10 Best Bernedoodle Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks! (2024)

10 Best Bernedoodle Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks! (1)

Among the array of interesting Poodle mixes, the Bernedoodle is among the most popular due to its loving and friendly temperament.

That being said, getting this adorable breed from a reputable breeder can definitely take a huge chunk from your savings as they’re quite expensive.

The best option to take home this pooch is to find a local Bernedoodle rescue that rehabilitates and rehomes them. However, expect that it wouldn’t be a piece of cake in light of the breed’s fame and overall charm.

To help you start your search for a new dog, we’ve narrowed down 10 of the best Bernedoodle rescues you can start with your quest for a Bernedoodle.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Most of the Bernedoodle rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.

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Top 10 Bernedoodle Rescues to Find Goldendoodles for Adoption

In reality, the price of Bernedoodle puppies can be quite hefty and will probably cost you a huge chunk of money.

Thus, going for a rescue is the best option to go, although it may be a bit challenging. You can scour our list and directory as they are the top rescues for Doodle breeds!

1. Doodle Rescue Collective (DRC) Inc. – Rhode Island

Run by over 800 volunteers in both the United States and Canada, the Doodle Rescue Collective Inc. provides an adoption-rehoming program that allows aspiring Bernedoodle owners to provide a second chance to unwanted or surrendered pups.

This non-profit Doodle rescue was founded in 2008 and has since bridged rescued Bernedoodles and other Doodle breeds to a loving foster family.

To add to their good reputation as a Bernedoodle rescue organization, the DRC boasts endorsem*nts from the Australian Labradoodle Association of America(ALAA) and the Goldendoodle Association of North America.

In partnership with various rescues in the country such as the Humane Society of the United States and the Best Friends Animal Society, to name a few, they work on placing all Doodle breeds including Bernedoodles in their forever homes.

The adoption process of this Bernedoodle rescue requires future fur-parents to take a look at a dog they’re interested in before filling out their application forms. You can check out their list of available Bernedoodles on their website.

To strengthen and boost your application, make sure to prepare and brief at least three personal references to attest to your greatness as a dog’s mom, dad, or family!

You’ll also need a recommendation from a local vet that you trust to ensure that you can handle a puppy.

Doodle Rescue Collective (DRC) Inc. Information and Details:

Website: Doodle Rescue Collective (DRC) Inc.
Address: 77 Buttonwoods Avenue Warwick, RI 02886
Email: info@doodlerescuecollectiveinc.org

2. IDOG Rescue – Texas

IDOG is one of the biggest non-profit organizations solely dedicated to rescuing maltreated, unwanted, or retired Doodles such as Bernedoodles.

They were founded in 2006 and from then, created a strong network of foster homes located throughout the nation.

The first thing that you have to do before applying to adopt is to check out their list of available dogs through their Facebook page and choose which of the rescued Bernedoodles is right for you.

Only then can you submit an application where you also have to indicate the name of your desired Doodle.

Their adoption fees are non-negotiable and often range from $100 to $700. Naturally, this adoption fee goes to the care of all the dogs in their care.

On top of this, you must also prepare some gas money as they always encourage aspiring families to visit their desired pups before taking them home.

So, if you’re ready to jump in, check out their information details below and start the application process!

IDOG Rescue Information and Details:

Website: IDOG Rescue
Address: 6711 Stella Link Road, Suite 344, Houston, TX 77005
Email: rescue@idogrescue.com
Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

3. Doodle Rock Rescue – Texas

Doodle Rock Rescue joined the rescue organizations in keeping adorable Doodles away from euthanasia in 2007.

Dallas, Texas has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country, and that is what Doodle Rock Rescue wishes to curb.

With that being said, they rescue Bernedoodles that are in critical condition or in really bad states. Thus, they all undergo a rehabilitation program through foster care.

4. Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue (SCPR) – Virginia

Focused mainly on rehoming companion dogs, Somerset Cottage is a volunteer-based organization that has dedicated their free time to rescuing and connecting companion dogs, as well as senior Poodle mixes to loving families.

Lesley Clark, the president and founder of SCPR, started their work around Northern Virginia in 2013.

They have a network of foster families around Virginia willing to take care of Bernedoodles rescued from high kill shelters. Their group now boasts an impressive 800 Doodles brought home by their lifetime families.

