5 Best Goldendoodle Rescues for Adoption in Minnesota (MN)

The ASPCA estimates that approximately 6.3 million animals enter a shelter in the US, including Goldendoodles. Despite being a designer dog, families may surrender their dog to the shelter for reasons that range from not expecting the dog’s physical needs, to changes in the family. Fortunately, there are rescues that specialize in rescuing and rehoming Doodles. 

There are plenty of adoptable dogs waiting in a rescue near you. Here are the top Goldendoodle rescues in Minnesota. 

Top 5 Goldendoodle Rescues in Minnesota

There are actually no Goldendoodle rescues exclusive to Minnesota, but fortunately, there are several excellent national and regional rescues to choose from. 

We did not include reputable Goldendoodle breeders on this list, only rescues. You can find reputable breeders here.

1. RAGOM.org

Their motto: “Retrieve a Golden in the Midwest.” 

RAGOM’s vision is to one day see all Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes find their forever homes. This rescue operates out of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin, offering adoptions and fostering opportunities. During the intake process, dogs surrendered to RAGOM must be purebred Golden Retrievers or known to have one parent who was a Golden. 

This volunteer-run organization takes great care in matching adoptable dogs and puppies to the right owner, so adoption eligibility is very strict. For example, families who have adopted another dog within the past six months or had a baby within the past six months are ineligible to adopt a Goldendoodle from RAGOM. 

Additionally, all dogs within the potential adoption household must be up to date on their vaccines. The potential family must also promise not to use abusive training methods or make the dog sleep outside the home at night. 

They are also a wealth of free online resources, covering everything from lost dogs to behaviors and training. Their health and wellness resources offer guidelines for good nutrition, allergies, and grooming tips. 

Adoption costs range from $175 to $600, depending on the age of the dog. Although RAGOM does not specialize in Goldendoodles, you can find Goldendoodles on their list of adoptable dogs or contact the volunteers for more information. 

2. International Doodle Owners Group (IDOG Rescue)

This non-profit foster-based rescue dedicates itself to protecting Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. With national reach, IDOG has been rescuing and rehoming Doodles since 2006. 

What makes IDOG unique is its work with shelters around the country to pull Doodles out as quickly as possible, regardless of coat type or color. Their goal is to get surrendered Doodles into a caring foster home quickly, and they can even intake dogs with medical or behavioral issues if they have a foster who can take care of their special needs. 

In addition to shelter rescue, the volunteers in this group can also work directly with an owner who needs to surrender their dog. Their rehoming service helps these owners find a new home that’s a better fit for the dog. 

The adoption process at IDOG starts with an online application on their website for a specific dog on their adoptable dog list. The organization’s comprehensive screening process and 10-page adoption application ensure that the dog’s new home is their forever home. Fees range from $100 – $750, and you can see available adoptable dogs both on their website and on Petfinder.com.

3. Midwest Animal Rescue & Services

Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is a foster-based rescue group operating in the Midwest, serving families in Minnesota. The group doesn’t specialize in Goldendoodles, but their lengthy pages of adoptable dogs are worth browsing all the adorable faces. 

Goldendoodles can be pretty easy to recognize from a photo, and MARS’ website features photos of most of their adoptable animals. They also have a user-friendly pet summary beside each profile mentioning the dog’s name, breed, gender, and description. 

Adoption begins with an online application that asks rigorous questions. Potential adopters MUST provide at least one reference who is not a family member as well as a list of all other pets in the home. They will also request your current vet so they can send the animal’s medical records. 

Depending on the type of dog, adoption fees can range from $200 – $600 to cover the animal’s processing fees. 

We like that Midwest Animal Rescue & Services also offers a unique “Sponsor a Pet” program. Donations range from $5.00 to $500.00, offering donors a chance to provide everything from a toy to a life-saving surgery to a homeless pet. 

4. Ruff Start Rescue

Ruff Start Rescue has been rescuing animals since 2010. They rescue cats, critters, and dogs of all kinds, including Goldendoodles. Their mission is to improve the welfare of animals by finding adoptive families and providing education and resources for both people and pets.

We like that Ruff Start Rescue is a community-driven organization that provides a variety of community resources and services. They are a 2021 top-rated Great Nonprofits organization.

Once you’ve identified a Goldendoodle you want, waiting times to process your adoption application are usually 1-3 business days. Then, they will schedule a meet and greet, a home visit, and a veterinary check.

