do these dogs wind up in rescue shelters needing someone new to bring them into their family? Well, the truth is there are a lot of different considerations that some people don’t consider when getting a doodle. Owning a dog is a lot of work, and there’s a lot of information they may not have known before purchasing their doodle. Not everyone is prepared to own a doodle. Sometimes you get caught up in the cuteness of a fluffy puppy without fully understanding the work involved. Below are the main reasons why doodles are put for adoption and need to be rescued.

Why Doodles are Put Up for Adoption

1. They’re High Energy – Doodle dogs require a great deal of exercise to keep them calm. If they don’t get the right amount of exercise, they can be too rambunctious inside the home and even a little destructive. Doodles typically come from two types of working dog breeds, so they need at least 1 hour of daily exercise and mental stimulation. If pet parents aren’t prepared for this from the beginning, it can cause a bit of a struggle later on, resulting in a need for rehoming.
2. They’re Loud – Okay, all dogs can be loud. All dogs tend to bark. However, doodles tend to be loud during playtime or when they are separated from their owners for long periods. Doodles might be okay if you live out in the country or if you are accustomed to barking dogs. For some new dog owners (or those who live in apartments), all that barking can be too much, and they can be forced to surrender their doodle.
3. They’re Expensive – Doodles are expensive to adopt in the first place, but that’s not where the expense stops. In fact, they only get more expensive over time. That’s because these dogs require a lot of grooming due to their nonshedding and hypoallergenic coats. In addition, they require premium doodle food, shelter, and regular veterinarian visits. All of these things can add up to hundreds of dollars a month, which is more than some new pet owners expect. It may also be more than they’re willing to spend as well.
4. They may have a Bad Past – For people who run puppy mills or get into extensive breeding, doodles are only useful for a short time. After they get too far into adulthood and have been bred too many times, they’re not worth it to these types of owners. Thus, you’ll see doodles put up for adoption when they get too old to breed. That means some of these dogs looking for homes have experienced extremely difficult situations at the beginning of their lives.
5. Their Owners Are Gone – Sometimes, the reason doodles end up in a rescue is the saddest one. They no longer have an owner. When the owner passes away, these dogs may go to a new home with a family member or friend. Still, far too many of them don’t have anywhere to go and end up in a rescue or shelter. Owner death is one of the most common reasons a doodle can end up at an adoption or rescue organization.

Conclusion for Doodle Rescues in California

Throughout this article, we’ve looked at some of the best doodle rescues in California so you can choose the right place to find your next furry family member. These doodles typically aren’t puppies; some have come from tough situations, but they’re only looking for someone to love and care for them. You could be their new best friend and the best thing that’s ever happened to them. So take a little time to look for your next pet at one of these rescues.

FAQs about Doodle Rescue

How much does it cost to adopt a doodle?

Doodle adoption fees typically range from $150-500.

Can I rescue a Goldendoodle puppy?

It is nearly impossible to find Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Finding doodle puppy rescues of any type is hard because these dogs are so popular. Doodles 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 doodle’s owner has died. By this point, the doodle is usually an adult dog.