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Cockapoo Rescue: Best Places To Look By Region

03/13/2024 – It’s believed that the Cockapoo, (a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix breed) originated in the U.S. in the 1960’s.

However so far no one has come forward to claim themselves as the first to breed the pair.

What we do know is that their popularity began to grow after the doodle craze started in the 1980’s. 

By the time 2015 came about this adorable poodle cross breed was well known and loved. This makes finding a Cockapoo Rescue difficult.

It’s really not surprising that they are so highly sort after considering they are intelligence, agile, playful and make a great companion dog. 

Add to that the promise of being low-shedding and low dander making them attractive to people with allergies.  

It’s no wonder why they are hard to find, but we are here to help.  Join us as we look at the best places to look for a Cockapoo Rescue.

Alternatives to a Cockapoo

If you’re having a hard time finding a Cockapoo. you may want to check out these other small, low shed dog breeds: Mini Goldendoodle Rescue, Cavapoo Rescue, Malitpoo Rescue, Poodle Rescue and Shih Tzu Rescue.

Cockapoo Rescue: Best Places To Look By Region

7 Things You May Not Know About the Cockapoo. 

  1. They have many names – Here in the U.S. we traditionally call them Cockapoos, but they can also go by Cockerpoos, Cockapoodle or even Cock-a-poo.   
  1. Two types of Cocker Spaniels can be used in breeding. Typically an American Cocker Spaniel is used to breed the Cockerpoo here in the U.S. However an English Cocker Spaniel can also be used, but then they may be called a spoodle.  
  1. They were ranked the most popular dog in 7 large cities across the national by Rover.com. This is probably contributed to the Cockapoodle being good apartment dogs. Although they need daily exercise to keep them fit and happy they don’t take up much space. In fact they will be quite happy hanging out in your lap.
  1. Their size may vary – Depending on whether a toy poodle or mini poodle was used in breeding the Cockapoo’s size can greatly vary from between 9 and 18 inches in height and 12 and 24 pounds. Their size will also affect their energy levels.
  1. Many like agility training – Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to be hunting dogs and Poodles as hunter retrievers. Both breeds are intelligent and like to be active making agility training a perfect activity for them and a great way to bond with your pup.
  1. You probably already know that their name was created by mixing the names of the parent breeds. But did you know that the name Cocker Spaniel’s name came from a bird called the Woodcock that they were especially skilled at hunting?
  1. They have their own club – Unlike many of the doodle breeds the Cock-a-poo has the American Cockapoo Club where you can register your puppy and learn more about the breed.
Cockapoo Rescue: Best Places To Look By Region

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue

We choose our list of the best rescue groups to find a Cockerpoo by researching to see which ones actually had a Cockapoo available for adoption.

What we found was that most of the available Cockapoos were at rescues that primarily focused on the parent breeds. In this case they focused on either the Cocker Spaniel or Poodle.

Another place to look but didn’t have Cockapoos at the time of this writing are the few rescues that focus on all types of doodles.

Note: This list was created to help you find places where you can adopt a Cockapoo. All information about the rescue groups listed in this post comes from their websites and Facebook pages.

We do not verify the accuracy of the information. It is up to you to do your due diligence prior to doing business with them.

Cream colored Cockapoo - Canva

Cockapoo Rescue by Region

Since most rescue groups prefer local adopters over out of state ones, it’s best to find an adoption organization they is near you.

Here we have grouped the rescue organizations that we feel will have the best chance of having a Cockerpoo for you by region.

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the New England Region

The New England region includes; Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Poodle Rescue of New England

The Poodle Rescue of New England is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. They do not have a central office or a shelter facility. Instead dogs are kept in foster homes throughout New England.

Their service area includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and upstate NY within 1/2 hour of Albany.

Their primary focus is on all sized poodles but will also help poodle mixes find a home when the need arises. Before placement, all dogs are spayed or neutered, heartworm tested, vaccinated and groomed.

In order to meet one of their pups you must first complete an adoption application.

You can learn more about the Poodle Rescue of New England on their website and also on Facebook and Petfinder.com

Cock poo Running - Canva

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the Mid-Atlantic Region

The Mid-Atlantic region includes; New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc.

Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc. is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of Cocker Spaniels and Cocker Spaniel mixes.

