Top 5 Labradoodle Rescues in Illinois – Puppies for Adoption

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Adopting rescue puppies typically comes with more commitment and patience than just buying a new puppy, but it can also be a far more rewarding experience. Although Labradoodles are designer dogs, rushing to purchase from specialized breeders is not the only option. 

We found the most labradoodle rescues Illinois offers, so you can worry more about bonding with a puppy and less about where to begin your search. 

5 Best Labradoodle Rescues in Illinois

Chicago Canine Rescue

Rescue Details:

Location: 5272 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630

Phone: (773) 697-8848

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram

Pet Relief Fund: NA

Since 2001, Chicago Canine Rescue has been caring for puppies and finding each one a loving home. Over the years, they have homed over 7,000 dogs. Chicago Canine Rescue works hard to care for and put in the time to match dogs to owners.

Their rescue acquires dogs through other shelters and works tirelessly to find good and forever homes for their animals. Their mission is to find long-term homes for their dogs. Several temporary homes can be troubling for a dog, and Chicago Canine Rescue provides shelter, medical care, and food in the meantime.

They do require a fairly extensive application process. Before giving up, remember that reputable rescues need extensive applications. This application process ensures you are serious about adoption and prepared for the extra care that comes with a rescue puppy.

Chicago Canine also needs foster homes, so if you are interested in fostering a dog, reach out to them today!

Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue

Rescue Details:

Location: 23907 W Industrial Drive N. Plainfield, IL 60585

Phone: 815-254-3110

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter

Pet Relief Fund: NA

Wags 2 Wishes is an extraordinary animal rescue specializing in all animals specifically facing euthanasia. They have a foster program and a rescue facility, and they are confident their animals will shortly find forever homes. 

Filling out your application to adopt requires several details about you and your home. They want to ensure that your new best friend can be adequately cared for and exercised. Additionally, they want your veterinarian’s information because rescues can occasionally require a little extra TLC. 

This non-profit shelter has been in operation for a little under a decade. Wags 2 Wishes uses all adoption fees to maintain care for any animal that comes their way. Before adoption, they will ensure every dog has every necessary vaccination and deworming and are in optimum health.

Mama Zoey and Puppies Rescue

Rescue Details:

Location: Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL, 60446

Phone: 630-410-9571

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook

Pet Relief Fund: NA

Mama Zoey and Puppies Rescue have an adorable start as a rescue. They are affectionately named after a rescue dog who gave birth to a litter of puppies shortly after her rescue. This rescue aims to help dogs in ANY condition.

Mama Zoey does not want to shy away from special needs or medically desperate dogs because they truly believe all dogs deserve a good home.

The rescue is also committed to ensuring you find the best dog for your family. Their adoption process involves a meet and greet, including the whole family and other pets. By doing this, they can ensure all the family’s personalities will gel with the new family member. 

Once you find your new pup, they will ensure all vaccinations are up to date, and you will pay your adoption fees. Any fees go toward ensuring your dog can receive shots and the rescue can continue its essential work.

Whether you would like to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, you can find all the necessary information below.

Animal Rescue Foundation

Rescue Details:

Location: A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation P.O. Box 4423 Wheaton, Illinois 60189

Phone: (630) 200-3828

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter

Pet Relief Fund: NA

Animal Rescue Foundation in Illinois aims to prevent euthanasia in discarded animals. They provide necessary medical care for the pets and shelter them until they find a new forever home. Additionally, they utilize foster homes to help more animals. 

If you wish to adopt through a humane shelter emphasizing special attention to animals, ARF is the place for you. They save hundreds of animals from euthanasia and often care for animals that may have additional medical needs. 

They help to care for and reacclimate dogs and cats so that they can adjust to your home. ARF will review your application, set up visits, and assess your overall situation. 

Little Giants Dog Rescue

Rescue Details:

Location: Lombard, IL 60148

Phone: (630) 200-3828

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram

Pet Relief Fund: NA

Little Giants Rescue’s number one priority is to find homes for their dogs and pups. Yet, they are also passionate about educating society on overpopulation and animal health care. So supporting them is supporting a more significant issue.

