Maltipoo Rescue: 11 Best Places to Look For One

Updated 04/19/2024 – Are looking for a Maltipoo Rescue and need some help getting started? Well, you are not alone. The Maltipoo was made popular by A listers like; Blake Lively, Rihanna and Ashley Tisdale. Even though they have been around for at least the last 20 years.

What makes these adorable dogs so in demand is their small size, friendly nature and their low-shed coats. These traits make them easy to travel with and the perfect choice for people who are on the go like our A listers.

But finding one is hard. That is why we created this list to help you find your next rescue pup.

In this post you will find:

• What is a Maltipoo?
• Where to find a Maltipoo Rescue?
• Tips on how to increase your chance of being selected by a rescue
• Maltipoo Rescue Organizations
• Where not to look for a Maltipoo Rescue

What is a Maltipoo?

The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. It’s a small dog that comes in three sizes, Teacup, Toy or Mini, depending on the type of poodle used in breeding.

Unlike some of the other small doodle breeds like the mini Goldendoodle, both the Maltese and the poodle are considered to be non-shedding and hypoallergenic. This means that Maltipoo is also a hypoallergenic, non-shedding breed.

Looking for a small dog but not sure which one? Check out our post on Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu Comparison: 8 Key Differences

Where to find a Maltipoo Rescue?

The best places to look for a Maltipoo in need of a home is at breed specific rescue that focuses on the Maltese, small poodles or doodle types dogs. Not all Maltese Rescue groups will help mix breed dogs, therefore we have only listed rescues that state they serves Maltese mix pups.

Alternatives to a Maltipoo

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

Not sure if you want to get a Maltipoo? Here are 13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get A Maltipoo Puppy.

How To Increase Your Chance Of Being Selected For A Rescue Dog

Maltipoo Rescue Organizations

1. Metropolitan Maltese Rescue

First on our list is the Metropolitan Maltese Rescue also known as the Metro Malts. This is an all-volunteer non-profit organization. Metropolitan Maltese Rescue was founded in 1998 by a group of Maltese dog lovers in New York City.

The Metro Malts uses volunteers to foster and place Maltese and Maltese mixes that are found as strays, surrendered by their owners, or rescued from shelters.

They also have a permanent foster home program that cares for Maltese and Maltese mixes that are unadoptable due to health or behavioral issues.

All fosters and adopters are carefully screened through their adoption process that includes an extensive online application. To see some of their past adoptees check out their Facebook page.

Location: New York City

Service Area: New York City and the tri-state area including the NY, NJ, and CT suburbs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetropolitanMalteseRescue

2. Lil Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws

Next on our list is the Lil Paws Maltese Rescue. They specialize in the rescue, rehabilitation, and careful rehoming of neglected and homeless Maltese, Maltese mixes and other small dogs. 

They are a 501c3 non-profit rescue group run entirely by a small group of volunteers who foster and care for the dogs until they are adopted.

Lil’ Paws also provides for any needed medical care and spays/neuters every dog they take in.

Lil’ Paws holds monthly meet and greet events to help facilitate adoptions. You can find additional information on their website about the times and location of the meet and greet.

Lil Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws has an extensive screening process that includes an:

• Age requirement
• Application
• Phone interview
• Personal and veterinary reference checks, and
• A visit a home visit
• Adoption fee

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Once you are approved, Lil Paws has a one week trial adoption to see if you and the dog are a good fit. Location: Austin

Service Area: Austin Metro Area

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilPawsAustin/

3. Maltese & More Rescue

Another Maltese rescue to look at is the Maltese & More Rescue. Founded in 2015 the Maltese & More Rescue is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing small dog breeds including the Maltese and Maltipoo. All volunteers and dogs are located within Southern California.

Maltese & More Rescue has a small group of volunteers that work as a group, and in conjunction with other animal rescue groups as well as the Department of Animal Services, to rehabilitate, medically treat, spay/neuter, foster, and place each dog they rescue into loving, quality forever homes.

Maltese & More Rescue screening process includes an:

• Online application
• References
• Home safety check
• Adoption fee

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: Southern California

Service Area: Southern California

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malteseandmorerescue

4. Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue

The Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is dedicated to rescuing and caring for Maltese and other small breeds who are either rescued from shelters, found as strays, or need to be rehomed.

Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue screening process includes an:

• Online application
• Personal references
• Vet references
• Home visit
• Adoption fee

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCMRescue

5. Maltese Rescue California

The Maltese Rescue in California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is run by a dedicated staff of volunteers. These volunteers work to ensure unwanted, homeless Maltese, Maltese mixes and other small breed dogs are placed in permanent homes. 