Although at the time of writing they did not have a Cock-a-poo they have the potential to have them in the future.

Each of their dogs is spayed or neutered, is up to date with vaccinations, on heartworm, flea and tick preventative and have been vetted.

You can learn more about the Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue at their website and also on Facebook and Petfinder.com

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the Southern Region

The South region includes; Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue

Oldies but Goodies is a great name for this rescue since many of their dogs are seniors. But they are not all seniors; in fact some of their available pups are young adults. Not to mention that Cocker Spaniels and poodles can live long lives.

As an added bonus they had a Cock-a-poo available for adoption at the time of this writing.

They are located in Arlington Va. and work in the mid-Atlantic area helping to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Cocker Spaniels and mixes. Their primary service area includes Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

You can find more information on The Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue at their website and also on Facebook. Plus you can check out some of their adopted rescues on their Instagram page.

Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue

The Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue specializes in Poodles; Poodle mixes and other non-shedding hypoallergenic companion dogs. Located in Fairfax, Virginia their primary service area is Northern Virginia.

Like many of the other rescues on our list they use foster homes to house and evaluate dogs in their care before putting them up for adoption.

The Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue does not adopt to families with children under the age of 10 years old.

You can learn more about Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue at their website and also on Facebook.

For the Love of Poodles and Pooches Rescue

For the Love of Poodles & Pooches is a small, 501c3 dog rescue in Richmond, Va.  Although originally founded in 2013 in memory of the founder’s toy poodles, they rescue all types of dogs including poodles and poodle mixes.

Their belief is that they can make a difference in the world, one rescued dog at a time.

All dogs are vetted, brought up to date on vaccines and spay or neutered before adoption.  Before you can be considered for adoption your application must be completed and approved.

You can learn more about For the Love of Poodles & Pooches on their website and Facebook page

Carolina Poodle Rescue

The Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR) is a volunteer based 501(c) 3 non-profit.  They are dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of poodles, poodle mixes and other small dogs.

All dogs with the Carolina Poodle Rescue are housed at the Dreamweaver Farm located in the northern part of South Carolina.

Dogs adopted from the Carolina Poodle Rescue are spayed or neutered before being placed in their forever homes. The rescue also provides rehabilitation for dogs in need.

To become an adopter you must first read the bio on any dog you are interested in and than complete the application.   

They are located in South Carolina but allow out of state adoptions. However all adopters must come to meet the dogs and volunteers before final approval.  This includes all members of the household and other pets. 

You can learn more about Carolina Poodle Rescue on their website, Facebook and Instagram

Creole Poodle Club Rescue

The Creole Poodle Rescue is part of the Creole Poodle Club of New Orleans, Inc. which is a not for profit organization that was established in 1956.

As with many dog clubs they started out as a club whose members mainly breed and showed poodles, but as the need arose members began volunteering to help dogs in need.

They rescue poodles and poodle mixes from kill shelters and also take in owner surrenders.  Their service area is within 300 miles of New Orleans/Baton Rouge, La.

They do not have a website, but they do have a Facebook page and you can find their available pups on Petfinder.com.

You can email them at [email protected] to get an adoption application and find out more information about the process.

Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue

Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue (FCCR) is a non-profit organization located in SW Florida. They are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing Cocker Spaniels throughout the state of Florida and neighboring states.

Though based on their available dogs they will also help out cocker spaniel mixes. At this time of this writing they had at least one poodle mix.

All dogs are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines and rabies, heartworm tested, flea and heartworm treatment, and microchipped.

FCCR uses an easy to fill out online application. You can find it on their website.  They also maintain Facebook and Instagram accounts and are members of Petfinder.com

Florida Poodle Rescue

Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc. (FPR) is another rescue in Florida where you may find a Cockapoo. They are a non-profit 501(c) (3) that specializes in rescuing abused, abandoned and unwanted Poodles and Poodle mixes. 

They are headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL but work with volunteers to help poodles in need throughout the state of Florida.

Prior to adoption, all dogs are provided with professional veterinary care, including spay/neuter, as well as behavioral care and rehabilitation.

FPR does not have a facility, instead they use volunteer fosters to take care of the dogs while they wait for a forever home.  

It helps to complete the application process prior to finding a dog on their site.  All applications, including references checks, interviews, a home visit and approval must be done before you will be able to adopt a dog.