The adoption fee usually ranges between $425 and $500. However, it differs per animal, so you will need to look at the animal’s specific profile page. Adoption fees cover the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccines, microchips, deworming, flea and tick preventative, and heartworm test.

5. Pet Haven

Pet Haven rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes all kinds of dogs and cats, including Goldendoodles. Their Spay/Neuter Initiative Program supports overpopulation. They also provide a safe haven for pet surrender, provide foster homes, and help with veterinary care.

Pet Haven has a network of volunteers, and In-home fostering helps learn more about a dog’s temperament and personality. Thus, you can know what type of Goldendoodle you’re getting before you decide to adopt. You’ll know if it’s housetrained or if it likes other pets and children.

The adoption fee depends on the dog you decide to adopt. Special needs seniors are $134, seniors are $236, special needs dogs are $235, adults are $430, and puppies (1-7 months) are $483. Your adoption fee will cover spaying or neutering, a microchip, vaccinations, as well as heartworm testing.

We like that Pet Haven has a 10-day grace period with a 100% refund if the dog doesn’t fit your family. They also link as a partner with The Canine Coach and Lucky Dog Pet Lodge for 10% off classes and doggy daycare. You also get discounted first-time vet exams with any VCA clinic.

Benefits of Rescuing and Adopting

Aside from a supply of never-ending love, cuddles, and adding your (secretly favorite) new family member to the family? There are many benefits to adopting rescues, but the top benefit is the knowledge that you’ve given an adoptable pet their forever home. 

Another benefit: rescues are also typically up-to-date on all of their shots as part of the intake and adoption process. Goldendoodles from rescues mostly go to foster homes, giving them time to recover from surrender. While in foster care, these dogs can be socialized and trained to address behavioral and health issues before adoption. 

Knowing that you and the pet are likely a perfect fit even before adoption papers are signed is also beneficial. The strict adoption and vetting process ensures that you have plenty of opportunities to meet the dog before committing to it for the next several years.

Things to Think About Before Deciding to Adopt a Goldendoodle

Adopting a Goldendoodle is a rewarding experience, but it’s critical to do your research before adding this generally sweet and even-tempered dog to your household. How much will your Goldendoodle shed in the house? What kind of lifespan and health issues can you expect? What type of training will they need? 

Fortunately, these dogs are famous for being excellent with children, affectionate with family, and relatively low-maintenance to groom. They are a healthy breed that enjoys long lifespans (up to 15 years old!) and are even known to be a good dog choice for allergy sufferers since they shed less than other breeds do. 

You should also know how big your Goldendoodle may get. They are medium-sized dogs weighing between 45 to 100 pounds. They are also a very energetic breed, needing about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Estimated Adoption Costs 

The cost of adoption will vary from rescue to rescue but can be as much as 90% LESS than buying a Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder. Price ranges for adoption fees range from $100 – $750, depending on the dog’s age and other factors. 

Beyond the adoption cost, rescues also require other expenses, including quality dog food, doggie daycare, training, leashes, dog treats, toys, and other dog supplies. Consider the total cost of owning a rescue before making a commitment. 

Tips to Help Get Your Application Approved

We selected Goldendoodle rescues serving Minnesota with a strict adoption process because we believe that these organizations are passionate about matching the right dog to the right family.

Most rescues explicitly state that the rescue dog must reside indoors and live as a member of the family. This point is especially important for Goldendoodles, who thrive in vibrant social environments. 

You can improve your chances of being selected to successfully adopt a Goldendoodle by following the rescue’s social media and signing up for email updates. Doing this will keep you up-to-date on all new adoptable dogs while delivering a healthy dose of cute to your social media feed. 

Ready to Find a Goldendoodle Near You?

A rescue dog is waiting to find their fur-ever home, but do your research with any potential rescue group before committing to the adoption. What is their adoption process like? Do they have any red flags? Is the establishment a registered non-profit? Speak to the volunteers – they are passionate people who want to help find the right home for their rescues.

You might also want to find puppies for adoption from breeders in other nearby places. Check our lists here:

• Illinois’ Best Goldendoodle Rescues
• Ohio’s Best Goldendoodle Rescues

Did we miss any of your favorite Goldendoodle rescues in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments! If you know a family looking for a Goldendoodle, please share this article to spread the word.