Dogs come to the rescue in various ways including from animal shelters, animal control agencies, owner surrenders, other rescue groups, and veterinarians.

Maltese Rescue California screening process includes an:

• Online application
• Phone interview
• Meet and greet
• Home visit
• Adoption fee

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

In addition to rescue and re-homing services, Maltese Rescue California also provides education about the Maltese. Such topics include breed characteristics, responsible dog ownership, training and humane care of a Maltese.

Location: Escondido, CA

Service Area: California

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalteseRescueCalifornia

6. RetroDoggy Rescue

RetroDoggy Rescue (used to be known as PetRealtorz) is actually three rescue groups that are run by the same person. This person also happens to be a realtor, hence the old name.

The three organizations are Retro Doggy Rescue, Michigan Yorkshire Terrier Rescue and the Michigan Maltese Rescue. Together they help abandoned and lost dogs find forever homes.

Retro Doggy Rescue adoption process includes an:

• Application – you need to email them for the application
• Adoption fee,
• A home check, and
• Veterinarian references.

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: Commerce, MI

Service Area: Michigan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrodoggy.rescue

7. Carolina Poodle Rescue

Carolina Poodle Rescue is a nonprofit rescue organization that is dedicated to helping Poodles, and Poodle mixes, but that is not all that they help. They have a wide range of dogs in need of homes.

While they have volunteers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, Texas, and Georgia, dogs waiting for a new home reside at the Dreamweaver Farm in South Carolina.

Carolina Poodle Rescue adoption process:

• First read the bios on the available dogs
• Then complete the application
• You must be willing to come to the farm to meet the dog and volunteers for final approval

Location: South Carolina

Service Area: South Carolina and surrounding areas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaPoodleRescue/

8. Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue

Founded in 2013, the Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue’s mission is to rescue companion dogs, especially seniors, at risk for euthanasia from overcrowded shelters.

Their primary focus is on Poodles, Poodle mixes, Bichons, Maltese, Shih Tzu and other non-shedding hypoallergenic companion dogs.

All of their dogs are temporarily housed in private foster homes throughout the Northern Virginia area until they are ready for adoption and placed with a permanent family.

Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue adoption process includes an:

• Fill out an online application for every dog you are interested in.
• They do not allow adoptions to families with children under the age of 10 years old

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Service Area: Northern Virginia, but do allow out of state adoptions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Somerset-Cottage-Poodle-Rescue-1491250814492694

9. Florida Poodle Rescue

Florida Poodle Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit rescue specializing in the rehoming of Poodles and Doodles. While their mailing address is in St Petersburg, Fl, they maintain foster homes throughout the state of Florida.

Florida Poodle Rescue adoption process includes:

• An online application
• Interview
• Reference checks
• Home visits
• Adoption contract and fess

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: St Petersburg

Service Area: Florida

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaPoodleRescue

10. Doodle Rock Rescue

Doodle Rock Rescue (DRR) is a nonprofit rescue that was started in 2017. They specialize in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming all types of doodles in need. Their main focus is on rescuing doodles in the South Texas shelters which have high euthanasia rates. But they will accept dogs from all over the United States.

Doodle Rock Rescue adoption information:

• You must live within 350 miles of Dallas, TX to be eligible to adopt from Doodle Rescue.
• First step is to complete the online application.
• Requires home visit

For up-to-date information on their adoption process please visit their site directly.

Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area

Adoption Area: 350 miles of Dallas, TX.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoodleRockRescue

11. Doodle Dandy Rescue

Doodle Dandy Rescue (DDR) is a nonprofit volunteer based organization that specializes in all types of doodles. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome doodles in crisis.

While based in Dallas County, they work with shelters across Texas. Many of which are high kill shelters. However, you must live within a 5 hour drive of the main location outside of Dallas to be considered.

They have over 500 active volunteers that monitor shelter admissions. Once a doodle is found, the volunteers work to secure the release of the doodle and provide temporary care for the dog until they can be placed in a foster home.

Dogs in foster care receive medical assessment, treatment, and grooming as needed. Behavioral training is also provided as they transition to new homes.

Location: Dallas

Service Area: San Antonio, Houston, Austin and the DFW area.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doodledandyrescue

Where not to look for a Maltipoo Rescue

Be careful of advertisements and websites that say they have Maltipoos for adoption. Often these places are online puppy brokers that are looking to sell you a puppy rather than a true adoption group.

These places will have a lot of doodles available with high adoption prices.

Always check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints and Guide Star to see if they are a true 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Tell us about your Maltipoo Rescue successes