Unfortunately, one of their non-negotiable policies is that they don’t allow families with children below ten years old to take home their dogs due to their more fragile states. With that out of the way, you can check out their adoption application form.

Before clicking send on that adoption link, make sure to save a heftier sum since their adoption fees may reach up to more than $500.

Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue (SCPR) Information and Details:

Website: Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue (SCPR)
Address: Fairfax, VA 22033
Email: scpoodlerescue@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook.

5. Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect (MDRC) – Michigan

MDRC is a rescue that mostly deals with owner-surrendered Doodle breeds. They run a ranch where they take care of and rehabilitate Poodle mixes including the Bernedoodle breed.

MDRC prioritizes their dogs’ mental health as they need extra care and attention to feel comfortable.

They also boast experienced volunteers and trainers that are well-equipped and knowledgeable in the art of helping a dog adjust and transition to their new families.

They have a resident team of veterinarians that handle these curly-haired pooches to keep them in tiptop shape. They also hold certifications in Pet First Aid and CPR Training.

One of the unique features of this organization is that after they rescue Bernedoodles, they train them in the potty, crate, and leash etiquettes, making transitioning to their forever home much easier for both the dog and their new parents.

To start with the adoption process, you have to check out a specific set of instructions. This includes filling out an application form and checking out specific dogs up for adoption on their Facebook page.

Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect (MDRC) Information and Details:

Website: Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect (MDRC)
Email: midoodlerescue@outlook.com
Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook.

6. BFW Rescue Inc. – South Carolina

BFW Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a forever home and providing proper rehabilitation to Bernese Mountain Dogs and their mixes such as the Bernedoodles.

Given that they’re run by volunteers, most Bernedoodle rescue dogs are temporarily taken in by various foster homes in the state through their foster-based program.

Hence, if you’re interested in taking home a Bernedoodle from this organization, you must be willing to go on a road trip to South Carolina to pick them up!

Their process is pretty straightforward in that you simply have to send them an email if you’ve spotted an available dog you’re interested in.

However, I suggest you take some time to read through the blog posts of the foster families since they explain in detail how a particular pooch has settled into their homes.

By reading about their backstories together with their quirks and temperament, you’ll have a better chance of finding the best fitting dog for you. You can check out their blog entries on the rescue’s website!

BFW Rescue Inc. Information and Details:

Website: BFW Rescue Inc.
Address: PO Box 865 McCormick, SoC. 29835
Phone: 805-201-5150
Email: info@bfwrescue.org

7. Doodle Dandy Rescue (DDR) – Texas

Doodle Dandy Rescue is a volunteer-run organization that seeks to rehome Doodle breeds found in crisis or taken from stressful situations such as local shelters with kill policies.

As an organization, they live and breathe by their motto, “Be Kind, Work Hard, Save Doodles.”

This Bernedoodle rescue stems mainly from Dallas but has created a network of volunteers in different counties in Texas.

They have around 500 volunteers who closely monitor shelters and respond to reports of surrendered Doodles. Their program has worked for almost 300 Doodles and Doodle families all over Texas!

Typically, rescued Bernedoodles stay with their foster families for more or less three weeks before being released to their forever homes.

This period allows volunteers to provide medical needs and treatment for these dogs that have undergone the trauma of abuse or being left behind.

8. NorCal Poodle Rescue – California

This non-profit organization is focused on taking in unwanted and abused Poodles and mixes such as the Bernedoodles in Northern California.

Being the third-largest Poodle rescue in the United States, NorCal Poodle Rescue has a wide network of volunteers and foster families in various states in the country.

An important factor in their adoption process is being the right fit for the rescued pooch. How do they assess this?

Usually, a volunteer takes a look at your application and if they deem you a perfect match then they will contact you for further details.

That being said, it is highly recommended that you take a good look at the profile of the Bernedoodle you’re interested in so that you can gauge your compatibility.

Of course, NorCal Poodle Rescue requires an adoption fee ranging from $300 to $700 depending on the Doodle mix and medical procedures done on your dog of choice.

Rest assured that this fee is used mostly to keep your cross-breed healthy before it goes home with you.

NorCal Poodle Rescue Information and Details:

Website: NorCal Poodle Rescue Adoption
Address: 10126 Alta Sierra Dr # 282 Grass Valley, CA 95949
Phone: 925-322-0223
Email: norcalpoodlerescueinc@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also check them out on Facebook.