Browse their website to see all available dogs for adoption. Part of this process helps them to determine what type of personality would be best for you or families with children. Expect varying adoption fees based on the adorable breed and age of your preferred new family member.

While only having been in operation for a few years, they are completely non-profit and fully licensed. Little Giants Dog Rescue wants to find all the pets that come to them a home that will be theirs for life. 

Whatever your interest, Little Giants Dog Rescue always welcomes inquiries.

What To Expect When Adopting

Before starting your adoption journey, you should know a few essential things. Often, animals entering shelters likely come from backgrounds where they experienced neglect. These poor dogs may have experienced some troubling times, whether homeless, abandoned, or lost. 

The most important aspect is allowing your new dog to become comfortable. You are often recommended to bring your dog home when you can be home for a few days. This method helps them learn about the home, bond with you, and feel secure and comfortable.

Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, dog bowls, leashes, puppy pads, carriers, and beds. These fundamental items are essential in helping your new best friend learn about the home and what they can expect. Truthfully, it also makes it easier on you if you have everything you need. 

It is sometimes the case that dogs that end up in shelters may have different needs, ranging from medical issues or disabilities to behavioral problems. Make sure you get plenty of information from the shelter to be prepared. Lastly, make sure you have an established veterinarian that you can call for veterinary care. 

3-3-3 Rule

Labradoodle Dog and woman outside on balcony

A fabulous rule comes with adopting—referred to as the 3-3-3 rule, and it means 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months. Because we know rescue dogs can take longer to adjust, paying attention to these times can be helpful to you. 

In the first 3 days, you may notice your new dog is perhaps skittish or overwhelmed. This behavior is normal, so be calm and patient with your new family member. New dogs may also be slow to eat or drink because they are unsure of this new environment and may not behave normally. 

Within 3 weeks, they may become more comfortable, which may lend itself to behavioral issues. Since they feel comfortable but are still unsure, they may still exhibit strange behaviors. These behaviors could be nervousness, barking, neediness, or using the bathroom in the house. 

Most shelters are happy to provide information and advice if this is happening. All of the shelters listed above all have educational resources, and you can call them or visit their websites to get education and training tips. 

At 3 months, your new pup should feel comfortable in the environment. By this time, they will likely have adopted a sense of safety and security. If things are progressing well, they are also probably in love with you and your family because you have established trust and a strong bond. 

Tips For Getting Approved

Are you feeling concerned or intimidated by the approval process? Don’t be! Here are some tips for a swift approval at the shelter so you can begin bonding with the new special labradoodle in your family:

  • Research the breed 
  • Bring the entire family to the shelter
  • Be truthful about your home situation and amenities
  • Demonstrate your knowledge
  • Offer a fenced-in yard or devise an exercise regimen
  • Be ready to answer basic questions

Costs of a Rescue

While breeder or designer dogs can cost you thousands of dollars, a labradoodle rescue likely won’t be an overwhelming financial burden. Generally speaking, labradoodle adoptions cost around $500 and includes many essential medical needs, such as:

  • Spaying
  • Neutering
  • The first round of pet supplies

However, the actual final costs depend on what shelter you adopt from and where you live.

You may also try to look for other rescue centers from nearby places. We have a list of reputable rescue centers from nearby states which you can try:

Consider Adopting

Did you enjoy reading our article on rescues and tips for adoption? If so, consider adopting! Animal rescue is a special task you can provide for a dog in need. Most people are apprehensive because rescues can require extra care and work. 

All dogs and puppies require work, but it is worth it! Reviewing our tips and suggestions will hopefully make you feel more confident about adopting a rescue. Refer to the 3-3-3 rule; it can assist you in being patient and addressing worries. 

We welcome your comments and invite you to share with anyone who may be interested in adopting a rescue!

Meet our writer

Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics.

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