Whippet Rescue
A Comprehensive Canadian Whippet Network
About Our Rescue Program
In 1998, a comprehensive Whippet Rescue program was organized with representatives from across Canada dedicated to intervening on behalf of abandoned, abused, neglected or lost whippets. We also offer assistance to owners who can no longer keep their whippets due to such circumstances as divorce, job loss or a death in the family. Whatever the reason, Whippet Rescue is here to help.
Adopting a Rescue Whippet
NWCC Rescue is made possible thanks to our experienced member volunteers
All whippets entering into our rescue program are fostered and assessed in the very experienced homes of National Whippet Club of Canada member volunteers. We receive many inquiries to adopt from NWCC Rescue but do not often have dogs available.
Sometimes a whippet may be available through its breeder, having been returned for various reasons, or a promising show puppy kept by the breeder did not grow up to be the show dog hoped for. These are not rescue dogs and are only available through their individual breeders, not the NWCC Rescue.
Before you take any dog into your life, please think carefully and be prepared to be committed for the dog’s lifetime. If you do have a dog and for whatever reason cannot keep it, please do the right thing and contact its breeder or us here to rehome it appropriately.
Whippet Rescue Inquiries
To inquire about available whippets in your area, please introduce yourself via our Contact Form and an NWCC Rescue representative will respond. Alternatively, our rescue Adoption Questionnaire can be completed and submitted online.
Happily for the dogs, we do not frequently have any available for rehoming. When we do, our goal is to achieve the best match possible, to ensure the new home will be “forever”!
Please note that any dog in rescue is there for a reason; most rescues are older and come with a history that can affect their behaviours and routines. If you are looking for a clean slate, please reach out to the breeders on our breeder list.
We also strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with sighthounds before deciding to add one to your home. There is much to love about a Whippet, but prey drive and chasing are things that live in the very fabric of the breed and this can make them unsuitable for some homes, especially in the case of a rescue where background and socialization history may not be available.
For whippet rescue in the USA, please visit the Whippet Rescue and Placement (WRAP) website.
Surrendering a Whippet to Rescue
If You Cannot Keep Your Whippet, NWCC Rescue IS Here to Help
If you find yourself in a position where you cannot keep the whippet in your care, please reach out to the dog’s breeder (if available) as a first step. Most breeders will take a dog back, and/or assist with placement.
Failing that, NWCC Whippet Rescue is here to help. We have a network of potential homes suitable for whippets and vetted for a match for personality, activity and attention level, other home companions, behaviour and health issues.
Please complete the surrender form PDF at the link below and a representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns, or simply need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Support Whippet Rescue in Canada by Making a Donation.
Donations can be made directly to Whippet Rescue via our Paypal donation page at the link below. Debit and credit card contributions are also accepted if you don’t have a PayPal account. The National Whippet Club of Canada thanks you for your generous support!