Rescue A Cavapoo: When, Where, and How

Cavapoo rescues are a great place to find your new best friend. By adopting one of these playful pets, you save their life. Plus, rescuing a cavapoo is more affordable than purchasing one from a breeder.

Cavapoo rescues also tend to take care of pre-adoption needs like spaying, neutering, microchipping, and sometimes even behavioral training!

Rescuing A Cavapoo 

Finding a rescued cavapoo can take a little time, but the process is straightforward. You can rescue a cavapoo from rescue organizations that specialize in finding homes for poodles or King Charles cavaliers. It’s also possible to find cavapoos in your local animal shelter.

Typically, you can browse available cavapoos from reputable rescue groups online, which makes the process simple. Still, it helps to know which rescue groups are the most reputable.

The Top 7 Cavapoo Rescue Organizations

Below we discuss the top cavapoo rescues in the United States. Some focus on specific geographical areas, while others are nationwide.

1. Mid Atlantic Poodle Rescue

The Mid Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) isn’t a physical facility; it’s a network of people in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The rescue saves poodles and poodle mixes whose owners give them up and also saves pups from shelters that practice euthanization.

The group places dogs they rescue in foster homes then shares their biographies online. So, if you’re in the Mid Atlantic area, it’s worth checking out their website.

To adopt a cavapoo from MAPR, you’ll need to fill out an application and meet any specifications for the dog you pick. Sometimes dogs will require a fenced yard or quiet home environment depending on their past living situations.

2. Florida Poodle Rescue

The Florida Poodle Rescue was established in 1994. Since then, they’ve rescued more than 10,000 poodles and poodle mixes, including cavapoos.

This rescue organization has stringent requirements for adoption, including a home visit. They want to ensure that every dog they place goes home to a loving and safe environment.

Like the Mid Atlantic Poodle Rescue, Florida Poodle Rescue places rescued dogs in foster homes and then shares their bios online so you can easily browse the available pups.

If they don’t have a cavapoo that you’re interested in, you can still fill out an application. If one comes to Florida Poodle Rescue in the future, a volunteer will call to let you know.

3. Doodle Rock Rescue Texas

Doodle Rock Rescue in Texas goes above and beyond what most animal rescues provide. Poodle and poodle mix that they rescue receive vet care, spay and neutering, vaccines, microchipping, and behavioral training.

Founded in 2017, Doodle Rock Rescue has saved over 1000 pups, but they won’t send these precious pets home with just anyone. You’ll need to submit an application and pass a home visit before you’re eligible to adopt.

Unfortunately, they don’t keep applications on file. So, you’ll have to fill out a new one each time you’re interested in adopting an available dog.

4. IDOG Rescue

IDOG is a non-profit dog rescue that focuses on Labradoodles and Goldendoodles but also has other poodle mixes like cavapoos. They’re a foster-based group that finds homes for pets throughout the U.S., and they’ve been at it since 2006.

To adopt a pet through IDOG, you’ll need to meet a few requirements. You’ll have to submit an application and references. There will also be a home visit and a phone interview.

Though IDOG is national, they try not to ship or transport dogs too far. So, they prefer you choose to adopt a dog in your local area or from a region you’re willing to drive to.

5. Norcal Poodle Rescue

Norcal Poodle Rescue is the third largest rescue for poodles and poodle mixes in the United States. It focuses on rescuing dogs in Northern California, from Fresno to the Oregon border.

You can search their available dogs online for cavapoos. If you find one, you can submit an application. From there, a volunteer will be in touch to discuss the adoption process.

Norcal Poodle Rescue does have relatively steep adoption fees, but that’s because they provide top-notch care, including spay and neutering, vaccines, medical treatments, and training.

6. Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue

Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue finds homes for cavaliers and cavalier mixes in the United States and Canada, including the occasional cavapoo. They focus on rescuing dogs that are older or have special needs. They also put an emphasis on rescuing puppies from breeding mills.

Lucky Star requires potential adopters to fill out an online application. They may also ask for vet references, and you’ll have to complete a home visit. They try to place their dogs near their foster homes but will make exceptions if the adopting family is willing to drive a greater distance.

7. ASPCA

The ASPCA is a national organization that rescues dogs, cats, and horses of all types. Every once in a while, you’ll even find a cavapoo!

The ASPCA puts up dogs for adoption in Los Angeles and New York. They also have connections with local shelters across the U.S. so you can browse dogs up for adoption in your local area.

Even better, the ASPCA website offers excellent search tools. So, you can seek out a cavapoo specifically. You can also search for only male or female rescues, and you can sort the dogs by age, making it easy to find your perfect match.

Things To Consider Before Rescuing A Cavapoo 

Rescuing a cavapoo is a great way to save a life and gain a new best friend, but it’s not for everyone.

Rescuing a dog comes with a lot of responsibility, and there are things you need to understand about this breed specifically before you decide to adopt.

Rescue Dogs Can Be A Challenge

Sometimes people view rescue dogs negatively. They assume that all rescue dogs are broken in some way, but that’s not true.

