Not all Poodle rescue centres are alike. Some actually aren’t Poodle rescue centres at all, but are puppy mills, or Poodle hoarders who really don’t know what they’re doing. There isn’t any parent organization that supervises all animal rescue centres. Basically, anyone can set up one, but they have to register it as a charity. Here is how to tell good from bad Poodle rescue centres.
First off, if you go online, there are many fine Poodle rescue centres that have websites, but there are also fraudulent ones. Sometimes these sites are scams with no dogs at all or are just fronts for puppy mills masquerading as a Poodle rescue centre. No legitimate Poodle rescue centre will ship their dogs or puppies out to you. They also will not accept applications from anyone who lives more than a few hours drive away. Poodle rescue centres usually do not have Teacup Poodles so don’t even bother asking.
Expect to be grilled on your Poodle information, or lack thereof. If you show no knowledge of Poodle care or needs, then you will be politely turned down, no matter whom you protest to. There is no parent organization that oversees all animal rescue groups in America.
This is not like ordering shoes online, and if it is then you have hit a puppy broker or puppy mill pretending to be a rescue. The Poodle rescue should never offer to ship the dogs anywhere in the country.
Although you may have to pay a non-refundable adoption application fee, you should not have to pay the adoption fee for the dog until you actually meet the dog. Never trust photos sent to you about the dogs for adoption. If the Poodle rescue centre discourages you from meeting the dog first, then it is most likely a puppy mill. Run far away and try another Poodle rescue group.
Most Poodle rescue centres are not in one central location. In other words, they are usually not like your local pound, only filled with Poodles and nothing else. A Poodle rescue centre is usually made up of a network of foster homes around the immediate area. You would have to go meet the dog you are thinking of adopting at the foster home. There sometimes will be a few meetings before you are allowed to take the dog home.
Check the condition of the foster home to be sure the dogs are getting decent care. No dogs should live in stacked crates, live in their own excrement, or live in overcrowded conditions. This is where you might meet Poodle hoarders, who take in dozens of animals without being able to take care of them.
And that is for no extra charge. They also get to know the personalities of all of the dogs up for adoption, so that you are assured of compatibility.
