Apply to Adopt a Rescue Doodle in California — Start Your Application Here
Your forever doodle is waiting. Take the first step — fill out your application to adopt a rescue doodle in California and let's find your perfect match.
What to Expect When You Apply to Adopt a Doodle
We want to be upfront with you: we sometimes receive hundreds of applications for a single doodle, and our process is intentionally thorough. That's not gatekeeping — it's the reason so many of our Happy Tails stories end with the words "perfect match." Every application is read by a real person, and we're looking for the home that fits a specific dog's personality, energy level, and needs. The more detail you provide, the better your chances of standing out.
About adoption fees: Doodle adoption fees range from $350 to $1,500, depending on factors such as the doodle's age and health. Please review the listed adoption fee for any specific dog before submitting your application. These fees directly support veterinary care, supplies, and rescue operations — in 2025 alone, our veterinary expenses exceeded $460,000.
Application shelf life: Your application will be kept on file for 6 months. If you're interested in a different doodle than the one you originally applied for, please submit a new application for that dog. You may apply for more than one doodle on a single application.
What we look for: Our goal is to find the perfect match for every doodle in our care. We place doodles with families who will keep them as indoor pets and treat them as full family members. Most of our doodles require a fully fenced yard. We do not adopt doodles to be given as gifts, and we do not place dogs with families who intend to train them exclusively as service dogs — rescue dogs deserve the freedom to just be dogs. For more answers to common questions, visit our adoption FAQ page.
If you're selected: If your application rises to the top, someone from California Doodle Rescue will contact you directly to schedule a phone interview. From there, we'll check your references and veterinarian records, and arrange an in-person meet-and-greet between the doodle and every member of your household — including existing pets. If an in-person visit isn't possible, you may be asked to share photos of your home and yard. All adopters are required to personally bring their new family member home — we do not permit commercial transport of our dogs.
A note on patience: We wish we could respond to every applicant, but with the volume we receive, that isn't always possible. If you don't hear back, it simply means another home was chosen as the right fit for that particular dog. We encourage you to browse our available doodles and apply again — your doodle is out there.
If your application rises to the top, here's the path forward
- Thoughtful application reviewA real person reads every application — not an algorithm. Detail matters.
- Phone interviewIf your application rises to the top, we'll reach out to schedule a conversation.
- References & vet checkWe verify personal references and speak with your current or previous veterinarian.
- Meet-and-greetEveryone in the household — including existing pets — meets the doodle in person.
Apply to Adopt a Rescue Doodle
Complete the form below to begin your Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, or doodle mix adoption application with California Doodle Rescue. Answer every question as thoroughly as possible — the more we know about your home and lifestyle, the better we can match you with a doodle who was made for you.
Meet the Doodles Who Found Their Forever Homes
Application submitted? Wonderful — we're so glad you're here. While our team reviews your information, spend some time with our Happy Tails stories — over 80 documented matches from 2025 alone, each one a reminder of exactly why this process is worth it. Not quite ready to adopt? Fostering a doodle is a beautiful way to open your home, support our rescue family, and — more than once — fall head over paws for the dog in your guest room.