Rescue dogs can come from happy homes, and many rescues are young puppies. Families and owners give up their pets for various reasons, and sometimes it’s due to a tragic circumstance rather than neglect or abuse.

That said, even the most well-behaved pup can have trouble living in a shelter. Behavioral issues like barking, chewing, jumping, or inappropriate urination often develop while a dog is waiting for adoption.

It’s also true that some dogs do have to deal with neglect, abuse, or trauma before a rescue organization finds them. That means almost every rescued animal carries some emotional baggage with them.

A Little Patience Goes A Long Ways

Usually, a little patience and compassion are enough to get past any issues a rescue dog has. By remembering your new pet is scared and traumatized, you’ll be able to give them the love they need.

However, doing so takes time, and behavioral issues won’t correct themselves overnight. If you don’t have the space in your schedule to devote to training a rescued cavapoo, it’s better that you choose not to rescue one at all.

Rescuing A Dog With Young Children Isn’t Ideal

It’s also important to note that rescue dogs may have trouble with children, especially little ones. Some cavapoo rescues won’t allow families with young children to adopt at all.

That’s because the trauma of living in a shelter can cause a dog to be unpredictable. You shouldn’t trust a rescue pup around young children alone until they’ve had time to adjust to their new home.

In the case of cavapoos, specifically, a small child could cause the dog accidental harm. Many cavapoos are on the smaller side, at around 12 lbs, and if a child falls on them or trips over them, the dog could get injured.

Small children can also come off as threatening to smaller pooches like cavapoos. That can lead your new rescue to act defensively. They might growl, bark, or even bite in such situations.

Adopting a rescued cavapoo comes with a few caveats, but this happy breed is almost sure to steal your heart. After a brief transition period, you’ll probably find that your new canine pal starts to mind your commands and does well around other pets and humans.

What To Expect With A Cavapoo Rescue 

Before taking on a cavapoo rescue, it’s vital to understand the breed. Cavapoos are intelligent, outgoing, and playful companion pets. They usually do well with families and can thrive in smaller spaces. Of course, as noted above, be careful with small children and any rescue pup.

In terms of activity, cavapoos don’t require too much. A daily walk and some indoor playtime are enough to keep them satisfied. That means they’re a great breed to adopt if you live in an apartment or smaller home.

Don’t expect them to be guard dogs, though. Even as rescues, cavapoos tend to be incredibly friendly. Whether it’s your best friend or an intruder at the door, your cavapoo will probably give them a lick and a wag. They’re hardly intimidating!

Why A Rescue Cavapoo May Still Trigger Your Allergies 

Many choose to rescue cavapoos or poodle mixes because they’re supposedly hypoallergenic, but that’s a bit of a misnomer.

The theory is that poodles have hair rather than fur and therefore don’t shed. So, if you find a poodle mix that’s bred to have a poodle coat, you can prevent allergens in your home.

However, allergens come from pet dander, not their hair or fur. So, no dog can be truly hypoallergenic. It is true, though, that a non-shedding dog is less likely to trigger severe allergies. That’s because the dander isn’t shedding with their fur onto the carpet or furniture.

Still, even if your new cavapoo doesn’t shed, it may cause your eyes to water and your nose to run. If you’re very sensitive to pet danders, a non-shedding dog can still trigger allergies.

Beyond that, not all cavapoos inherit the poodle coat fully. They may inherit their coat and coloring from their cavalier side. In that case, they’ll likely shed a bit and will almost certainly trigger sinus problems.

It’s important to be aware of this before you adopt a cavapoo. If you have severe pet allergies, this indoor dog probably isn’t for you.

When And When Not To A Adopt A Cavapoo Rescue 

You should adopt a cavapoo rescue if: 

You have time to devote to training a rescue animal.

You’re home most of the day. Cavapoos are companion dogs and don’t do well alone in the house for extended periods.

You want an extra-friendly breed that will welcome friends and family into your home.

You can commit to a daily walk and indoor playtime.

You can commit to regular grooming. Cavapoo coats are notorious for developing mats and will require brushing at least every few days.

You shouldn’t adopt a cavapoo rescue if: 

You have young children in the house.

You work a busy schedule that keeps you away for long hours.

You don’t have the patience to deal with behavioral issues early on, like inappropriate urination or barking.

You want a “hypoallergenic” pup. There are no guarantees with poodle mixes. Some will shed, and even if they don’t, they can still trigger allergy symptoms.
Final Thoughts

Rescuing any dog is a major responsibility. It’s life-changing and will require patience, compassion, and time. Rescued dogs won’t adapt to their new, loving, and safe surroundings overnight. It’s crucial to remember that before you adopt!

Assuming you can provide what a rescue dog needs, adopting a rescued cavapoo is an excellent option. Not only does rescuing a cavapoo cost less than going through a professional breeder, but it also saves the dog’s life!

Plus, most cavapoo rescues take care of many pre-adoption needs, like medical treatments and microchipping, which is one less thing to worry about.

Rescuing a cavapoo is easier now than ever because most shelters let you browse available dogs online. It may take a little time to find the cavapoo you feel a bond with, but the effort will be more than worth it!