WHIPPET RESCUE QUESTIONS
The following are Frequently Asked Questions about whippet rescue:
Who rescues the dogs?
Whippet rescue is done by an independent organization called Whippet Rescue and Placement (WRAP) Check their website at
You can also check their list of
What is the typical age of the dogs in the rescue program?
Most of the Whippets in the rescue program range from about 5 to 13 years of age. Occasionally we do see puppies, but not often.
Where do these Whippets come from?
Over three-quarters of all the Whippets rescued in the program come from sources such as commercial puppy mills, pet shops, and irresponsible breeders. Such dogs often end up in pounds or animal shelters through no fault of their own. Whippet rescue steps in to help when someone notifies them that a Whippet is in a shelter or pound. Occasionally a dog is surrendered directly to Whippet rescue because of circumstances such as the death of the owner or the owner's inability to continue to care for the dog.
What kind of vet care is done?
The rescue worker takes each rescue dog to the veterinarian's office to get the dog's general health assessed. The vet also checks for parasites such as worms, fleas, or ticks. A blood test is also done to check for heartworms. The vet will then give the dog all necessary vaccinations, including a new rabies shot. Because of the cost of veterinary care, as well as other cost incurred by the rescue program, we ask a donation of $250 to $300 for the adoption of most dogs. Senior dogs are less.
What other costs are there?
Because all Whippets placed through rescue are neutered before they are sent to their new homes, this cost is included in the adoption fee.
Do all states have rescue Whippets?
Not all states have rescue dogs on a regular basis. Some states see only a few dogs in rescue. Some states have an alarming rate of dogs that are in rescue. While there are more than enough people interested in adopting a dog through rescue, each person who applies for a rescue dog is carefully screened to make sure that the home is suitable for the dog and vice versa.
How can I get a rescue Whippet?
Check the WRAP website at
You will receive a an application to fill out. While there is a home for every rescue dog, not every home is appropriate for every rescue dog. Sometimes there are dogs who come into the program with special needs. These dogs may be deaf or have serious anxiety separation disorder or have special health care needs. It is the job of the rescue volunteer to make sure that each dog finds the home that is right for him or her. Even for dogs with no special needs, it is important to determine that the person adopting the dog is prepared to provide a lifetime of good care for the dog, and has the time and other resources necessary to devote to the dog. Rescue will ship a dog to a new home provided that the approved prospective home will pay the shipping costs of about $125-$150. Rescue does loan shipping crates on the honor system (with return in 10 days UPS ground) and shipping is done priority counter-to-counter to insure the safety of the dog.
Why do we rescue?
All Whippets deserve a good home, no matter their pedigree or early upbringing or problems they were born with or have acquired. As responsible whippet lovers, we help willingly to find those lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and get them good medical care, tend to their psychological needs and find great new permanent homes. For all the love and enjoyment this wonderful breed gives us, it's the least we can do in return.