A new Las Vegas nonprofit has launched with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome doodle and poodle-mix dogs as shelters across the country see a growing wave of the breed surrendered by owners.

Doodle Rescue USA is a 501(c)(3) organization built around a foster-based rescue network that will start in Nevada before expanding into other regions of the country with high doodle populations, according to Nevada Business Magazine.

Founder Mike Zargari said doodles are intelligent and loving, but they also need consistent training, grooming, and care that many new owners underestimate.

“Our goal is to give every doodle a second chance while educating families about responsible ownership,” Zargari said.

The rescue pulls doodles from shelters, owner surrenders, and puppy mills, and it provides veterinary care, professional grooming, and behavioral rehabilitation while dogs wait in foster homes for adoption.

Doodle Rescue USA joins a valley animal welfare network already stretched thin, as we have reported on The Animal Foundation’s repeated capacity crises throughout the year, as well as other new rescues launching to help ease the strain.

The nonprofit is celebrating its launch with an inaugural fundraiser called Doodlepalooza on Sunday, September 27, during National Dog Week.

The event runs at Cowabunga Canyon Waterpark in Las Vegas, where the wave pool, kiddie play areas, and grassy lawns will open exclusively to doodles and their owners while the water slides stay closed.

Tickets cost $60 per dog, and proceeds go toward veterinary care, spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and dental care for dogs in the rescue’s foster network.

Doodlepalooza is a members-only event, so dog owners interested in attending need to apply for free membership with the rescue and tell the organization about their dog before they can buy tickets.

Las Vegas dog owners who want to get involved with Doodle Rescue USA, whether by adopting, fostering, or donating, can find more information at DoodleRescueUSA.org.