To many people, the image that comes to mind when thinking of Poodles is of dog shows and impressive hairdos. While it’s true that Poodles often compete in dog shows, that’s not all there is to them. After all, they were originally hunting dogs!
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Poodles are known for their superior intelligence and outstanding trainability. In fact, The Intelligence of Dogs, a 1994 book written by a canine psychologist, ranks Poodles as the second most intelligent dog breed!
Their intelligence and ease of training, added to their friendliness and fun-loving nature, make them a popular pick among pet lovers.
If you want to own a Poodle and save a dog’s life at the same time, you might want to consider adopting one. To make things easier for you, here are our top 10 picks for Poodle rescues.
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.
Top 10 Poodle Rescues to Find Poodles for Adoption
After extensive research, I came up with this list to help you choose a rescue where you can adopt a Poodle from. There are many Poodle rescues in the US, but here are some of the best ones, with a detailed description of each.
1. NorCal Poodle Rescue – California
The first on the list is NorCal Poodle Rescue, an all-volunteer organization formed in 1985. Since then, they have been rescuing and rehoming Poodles as well as Poodle mixes in Northern California.
NorCal Poodle Rescue ensures that each Poodle they save receives all the care and attention it needs. Before putting any Poodle up for adoption, they make sure that it has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and groomed.
They also provide extensive medical care, foster and train the poodles when necessary. Aside from that, with a return policy in place, they ensure that all Poodles find the perfect forever home that they need!
If you see a Poodle on their website that you want to adopt, all you need to do is complete their online adoption application, and a volunteer will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
However, if you don’t see a dog on their website that matches your needs, you’ll need to file an adoption interest form.
NorCal Poodle Rescue Information and Details:
Website: NorCal Poodle Rescue
Address: 10126 Alta Sierra Dr # 282 Grass Valley, CA 95949
Phone: 925-322-0223
2. IDOG Rescue – Texas
Next up on the list of top Poodle rescues is IDOG Rescue. Created in 2006, this non-profit organization has dedicated its time and efforts to rescuing, protecting, and rehoming Poodle mixes such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.
Although located in Houston, Texas, they have foster homes all over the United States. IDOG Rescue spares no effort in finding the best homes possible for their rescued dogs, so prepare for a thorough screening process if you plan to adopt from them.
Aside from the comprehensive adoption screening process, keep in mind that their adoption fee ranges from $100 to $750 depending on the particular Poodle mix.
To bring home a Doodle, there’s also an adoption contract that you need to sign, which requires the adopter to contact IDOG Rescue if they decide that they can no longer keep the dog.
IDOG Rescue doesn’t accept general applications, so you should first browse through the adoptable dogs to see if there’s one that you’d like to bring home with you.
IDOG Rescue Information and Details:
Website: IDOG Rescue
Address: 6711 Stella Link Road, Suite 344, Houston, TX 77005
Email: rescue@idogrescue.com
Social Media: Facebook
3. Doodle Dandy Rescue (DDR) – Texas
Doodle Dandy Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Poodle mixes all over Texas into the forever homes that they deserve. Although DDR is based in Dallas, they also serve areas within a 5-hour radius around Dallas Fortworth (DFW).
To make sure the rescued Poodles are ready for their new lives, DDR trains and provides veterinary care for all their rescues before bringing them to foster homes.
Once the Doodles have spent at least three weeks with their foster families and are deemed ready, they are made available for adoption.
DDR also considers foster applications for their rescued Poodles. If you aren’t quite ready to adopt a Poodle yet, you could try fostering one instead. The great thing about fostering is that you can eventually adopt your foster dog!
Dandy Doodle Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Dandy Doodle Rescue
Address: Dallas, Texas, 75243
Email: doodledandyrescue@gmail.com
4. Doodle Rescue Collective Inc. (DRC) – Rhode Island
Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. is operated by volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing and protecting Poodles and Poodle mixes such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Since it was founded in 2008, DRC has helped over 4,000 Doodles find and move into their forever homes.
As a volunteer rescue, DRC does not keep rescued Poodles in a shelter facility. Instead, they stay in foster homes throughout the United States until they are adopted.
To ensure the best for their rescued Poodles, DRC is also strict with their application process. They have many policies in place and requirements that you need to meet for your adoption application to be considered.
Aside from the legal and binding contract that you will need to sign, you will also have to pay an adoption fee ranging from $300-$1,000 depending on the dog’s age, health, and temperament.
Doodle Rescue Collective Inc. (DRC) Information and Details:
Website: Doodle Rescue Collective Inc.
Address: 77 Buttonwoods Avenue, Warwick, RI, 02886
Email: info@doodlerescuecollectiveinc.org
5. Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR) – South Carolina
Another Poodle rescue to take note of is Carolina Poodle Rescue, a no-kill non-profit rescue organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of Poodles, Poodle mixes, and other small breeds.
They ensure that all dogs adopted from them are spayed or neutered, as they believe it’s better to rescue and care for those in need of homes rather than breed more.
