About Labradoodle Trust...

Labradoodle Rescue UK was set up formally in July 2007, when the realisation that Labradoodles were becoming the victim of their own rise in popularity became apparent. TV programmes had, for a couple of years, been advocating doodles as the ideal dog for allergy sufferers, celebrities were showing off their doodles to anyone who would take notice, and so the tag of “designer dog” was born.

More and more, we were seeing that in fact, doodles are not always suitable for allergy sufferers, (more information regarding allergies here). Bad breeding programmes to fulfil the demand for these dogs were having an impact on the health of pups, the irregularities within the breed came as a surprise to the unsuspecting owners, and suddenly, people were finding they had a shedding dog which had grown to be the size of a donkey, and they were struggling.

Rather than see these innocent dogs be abandoned or worse, a few people concerned about the fate of these dogs got together to set up a breed specific rescue, Labradoodle Rescue UK as it has become known.

Unbeknown to this band of willing volunteers, the need for the rescue soon became alarmingly apparent, with the numbers of people contacting us rising exponentially in a very short space of time. The reasons for dogs coming to Rescue can be anything from a drastic change in circumstance, a family bereavement, an allergy problem with the dog, or simply that the owner had not anticipated just how big and energetic their tiny puppy would become.

It is upon the initial contact from the owner that we start offering support during what can be a very emotional time. By talking through the problems, it sometimes transpires that actually, issues can be overcome, either by talking with our training specialist, or thinking through how a particular problem can be resolved.

We are committed to the welfare of any dogs that come into our care, and endeavour to make a positive contribution to their lives, no matter what the circumstances. We aim to educate people about Labradoodles BEFORE they take the plunge, and are often called by people wondering about their suitability to own one of these lively, intelligent dogs.

We have therefore now changed our name from Labradoodle Rescue UK, to Labradoodle Trust as we feel that we need to encompass all aspects of Labradoodles ie: Education, Rescue and Welfare.

Obviously, as a non profit making organisation, fundraising is imperative to enable us to help any Labradoodle that needs our help. We attend some of the larger dog shows and doggy days out, and also hold on-line fund raising initiatives on our sister site and forum, www.doodle-times.com (a mine of useful information for owners and would be owners), and also have a range of merchandise available to buy on our websites.

We now have a massive emphasis on “Education” as we strive to prevent problems from occurring by a lack of general knowledge of our wonderful breed, and by guiding people into making the right decision when considering owning a puppy or a Rescue Labradoodle. By providing more information to the general public, we hope to reduce the numbers of dogs coming into Rescue in the future.

We also aim to compile a Health Registry in the near future, which will provide a record of dogs suffering with any health issues that become known to us. This facility will help people to research the lines of a pup that they may be thinking of buying, and thereby, hopefully reduce the number of dogs with inherited diseases (see health information here).

How you can help.

If you have experience of home-checking, or feel able to help out with transportation of dogs, or even have the heart to offer temporary foster accommodation, please complete the online forms.

Application to be a Transporter.

Application to be a Homechecker.

Application to be a Fosterer.

If you are holding a dog related event and are able to offer some sponsorship or publicity to the rescue, then please contact Pam for ways in which you can do this.

May we all at Labradoodle Trust thank you for helping us to help Doodles in need!