9. Summit Dog Rescue – Colorado

Summit Dog Rescue is known to save more Bernedoodles than most rescues due to their area. They’re located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bernedoodles are quite common.

Like most Bernedoodle rescues, Summit Dog has a stringent adoption procedure but they are set apart by a few requirements.

One of the most unique steps you’ll undergo before seeing your adoption contract is to sign up for a training class or private dog training lessons that you’ll have to prove and show Summit Dog volunteers.

Their adoption fee is set at $485, covering the cost of grooming, medical care, and training. However, this can vary according to the age of the dog you’re interested in taking home.

For instance, if you’re looking to adopt a puppy, you will likely have to shoulder its spaying or neutering.

Summit Dog Rescue Information and Details:

Website: Summit Dog Rescue
Address: PO Box 17693, Boulder, Colorado 80308
Email: summitdogrescue@yahoo.com

10. Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) – Virginia

A proud affiliate of the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue volunteers spend their time and effort rescuing and rehoming unwanted Doodle dog breeds and Bernedoodles who are either surrendered to the organization or pulled from shelters around Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

If you live around the area, this Bernedoodle rescue may be a good place to start looking.

Once you’re ready to adopt from the organization, you’re usually required to send an email and fill out the adoption form to get into the waitlist and be pre-screened for the proper dog.

One of the things that MAPR is adamant about is that they don’t adopt to families with babies or young children. They uphold this policy mainly for the dog and the child’s safety.

As they explained on their website, they can’t vouch for the temperament of all Bernedoodle rescue dogs as these creatures have been through some trauma. Thus, they need a more patient and careful companion and guardian.

It’s best to contact MAPR through email as they’re a volunteer-run organization and don’t have secretaries or workers that are available 24/7.

You can check out their online contact form or review their contact details below.

Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR) Information and Details:

Website: Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue (MAPR)
Email: cindy@midatlanticpoodlerescue.org

Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the Bernedoodle rescue options from our directory, will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved

Other Sources for Bernedoodle Rescues or Shelters for Adoption

10 Best Bernedoodle Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks! (2)

Other than those cited above, you can also check out these sources if you are still finding a Bernedoodle rescue that fits you:

VIP Rescue – VIP stands for Very Important Poodle. This rescue focuses on rehoming Poodles, Poodle-mixes, and other low-shedding dogs. You can check out their website for available Bernedoodles to take home.
Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective – Working to collect and match Doodles to their forever homes, this volunteer-run organization has been working tirelessly since 2008. You can check out their available dogs for adoption on their website.
Petfinder – Being one of the largest pet adoption websites, Pet finder allows you to browse through a wide array of dogs nationwide. One of the best things about Pet finder is that they have a search filter that allows you to narrow down your Bernedoodle search.
Adopt-a-Pet – Similarly, Adopt-a-Pet is a platform that allows you to search across state lines for the Bernedoodle of your dreams. On their website, you’ll find lists of any Bernedoodle that have ended up in rescues or shelters.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – Of course, the best places to look are right around the corner. You can first check the organizations and rescues near you since it will also be easier to take home a dog if you’re within their proximity.

Bernedoodles may be rare in rescues due to their uniqueness and adorable faces, but they’re not impossible to find.

It’s all a matter of timing and communication with the Bernedoodle rescue organizations you’re partnering with.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Bernedoodle Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Why Do People Put Bernedoodles up for Adoption or in a Rescue?

Doodles, specifically Bernese Mountain-Poodle mixes, are energetic and lovable so if you find them in shelters or rescues, rest assured that it’s not their fault.

Here are some of the common reasons why families give up their Bernedoodles:

The families didn’t expect how much social interaction the Bernedoodle needed.
Their primary owners are moving to a house with less space or accommodation without a backyard.
The family went through personal problems or issues leading to their incapability to take care of the dog.
The primary owner might have died and no family members want to take the dog in.
The owners no longer want to put in the effort for their grooming needs.
Their financial situation may have forced them to let go of their pooch as they can no longer shoulder its expenses.
The family may have added a new member that is sensitive or not well adjusted to dogs.
The owners could not keep up with its high exercise needs.

No matter the reason, Bernedoodles end up in shelters through no fault of their own.

