Adoption process

Thank you for considering the addition of a NGWPR rescue dog to your family. Rescue dogs are special and the bond that you develop with your new GWP will be unlike any other. NGWPR attempts to make the adoption process as simple as possible. Please take time to think about the kind of dog that will fit best into your lifestyle. 

Things to consider

1. Is a GWP the breed for you? As a breed, Wires tend to be high-energy, high prey-drive dogs that need constant training, exercise and a job to do. Naturally, each dog is an individual and there are laid back, easy going GWPs that will fit into less active families. If you are new to the breed, please go to the Breed Information section of the website and learn about the breed. Despite their charming looks, GWPs are not for everyone.
2. If you feel GWPs are for you, then discuss with family members what type of dog will be a good fit. Most Wires want to be included in every family activity. Is your family active and on-the-go or quiet and sedate? Young GWPs tend to be very active and need gentle but consistent and constant training, while older dogs are quieter, demand less exercise and may be more mannerly.
3. Do you have a preference for a male or a female? We usually do not place a male Wire into a home where there is another male even if both dogs are neutered. We find that a male and a female get along better than two males or two females in the same household.  There are exceptions and we do take that into consideration.
4. Wires come in different colors and coat types. That fuzzy-faced Wire will probably need more grooming than a dog without so much beard, mustache and furnishings. Please take into consideration how you will groom a Wire that requires more coat care. 
5. GWPs are designed to hunt, yet NGWPR will never guarantee a rescue Wire will hunt. We do try to place dogs that have previous hunting experience or have strong bird instinct with owners who enjoy hunting behind a Wire. However, our rescues must first be house dogs and companions, then weekend hunting partners.

Once you have an idea of the type of GWP that will work best for you, then take time to look at the dogs on the website and read their specific information. When one interests you, you will see a link where you may send an e-mail to the foster with your questions and ask when you could call to speak about the dog. Our fosters are going to be honest and brutally frank about the dog they are caring for. They will also ask questions about your lifestyle, the dogs you currently have and the dogs you have had in the past. This gives them an idea of the type of expertise you have and your ability to manage a Wire rescue dog. Remember we want to make the best match for you and for our GWP rescue.

Please fill out the adoption application and submit it. Be sure to answer all of the questions, include your vet's name and phone number and include your personal references. We also request photos of your home, your yard and your other pets. 

Adoption applications are processed as quickly as possible, and once a home visit is completed and you are approved we begin making arrangements for you to pick up your dog.  

About adoption applications . . . Please keep in mind that National GWP Rescue is operated entirely by volunteers. At times we are overwhelmed with requests for adoptions and it takes time to go through them all and choose the best home for each dog.  The application review process does take a fair amount of time and our team conducts a thorough review.  If you application is approved, you will be contacted by a member of our team. Applications are kept on file and regularly compared against available dogs. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Adopters are expected to pick up their dog; however, when it is not possible our volunteer transport coordinator may arrange ground transport. If a flight is necessary all shipping fees are the responsibility of the adopter.

Adoption fees must be paid at the time of pick-up or paid by credit card via our website prior to pick-up.

Once your dog is home, his/her foster will contact you periodically to see how you are getting along. If at any time you are experiencing difficulties with your new pal, we will attempt to arrange a GWPCA member-mentor who lives in your area to work with you and your rescue dog. Remember our goal is the same as yours; we want you to enjoy and love your new Wire family member.

Adoption fee

$400 - Age 0 to 2 years
$300 - Age 3 to 5 years
$250 - Age 6 to 7 years
$200 - Age 8 to 9 years
$100 - Age 10+

There is no adoption fee for GWPCA members (if active at the time of application).

Application

If after reading all of the information on our site (including About GWPs) you feel ready to welcome a GWP into your home, please click the link below to complete our online adoption application.