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Best Goldendoodle Rescue in Indiana (IN)

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04/18/2024 – Goldendoodles are wonderful family dogs that are in high demand. This makes it difficult to find one from a reputable breeder in Indiana, let alone a Goldendoodle rescue in need of a new home.

The best place to find a one to adopt, is at a rescue organization that specializes in re-homing Goldendoodles. Indiana does not have doodle specific local rescues, but there are a couple of national doodle rescues that operate in the state. These rescues use a network of volunteers to handle rescue, re-homing and adoption services in the state they live in.

You can also find Goldendoodles available for adoption at breed specific rescues. Many breed specific rescues will help dogs that are part of the breed they work with. When looking for a Goldendoodle you should look at Golden Retriever Rescues, and Poodle Rescues.

Join us as we take a look at the reasons Goldendoodles end up in shelters and rescues. What you need to know about life with a Goldendoodle. And the best places to look for a Goldendoodle rescue in Indiana.

In this post you will find:

  • Why Goldendoodles end up in rescues
  • Are you ready to share your life with a Goldendoodle Rescue
  • Tips on how to increase your chance of being selected by a rescue
  • Best Places to Look for a Goldendoodle in Indiana
  • How much does a Goldendoodle Rescue Cost in Indiana (IN)?
Goldendoodle Rescue: 5 Best Rescues in Indiana

Why do Goldendoodles end up in rescues?

Goldendoodles can find themselves looking for a new home for a number of reasons. None of which is the dog’s fault.

Here are 7 common reasons why a Goldendoodle ends up in a rescue:

  1. Owner becomes ill – Sometimes people are forced to give up their beloved pet when they become ill and can no longer care for them. In these cases, the owner is willing to do what they think is best for their pup. These types of rescue pups are generally well-trained and cared for, but they will have a transition period while they mourn the loss of their previous person.
  1. A pet parent dies – Just like with an owner getting sick, sometimes pets are released to rescue when their owner dies and no one else is willing to care for them. Again, these dogs will have a transition period to get through.
  1. High Energy Level – Some non-experienced people buy into the hype that Goldendoodles are low maintenance dogs. While that are great dogs, Goldendoodle puppies they have a lot of energy. This energy can last for 4 or more years.
  1. Not properly trained by owner – While wonderful pups Goldendoodles still need to be trained. It’s important to take your pup to training classes, especially if you are a first-time puppy parent. When dogs are not properly trained, they can be difficult to live with.
  1. Shedding – Goldendoodle are often billed as non-shedding, but some Goldendoodles can still shed, a lot.
  1. Allergies – Although Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic, some people with pet allergies can still be allergic to them.
  1. Released from a breeder – this is more common in areas with puppy mills.
White Goldendoodle

Are you ready to share your life with a Goldendoodle Rescue?

Before you adopt a Goldendoodle make sure to do your research. Goldendoodles are wonderful dogs, but they are not for everyone.

If possible, ask other Goldendoodle owners what it’s like to care for one before you adopt. Also scope out the cost of grooming a doodle in your area. It can be expensive.

Here is a quick overview of life with a Goldendoodle.

  • When you cross these two breeds you end up with a high energy, fun loving dog that is a family favorite. It’s important that you are able to give your Goldendoodle the exercise they need. This means supervised playtime in a fenced in yard and a couple of walks a day. Otherwise, they can become destructive.
  • Standard sized Goldendoodles can grow very big. A full-grown Goldendoodle can be larger than either of the parent breeds. If you are looking to adopt a standard Goldendoodle puppy make sure you have the room required for when they are grown.
  • A Goldendoodle requires regular coat maintenance.  This includes having professional haircuts every four to six weeks and daily brushing at home. Professional grooming can easily cost over $100 for a large sized doodle.
  • While the Goldendoodle is billed as a non-shedding dog, as I mentioned above they can still shed. Some more than others.
  • Goldendoodles can be hypoallergenic due to the fact that they will shed less, however a person with pet allergies can still be allergic to them.
Best Goldendoodle Rescue in Indiana (IN) -puppy chewing on bone

Need a name for your Goldendoodle? Check out our post with 275 Goldendoodle Names.

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

Infographic listing out 12 tips to help you get selected by a rescue organization
Goldendoodle on a walk

6 Best Places to Look for a Goldendoodle Rescue in Indiana (IN)

The first place does not have headquarters in Indiana, but use a network of local volunteers to help Goldendoodles in need in Indiana.