To adopt a dog from CPR, you’ll need to submit an adoption application. Once screened and approved, you and your entire household will need to visit Dreamweaver Farms, where most of their rescued dogs live.
On the day of your visit, you can adopt a dog that you feel will be the perfect fit for you.
However, make sure you’re willing to wait as they have a waiting list in place for those who want to adopt Poodles and other dogs from them.
Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR) Information and Details:
Website: Carolina Poodle Rescue
Address: Carolina Poodle Rescue 6705 Union Highway Pacolet, SC 29372
Email: info@carolinapoodlerescue.org
6. Arizona Poodle Rescue – Arizona
Founded in 2003, Arizona Poodle Rescue spent its first 13 years rescuing all three sizes of Poodles. Now, their focus has shifted to helping standard Poodles and Poodle mixes, although they still rescue Poodles of other sizes as well.
The volunteers of this non-profit organization do their best to provide what the rescued Poodles need until they can find forever homes for them. They spay or neuter dogs before adoption as well as provide veterinary care whenever needed.
As an all-volunteer group, Arizona Poodle Rescue has no shelter to keep rescued dogs in. Instead, all rescued Poodles are cared for in private foster homes in the Phoenix area until they’re adopted.
With their return policy in place, Arizona Poodle Rescue seeks the rescued Poodles’ best interests even after they’re adopted.
Arizona Poodle Rescue Information and Details:
Website: Arizona Poodle Rescue
Address: Arizona Poodle Rescue Maricopa, Arizona 85138
Email: aprvolunteers@gmail.com
7. Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc. (FPR) – Florida
FPR has rescued and found homes for over 10,000 Poodles since it was created in 1994. They provide everything their rescued Poodles could need – spaying, neutering, vaccinations, dental procedures, preventative medications, and microchips.
Their rescued Poodles stay in foster homes all over Florida where they are loved and cared for as they wait to be adopted into their forever homes.
Like other Poodle rescues, FPR also has requirements that you need to meet for your adoption application to be considered. To avoid wasting your time, make sure you’re living alone before considering this rescue as that’s the first requirement they set.
Aside from the adoption fee ranging from $150-$800 that must be paid at the time of adoption, FPR requires all adopters to be willing to spend $45-$100 every 5-8 weeks for the adopted Poodle’s grooming.
Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc. (FPR) Information and Details:
Website: Florida Poodle Rescue
Address: Florida Poodle Rescue P.O. Box 7336 St. Petersburg, Florida 33734
Phone: 727-265-1766
Email: info@floridapoodlerescue.org
8. Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) – Mid-Atlantic
MAPR is a group of volunteers from all over Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia who help each other and work together to rescue and find forever homes for Poodles and Poodle mixes in need of help.
Although associated with the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, MAPR is an independent rescue group.
Since the non-profit organization does not have a facility, the Poodles they rescue are placed in foster homes where they are cared for by volunteers until they can be adopted.
When volunteers from the group rescue Poodles, a veterinarian evaluates and makes sure the dog is as healthy as possible. All rescued dogs are tested for any disease and are spayed or neutered before they’re put up for adoption.
Similar to CPR, make sure you’re willing to wait as MAPR has a long waiting list where you’ll be added before you can adopt a rescued Poodle.
Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) Information and Details:
Website: Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR)
Address: Mid-Atlantic, United States
Phone: 410-963-0079
Email: cindy@midatlanticpoodlerescue.org
9. Poodle Rescue of New England (PRNE) – New England
PRNE is another non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and helping homeless Poodles get adopted into their forever homes. As its name suggests, PRNE provides its services throughout New England.
Poodle Rescue of New England is an all-volunteer organization that works with other rescue organizations, veterinarians, shelters, and volunteer families to rescue, care for, and ultimately rehome Poodles.
Before they put any of their rescued Poodles up for adoption, they make sure the dogs are spayed or neutered, tested for heartworm, made up-to-date on vaccines, and groomed.
To be considered and put on their waiting list, you will need to submit an application on their website. If you pass the screening process and are matched with a rescue Poodle, you will be contacted so you can meet up with the dog.
To adopt a rescued Poodle from PRNE, you will need to sign a legally binding contract and pay an adoption fee typically ranging from $300-$800.
Poodle Rescue of New England (PRNE) Information and Details:
Website: Poodle Rescue of New England (PRNE)
Address: Poodle Rescue of New England P.O. Box 441447 Somerville, MA, 02144-0012
Phone: 617-628-1425
Email: poodlerescue@poodlerescuene.org
10. Poodle Rescue of Houston (PRH) – Texas
Since it was founded in 1999, Poodle Rescue of Houston has dedicated its time to rescuing, rehabilitating, and helping distressed Poodles and Poodle mixes find their forever homes.
To make sure all rescued Poodles are healthy and well-cared for, PRH has a veterinary clinic equipped with a surgical suite on its grounds.
Before a dog is made available for adoption, PRH ensures that it was vet-approved for adoption, spayed or neutered, heartworm tested and treated if positive, parasite negative, up-to-date on vaccinations and preventative medicines, microchipped, bathed, and groomed.