You can find Florida Poodle Rescue at their website, Facebook and Instagram.

Cockapoo Rescue - Dog lying on floor

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the Mid-West Region

The Mid-West region includes; Michigan, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Fluffy Butts Rescue Resort

So Fluffy Butts Rescue Resort is a not a breed specific rescue, but they do have a fair amount of poodles and poodle mixes. They even had a Cavapoo when we were looking for rescues to list in this post.

Fluffy Butts Rescue is located in Iowa City, IA and serves that area though they are open to out of state adopters as long as they are willing to come get the dogs themselves.

To start the process of adoption you need to fill out the online application.

You can find out more about Fluffy Butts Rescue Resort on their website and Facebook page

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the South-West Region

The South-West region includes; Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma

DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue

Dallas Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Like many of the other rescues on this list they are a volunteer based and use experienced foster homes to care for their dogs.

Many of the dogs they get in to their program have been abused. Therefore they are very careful to find the right person for the dog.

To get started you must first read the rules for consideration for adoption and then fill out an application and sign their contract. All of this can be found on their website.

You can find out more about DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue on their website, Petfinder.com and Facebook page

Doodle Rock Rescue

Doodle Rock Rescue specializes in all types of doodles or poodle mixes. Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area, their goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome all types of poodle mixes (doodles) in their service area.

Due to their home visit requirement they will only allow people who live within 350 miles of Dallas, TX to adopt dogs in their care.

The Doodle Rock Rescue also specializes in helping dogs in South Texas shelters. These shelters have some of the highest euthanasia rates in the nation.

You can learn more about Doodle Rock Rescue at their website and also on Facebook and Instagram

Doodle Dandy Rescue

Another doodle rescue that is located in Texas is Doodle Dandy Rescue. Doodle Dandy is a foster-based rescue, with volunteers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. This is a 100% volunteer rescue.

Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate & re-home all types of Doodle dogs in their service area. They only allow adoptions to people who live within a 5 hour drive of the main location outside of Dallas.

You can learn more about Doodle Dandy Rescue at their website, and also on Facebook, and Instagram.

Black coated Cockerpoo

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains region includes; Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada

Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue, Inc.

The Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue is located in Parker, CO. Their mission is to rescue abandoned, stray, endangered and neglected Cocker Spaniels and Cocker-mixes in Colorado and neighboring states.

Rescue Dogs come from a variety of places including shelters, owner surrenders, owner health issues or even owner death, legal seizures, or commercial breeders.

Dogs are kept in foster homes. While in foster dogs are pre-screened, micro-chipped, groomed (if needed), and given a thorough professional veterinary exam to identify any health concerns or potential issues

You can learn more about Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue on Facebook, Instagram and PetFinder.com

Black and White Cockerpoo

Where to Find a Cockapoo Rescue in the Pacific Coastal Region

The Pacific Coastal region includes; California, Oregon and Washington

Second Chance Cocker Rescue

Second Chance Cocker Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit in California corporation. They are an all-volunteer Cocker Spaniel rescue that also help Cocker mixes when needed.

All their dogs are checked by a vet, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and are current on their Rabies and Distemper/Parvo vaccines. They also offer sanctuary homes to the older or chronically ill dogs.

Dogs are kept in foster homes throughout California. They allow out-of-state adoption to the following locations: CA, AZ, ID, NV, MT, OR, WA, AK and West Coast Canada.

But potential adopters must travel to where the dog is to meet the dog before the adoption is final.

You can learn more about the Second Chance Cocker Rescue, Inc. at their website and also on Facebook and Instagram

NorCal Poodle Rescue

NorCal Poodle Rescue (NCPR) was founded in 1985 by a Standard Poodle breeder in Lafayette, California. Since that time NorCal claims to have grown into the third largest rescue for poodles in the United States.

Located in Northern California and manned by volunteers they serve the area by rescuing and rehoming poodles and poodle mixes in need.

Each dog that is available for adoption is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped and groomed before adoption. They provide extensive medical care, fostering, boarding and training if needed before placement.

Unlike many other rescues NCPR rents space in a kennel to house their dogs in addition to volunteer foster homes.

You can find NCPR on their website, Facebook and Instagram

More places to find a rescue doodle to adopt

Cockapoo Rescue Resources