5 Best Poodle Rescues in Florida (2024)

Poodles are a loving and loyal dog breed that comes in three sizes, making them perfect for apartments and homes of nearly any square footage.

So, whether you’ve always been a supporter of adopting dogs or the average Poodle price tag is making you second guess purchasing one from a breeder, I’ll share some of the top Poodle rescues in Florida.

Best Poodle Rescues in Florida

Several Poodle rescues operate out of Florida, and I’ve compiled them below so you can easily contact them.

1. Florida Poodle Rescue (St. Petersburg)

Florida Poodle Rescue is a non-profit organization serving Gulf coast residents wanting to adopt a Poodle or Poodle mix. All dogs receive medical attention and behavioral care, ensuring that they’re ready for their new loving home.

As activists in their community, Florida Poodle Rescue also engages with the public to educate them about the Poodle breed, the importance of committing to a pet once you bring one home, and the process of adoption.

Applicants go through a rigorous process before being able to adopt, as Florida Poodle Rescue wants to ensure the dog will have a forever home. In addition to filling out an application, the applicants must agree they have the means to take the dog to the groomer every 5 – 8 weeks and that any other animals in the home are fixed and up-to-date on vaccinations.

Rescue & Adoption Details:

Address: P.O. Box 7336 St. Petersburg, Florida 33734

Website: https://www.floridapoodlerescue.org/ 

Phone Number: (727) 265-1766

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaPoodleRescue 

2. Coastal Poodle Rescue (Melbourne)

Coastal Poodle Rescue is an excellent option for people on the Atlantic coast wanting to rescue a Poodle. They have both Poodles and Poodle mixes that were abused, abandoned, or otherwise unwanted.

To adopt a dog from Coastal Poodle Rescue, you must fill out an application, provide three references, and live in Florida, as a staff member must do a home visit before you adopt. Although they accept puppies, they almost exclusively receive adult dogs.

Adoptions are on a donation basis, with the minimum cost of an adoption ranging $150 – $400, depending on the dog’s health and age, among other variables. All dogs rescued through this organization are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and free of parasites and heartworms.

Rescue & Adoption Details:

Address: P.O. Box 121142 Melbourne, FL 32912

Website: https://www.coastalpoodlerescue.org/ 

Phone Number: (321) 459-2652

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/coastalpoodlerescue/ 

3. VIP Rescue of Central Florida (Central Florida)

VIP Rescue of Central Florida rescues, rehabilitates, and finds new homes for small dog breeds. That means you won’t find any Standard Poodles with them, but they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Since VIP Rescue of Central Florida operates on a foster basis, they don’t have a shelter where you can visit their Poodles for adoption all in one place. Instead, you can review their adoptions page to see the list of Poodles available.

From there, if you virtually fall in love with one, you can submit an application and arrange to meet the Poodle at its foster parent’s home. If you click well with the Poodle and the foster parent believes you’re a good match for each other, you’ll get to bring your new four-footed family member home.

Rescue & Adoption Details:

Address: P.O. Box 940862, Maitland, Florida 32794

Website: https://www.viprescuecfl.org/ 

Phone Number: (407) 504-8318

Contact Form: https://www.viprescuecfl.org/contact-us 

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/VIPofCentralFL/ 

4. Poodle and Pooch Rescue (Central Florida)

A group of Poodle-loving volunteers runs Poodle and Pooch Rescue, which has saved over 5,500 dogs since 2008. They’re one of the Poodle rescues in Florida that doesn’t have a physical location, given that they’re 100% foster-based, so you’ll need to arrange an appointment to meet your new potential pet.

Poodles aren’t the only dogs that Poodle and Pooch manage, given that their mission is to take “leftover” dogs that animal control would likely put to sleep. Therefore, these dogs tend to be older or have medical needs that they address before adopting them.

So, if you love the thought of rescuing a Poodle that’s traditionally hard to find a home for, Poodle and Pooch Rescue just might have your next pet. Their application process includes being a Florida resident and making a donation, along with a careful vetting process.

Rescue & Adoption Details:

Address: 1742 S. Woodland Blvd. #428 DeLand, Florida 32720

Website: https://poodleandpoochrescue.org/ 

Phone Number: No phone number

Contact Form: https://poodleandpoochrescue.org/contact/ 

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/PoodleandPoochRescueofFlorida 

5. A Better Life Pet Rescue (Palm Beach Gardens)

A Better Life is a small dog rescue organization, meaning that they might have a Toy Poodle. You can also try contacting them to see if they have any Miniature Poodles.

They rescue small dogs from a variety of often challenging backgrounds, working with the dogs on a case-by-case basis to get them the veterinary care and emotional support they need to become adoptable.

You have two options when filling out the application—apply for a Poodle you found on A Better Life’s website or let them know what type of Poodle you’re looking for. That way, they can keep your application on file so that they can contact you if they find a good fit.

Rescue & Adoption Details:

Address: 6231 PGA Blvd., Suite 104, #427

Website: http://www.abetterlifepetrescue.com/ 

Phone Number: (305) 978-0059

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/ABetterLifePetRescue/ 

All About Poodles

It may surprise you, but people originally bred Poodles as hunting dogs. While some Poodle owners still use them for this purpose, the Poodle has primarily become a household favorite breed, given their loyalty and family-friendly qualities.

When searching for a Poodle at a rescue center, you’ll have three size options to select:

• Standard Poodle (over 15 inches tall)

• Miniature Poodle (10 – 15 inches tall)

• Toy Poodle (Under 10 inches tall)

An attractive feature of the Poodle is its hypoallergenic nature, meaning they shed little and may not instigate symptoms in people with allergies. However, it’s crucial to groom them regularly, for their hair never stops growing and can mat.

Should I Adopt or Rescue a Poodle?

Adopting a Poodle at a rescue center is an excellent choice. People give up their Poodles for many reasons, most of which are unrelated to behavioral problems.

Instead, Poodles often arrive at rescue centers because their owners didn’t have enough time for them, they required more work than the owner expected, the owner passed away, or there was a major household change that made keeping the pet unfeasible.

Unlike working with most breeders, you can rescue an older Poodle if you wish. Older Poodles often already come with housetraining and other skills under their belts that Poodle puppy owners have to spend dozens of hours on training.

Conclusion for Poodle Rescues in Florida

In 2020 alone, over 313,000 dogs and cats entered Florida animal shelters. So, rescuing a Poodle is one of the most heartwarming things you can do for yourself and your soon-to-be best furry friend.

Not only will your Poodle get to enjoy a fun and loving life with you, but you’ll free up space for another animal in need to take their spot at the rescue center.