7 Best Goldendoodle Rescues for Adoption in Arizona (AZ)

Buying Goldendoodle pups from breeders can be expensive, preventing rescued dogs from finding their forever home. That’s why it’s far better to find a local Goldendoodle rescue organization when looking to adopt.

Are you searching for the best Goldendoodle rescues for adoption in Arizona (AZ)? If so, use this guide to discover the top picks for Goldendoodle rescues in Arizona.

7 Best Goldendoodle Rescues in Arizona 

Arizona has one dedicated Goldendoodle rescue and adoption organization and one dedicated poodle rescue organization where you might find Goldendoodles that need a home. However, other dog rescues also take in Goldendoodles, so you’ll want to check in with them as well. 

1. Arizona Golden Rescue

Prospective pet parents looking for a rescue Goldendoodle have an excellent chance of finding one from the non-profit organization Arizona Golden Rescue. 

Arizona Golden Rescue provides a wide range of services. This rescue spays and neuters rescue dogs, equips them with microchips, and tests for common ailments. Adoptable pets are also vaccinated and provided with emotional support, ensuring they’re ready to find their forever family.

While the primary focus of Arizona Golden Rescue is to rescue purebred Golden Retrievers, they also take in surrendered Golden Retriever mixes, including Goldendoodles. In addition, passionate volunteers foster adoptable dogs, and local members help support the rescue.

Arizona Golden Rescue limits adoptions to members to ensure that all adoptable dogs find caring homes and capable owners. 

2. Arizona Poodle Rescue

Arizona Poodle Rescue is a non-profit organization that takes in Standard Poodles and Poodle mixes. They’ve been operating for almost two decades, and more than 4,000 pups have found forever homes thanks to their diligent efforts.

If you’re looking for an in-need Goldendoodle, there’s an excellent chance you’ll find one via this rescue organization. You can also find a variety of breeds related to purebred Poodles.

All dogs surrendered to Arizona Poodle Rescue immediately enter volunteer foster homes. This practice ensures that pups receive personal care and are properly socialized. 

Arizona Poodle Rescue neuters and spays all adoptable dogs. Additionally, pups receive regular medical care to ensure they’re healthy and fit for adoption.

3. Rescue A Golden of Arizona

Since 1998, this non-profit rescue organization has taken in purebred and mixed breed Golden Retrievers, providing temporary care and housing until trustworthy pet parents choose to adopt. 

Notably, Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAGofAZ) accepts surrendered pups from around the world, though their focus is primarily dogs within Arizona. With the help of members, volunteers, and local veterinarians, this organization has saved the lives of more than 3,000 dogs. 

RAGofAZ spays and neuters dogs before placing them up for adoption. Pups in poor health are not available for adoption until they’ve recovered from their illness. 

4. Underdog Rescue in Arizona

Underdog Rescue of AZ is based in Phoenix and serves the East Valley cities, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. They rescue and rehabilitate dogs from a variety of sources, taking in dogs regardless of a life chapter, size, or breed.

The organization has a requirement of a two-week foster trial period to make sure that the dog fits in well with your family. You won’t sign the adoption contract or pay the adoption fee until the end of the trial period. 

Keep in mind that the organization does not allow adoptions for dogs that will become outdoor dogs. They usually only put low-energy, senior, or health-issue dogs with families who live in apartments and condos.

Check out their list of adoptable dogs to see if they have a Goldendoodle available that will fit well with the members of your family, your home environment, and your lifestyle.

5. Friends for Life Animal Rescue

If you’re looking for a golden doodle from a no-kill rescue organization for the Phoenix metro area, consider Friends for Life Animal Rescue.

Friends for Life has a limited intake, so you’ll need to check their list of available dogs to see if they have a Goldendoodle available. They add new animals to the site every Saturday, so checking their site and FaceBook page weekly may eventually pay off. 

When you do find a Goldendoodle you want to adopt, you’ll need to complete their application form and talk with one of their adoption consultants to ensure the dog matches your family and lifestyle. If it seems like a fit, you can meet the pet. 

Puppies start at $395, adult dogs start at $350, and most seniors are $195 or less. Your dog will come neutered or spayed, licensed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

6. Ghost Town Dog Rescue Arizona

Ghost Town Dog Rescue takes in all types of dogs from around the US and places them in loving foster homes until they can find a forever home. Take a look at their adoptable dogs to see if they have a Goldendoodle available. 

They don’t always keep their website updated with adoptable dogs, so it’s also worthwhile to follow their FaceBook page, look at their Facebook photos, or visit their adoption events (usually at Dr. Kelly’s vet in Mesa). 

To adopt with Ghost Town, you have to be at least 21, have the consent of your landlord, and promise to provide proper care for your dog. The organization also requires an adoption fee to adopt. 

7. Better Days Dog Rescue Arizona

Better Days Dog Rescue doesn’t have its own shelter. Instead, it utilizes foster homes and private boarding. They only adopt dogs out to homes in the Phoenix metro area with children no younger than eight.