Bernedoodles are a loyal and gentle breed that serves as a great family dog due to their innate Poodle intelligence and outgoing Bernese Mountain Dog temperament.

So, don’t let these reasons discourage you from providing a forever home to a Bernedoodle rescue!

How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle puppy would typically set you back by $2,500 to $5000 which is hefty and burdensome, to say the least. However, breaking your bank is not a requirement to take home a Bernedoodle.

Most Bernedoodle rescues would only ask around $500 to cover most of what they’ve spent on the pooch you’re about to take home. This is relatively cheaper than buying from registered breeders.

To provide you with a reference, provided below is a breakdown of where the Bernedoodle adoption fee goes:

Expenses	Average Cost
Medical Exam	$70 – $100
Spaying/Neutering	$180
5-in-1 Vaccine	$20
Rabies Vaccine	$20
Microchip Insertion	$16
Leash and Collar	$30
Grooming	$30
Total	$366 – $466

Clearly, most of the Bernedoodle adoption costs would be spent on your pooch, plus there can be deductions especially when you adopt older Bernedoodles since they have probably had their shots provided for by their previous owners.

Is It Difficult to Adopt a Bernedoodle From a Rescue?

10 Best Bernedoodle Rescues for Adoption (2024): Our Top 10 Picks! (3)

Being such a unique mix, Bernedoodles can be quite difficult to find in a rescue or shelter facility. To top that off, their cute and cuddly faces make them so eye-catching.

One of the main challenges that you can face in your quest to take home a Bernedoodle rescue is timing. Tons of people look for this amazing fur baby and they’re actually quite rare.

In light of that fact, you have to keep an eye out for new pooches up for adoption in your local area as well as the provided rescues above. There is usually no reservation, unlike when buying from breeders.

Another concern that you may encounter when it comes to the Bernedoodle adoption process is your eligibility as a dog owner.

Bernedoodles require a lot of socialization and activity; hence, most rescue groups favor applicants who have ample spaces and active lifestyles.

Nevertheless, all the sweat and tears you may shed during the adoption process will well be worth every drop.

If you’re not yet full of beans and hyped to chase after the Bernedoodle of your dreams, check out this video of Dakota the Bernedoodle:

Meet Dakota the Mini Bernedoodle

4 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Bernedoodle

If you’ve read through the various rescues and their respective adoption processes, you know that there are usually multiple hoops that you have to go through to get approved.

That being said, this journey of taking home a dog from a Bernedoodle rescue may not be such a breeze.

So, here’s a few steps to lighten the load and have you approved in no time:

Do extensive research about the Bernedoodle breed. Dealing with a medium-sized dog such as the Bernedoodle is no easy feat and the rescues and volunteers who will be vetting your adoption applications are all too familiar with the challenges you might face. Evidently, they have more confidence in approving families who have a set game plan on how to deal with the pup!
Get ready for a phone interview. Most of the Bernedoodle rescues have a phone interview as a way to check the future owner’s determination and preparedness to have a dog. Naturally, they’d be asking you questions regarding your daily schedule and how you plan to fit a new dog into your routine. Other than that, they also ask about your home environment so it would be best to prepare your answers for such questions.
Always ask about the dog. Most often than not, you’ll be talking to a volunteer who has fostered and taken care of the dog you want to take home. Asking questions about the dog and its behavior would help you so that it would be easier for you to work around your future family member. It also gives your application an extra boost as it shows you care and are willing to get to know the pooch.
Keep a positive outlook. The adoption process can and will take some time and patience out of you. Nevertheless, don’t lose that hope and enthusiasm. Keep your spirits up and keep sending those application forms!

Providing and caring for a rescue dog is a noble task and no easy feat too! That’s why both you and the rescuers must work together in order to identify the perfect pup for you to take home.

Always remember that these rescue organizations have your comfort and the pooch’s well-being in mind. For that reason, you must keep patient and optimistic while waiting for approval.

Final Thoughts

Bernedoodles are naturally intelligent and loving dogs. They can sense if you’re up for the task of loving them and will definitely return the affection.

So, it’s never a question of whether you got the right Bernedoodle or not, but whether you’re the right owner for the pooch of your choice.

These rescued Bernedoodles have experienced rejection and trauma from being left behind and unwanted by their families.

If you’re up to providing a stable, long-lasting comfort and shelter to a new pet, then finding a Bernedoodle from these rescues should be your priority.