1. IDOG Rescue

IDOG Rescue is a national rescue organization that has a network of volunteers that rescue and foster Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and other doodle types throughout the USA.

Their volunteers have working relationships with local shelters that inform them when a Goldendoodle is surrendered or becomes available for adoption at the shelter. This allows the group to get the dogs out of the shelter environment and into a foster home quickly.

IDOG also works directly with individuals that are unable to keep their dogs and need help with re-home their Goldendoodle.

The best way to see available dogs at IDOG is to follow their Facebook page. They list available and upcoming dogs there as well as updates on adopted dogs.

Since they are a national organization they list all of their dogs that are available on the same page. To find a dog that is available in your area, look for “IN” after a dog’s name in the IDOG’s Facebook post.

Example: the Facebook post will state “Click here to learn more about Levi-IN:” indicating that Levi is in a foster home in Indiana.

Best Goldendoodle Rescue in Indiana (IN) - puppy looking at camera

Looking for a Goldendoodle at a Golden Retriever Rescue

Most breed specific rescues will work with mixed breeds dogs as long as the dog has some recognizable traits of the breed. This means Golden Retriever and Poodle rescues are a great place to look for a Goldendoodle.

2. Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education (GRRACE)

Founded in 1997 the Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education Organization (GRRACE) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit that is dedicated to Golden Retrievers in need.  They help all Golden Retrievers including mix breeds.  

GRRACE is staffed entirely by volunteers that care for and foster dogs in need throughout Indiana. GRRACE accepts Goldens surrendered by their owners who no longer want or can no longer care for their dogs. They also rescue Goldens that are abandoned at shelters or are picked up as strays.

You must be a resident of Indiana to adopt a dog from GRRACE and they charge an application fee.

In addition to rescue services, GRRACE gets the word out for fun dog-friendly events in Indiana that they attend.

3. Golden Retriever Rescue Resource (GRRR)

The Golden Retriever Rescue Resource is an all-volunteer non-profit golden retriever rescue, they rescue and re-home Golden Retrievers and Golden mix breeds.

Although, Golden Retriever Rescue Resource, GRRR, Inc. is located in Waterville, Ohio, they do allow adoptions to East Indiana residents, but you must be an in area where they can conduct a home visit.

Unlike many rescues, GRRR has a higher number of Golden puppies that come from various breeders in Ohio. They also offer re-homing services and work with shelters to help abandoned strays & unwanted Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixed dogs find forever homes.

4. As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois

As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue is another rescue that is located outside of Indiana. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is located north of Chicago in Illinois. But its service area includes Northwest Indiana.

This rescue is unique in that it offers a membership with benefits to people who want to support the As Good as Gold mission.

As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of Golden Retrievers and golden mixes who are in need.

In addition, As Good as Gold educates Golden Retriever guardians and the general public about the importance of spaying/neutering, positive training methods, diet and exercise, appropriate medical treatment and humane care.

You can find additional information including available dogs at their website.

Looking for a Goldendoodle at a Poodle Rescue near Indiana

5. Michigan Standard Poodle Rescues and Re-homes

Michigan Standard Poodle Rescue is dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of Standard Poodles, thought they will also take in and help a large doodle. Their service area includes Michigan and neighboring states.

While they do allow out of state adoptions you must be willing to travel to meet and pick up the dog from Michigan.

Because there are so many people looking to adopt a standard poodle or doodle, many of their dogs are placed without even making it to their website or Facebook page. Your best option for adopting from this rescue is to completely fill out the application before you see an available dog on their social media account. If you are approved and they have an available dog that fits your request, they will contact you with the information.

6. Petfinder.com

You may also be able to find a Goldendoodle Rescue at a shelter or general rescue in Indiana, but there will be few to choose from. Rather than spend hours sifting through these websites, I suggest you use Petfinder.com.

Petfinder.com allows you to sort by breed, including the Goldendoodle. You can even set up an alert to let you know when a new doodle in your area is listed.

How much does a Goldendoodle Rescue Cost in Indiana (IN)?

Because Goldendoodles are very popular is it common to pay higher adoption fees for them. Adoption costs can range between $300 and $800 to adopt a Goldendoodle in Indiana.

Rescue groups generally have the dog vet checked before re-homing which adds to the cost. Either way the adoption fees should be lower than the cost of a Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder.

We wish you the best of luck in finding your Goldendoodle Rescue