If you find a Goldendoodle that you’d like to meet, be sure to read its profile to ensure that it’s a good fit for your family. Then, complete an application for the dog.

Better Days will contact you for a home visit to make sure you meet their strict backyard and fencing requirements. Then, you will foster the dog for a couple of weeks (or months for a puppy) before adopting to ensure the dog is right for your family. Puppy adoption also requires enrollment in puppy classes.

The cost to rescue a dog through Better Days is $400.

Benefits of Adopting Rescued Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are the hybrid offspring of Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Because they come from purebred dogs, each puppy can cost several thousands of dollars when purchased from a breeder. 

But purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder is far less rewarding than adopting one from a rescue organization. With the rise of puppy mills, there are often Goldendoodles available to adopt rather than buy. When you adopt a rescued Goldendoodle, you’re:

• Giving a dog a permanent home
• Paying less to adopt
• Choosing a happier life

Let’s take a moment to explore these benefits in more detail.

Giving a Dog a Permanent Home

The chance to give a dog a forever home and a new lease on life is one of the most significant advantages of adopting from a rescue. 

According to the ASPCA, pet parents surrender more than 3 million dogs to animal shelters each year. Sadly, dogs that remain unadopted for several days or weeks are often euthanized.

Rescues are a crucial part of keeping dogs out of shelters. Consequently, choosing to adopt from a rescue saves lives.

Paying Less to Adopt

As we mentioned previously, Goldendoodle pups can cost several thousand dollars when purchased from a private breeder. Unfortunately, many pet parents may not be able to afford this steep price, limiting the number of loving caretakers capable of adopting this hybrid breed.

But pet parents that adopt a Goldendoodle from a rescue typically pay a tiny fraction of the breeder price.

The bottom line: If you’ve been wanting to adopt a Goldendoodle without spending several thousand dollars, adopting from a rescue could be an excellent choice.  

Choosing a Happier Life

Adopted rescue dogs have the opportunity to live an amazing life with their new owners. But pups aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a happier and more fulfilling life after adoption.

Several studies have shown that adopting a dog can decrease feelings of loneliness and stress. Becoming a proud dog owner can also help you enjoy more exercise, thus reducing your risk of developing specific health problems, including heart disease.

Having a loyal dog by your side might even help you think more clearly and efficiently! So, when you choose to adopt a Goldendoodle from a rescue, you’re potentially saving two lives: The pup’s and your own.

Factors to Consider Before Adopting

There are a handful of factors you’ll want to consider before you contact a rescue organization and apply to adopt a Goldendoodle. For example, if you’ve never owned a Goldendoodle, you’ll want to spend some time researching this hybrid breed.

Some of the most significant factors to consider before adopting include:

• Breed variety
• Personality and needs
• Previous pet owners

Let’s briefly review these factors and discover why they are essential for a smooth adoption process.

Breed Variety

Goldendoodles aren’t a registered breed, and as such, they can come in various sizes, colors, and temperaments. For example, Goldendoodles bred from toy-type breeds like toy Poodles tend to be much smaller than those born from standard Poodles.

Fur color is also something to consider before adopting a Goldendoodle from a rescue. After all, while Golden Retrievers are well-known for having lustrous gold-blonde coats, Poodles can have white, cream, brown, black, or even red coats!

When adopting from a rescue, you won’t have your pick of coat color or size.

Personality and Needs

Every dog is unique, regardless of breed. That said, many breeds have specific personality traits, grooming needs, and energy levels.

Poodles are typically very active and intelligent. Their gorgeous curly coats require daily brushing. Golden Retrievers are also active dogs that enjoy playing outdoors. Their coats don’t need quite as much daily grooming, but they do shed their double coats throughout the year.

Because Goldendoodles are the hybrid of these two breeds, they tend to exhibit many of these qualities. For example, Goldendoodles tend to shed, and they love going on daily walks!

Previous Owners

Does your chosen rescue provide information about each dog’s previous owners? Remember, a pup’s past can influence its current behaviors.

Dogs raised in abusive or neglectful environments may exhibit unexpected responses to stimuli, such as growling, urinating, or hiding. While many of these behaviors can be re-trained with time and effort, not all pet parents have the means to rehabilitate their new pup. 

That’s why pet parents must know what to expect when adopting a new dog. Naturally, a history of abusive ownership doesn’t preclude a Goldendoodle from adoption. But pups naturally untrusting will need patient pet parents who understand their unique needs.

So, before you adopt from a rescue, be sure to inquire about your dog’s history and previous owners. Doing so can reduce surprises and help you prepare to bring your dog home.

And remember, reputable rescue organizations are always willing to share details about their adoptable dogs. 

Final Thoughts

Finding a Goldendoodle in need of a forever home may be easier than you think, especially with the help of these fantastic rescue organizations. 

Remember, choosing to adopt a rescue pup (instead of buying from a breeder) helps reduce the number of in-need animals in your community. If you have any questions about adopting from these rescues, be sure to reach out to them today for more information.

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