Adoption fees at PRH are fairly smaller than other Poodle rescues mentioned above, as the maximum amount is $610. Adoption fees for senior or special needs dogs can be less than that or even be totally waived.
Poodle Rescue of Houston Information and Details:
Website: Poodle Rescue of Houston (PRH)
Address: Poodle Rescue of Houston 13302 Schroeder Rd. Houston, TX 77070
Email: prhadoptions@gmail.com
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the rescue options from our directory will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Poodle Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
If after going through the Poodle rescues I listed above, you still haven’t found the Poodle for you, here are some other dog rescues that you can check out. Who knows, the perfect dog might be waiting for you in one of these!
Adopt-a-Pet – As North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website, this organization helps over 21,000 animal shelters, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies list and advertise their rescued pets to millions of adopters who access their website every month, for free. If you plan to browse the Poodles on this website, you will have to register.
Petfinder – More than 11,000 adoption organizations, animal shelters, and pet agencies use this online database and list their rescued pets here. Make sure to thoroughly look at all the listings, as the Poodle you’re looking for might just be waiting for you here!
SaveaRescue – Another online directory, SaveaRescue is a non-profit organization that serves and supports more than 22,000 dog and cat rescues. With over 110,000 puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats to choose from, there’s sure to be a Poodle that’ll catch your eye!
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – If despite your best efforts you still haven’t found the right Poodle for you, you might want to look through animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area. Dogs are rescued every day, and one of the new rescues might just be the one you’re looking for!
Why Do People Put Poodles up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
Most of the time, Poodles end up in shelters, rescues, or abandoned on the streets, not because of something they did, but because their owners’ circumstances have changed. Some reasons include:
The owners are moving, and the new apartment’s landlord doesn’t allow dogs.
The owner’s health has deteriorated.
The owner passed away.
The owner has personal matters taking up too much of their time.
Poodles are highly energetic, and the owner may no longer be able to provide the exercise it needs.
Poodles are expensive, and the cost of their maintenance is no longer affordable.
RECOMMENDED: Male vs. Female Poodle: What You Need to Know
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Poodle?
Buying a Poodle puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $1,700-$5,000. In contrast, adopting a Poodle from a rescue shelter can cost as little as $50, but it can also cost more than $600. That’s a lot you can save which can instead go to your dog’s other expenses.
To give you an idea of what the adoption fee is for, refer to the table below:
Although you might think that the adoption fee you have to pay is expensive, in reality, it’s not enough to cover all of the treatments your Poodle needed.
Most of the time, the rescue shelter’s expenses are much bigger than the adoption fee they ask you to pay.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Poodle From a Rescue?
The short answer to this question would be yes. Because Poodles and Poodle mixes are popular among pet lovers looking to adopt, each Poodle up for adoption often receives adoption applications from 50 people.
Other than the small number of Poodles available for adoption, it also depends on how ready you are to adopt a Poodle as well as how strict the rescue shelter you’ve chosen to adopt from is.
Some organizations have a thorough adoption process that can take up to a month to finish, while others simply ask you to submit a form before they reach out to you through a phone call.
Also, because a lot of pet lovers want to adopt Poodles and Poodle mixes, the waiting lists for them in most rescue shelters are long.
5 Tips for Getting Approved By a Rescue to Adopt a Poodle
Do your research. Rescue shelters are more likely to approve you to adopt a Poodle if they see that you know a lot about them or are at least trying to. Show how ready and eager you are to adopt and care for a Poodle.
Be transparent. During the screening process, you will often be asked a lot of questions. Some might seem unimportant to you, but make sure to answer all questions truthfully. There’s a reason behind every question you’re asked.
Build a fence. Poodles are athletic and very active dogs. Most rescue shelters prefer to let a household with a sturdy fence adopt a Poodle over one that doesn’t.
Ask a lot of questions. Show the rescue staff that you’re sincere in wanting to take care of a Poodle by asking a lot of questions. Ask whether the Poodle has any health issues or special needs.
Visit the Poodle. If possible, make time to visit the Poodle you want to adopt. This is another way to show the rescue staff that you’re willing to make time for the dog and that you won’t neglect the Poodle once it’s in your home.
Final Thoughts: Which Poodle Rescue Is Right For You?
Deciding to adopt a Poodle instead of buying one from a breeder not only saves you money, but you also get to give a dog in need a family and a place to belong.
When choosing a Poodle rescue to adopt from, not everyone can get lucky on their first try. More often than not, you will need to apply to adopt a Poodle from different rescue organizations before you find the right one for you.
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In some shelters with long waiting lists, you can expect to wait for at least a month, while others can even take up to a year. But although the wait might be long, it’ll all be worth it once you bring home the Poodle that you’ve longed for.
The best thing you can do while you wait for the right Poodle is to make sure that you’re thoroughly ready to care for one.
Do some more research and learn what to expect when taking care of a Poodle. This way, you won’t have any trouble when your Poodle finally comes!
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