Not all rescue dogs are damaged
They just need a second chance. Many are healthy, sociable animals that simply lost their place. We take the time to find every one of them the right new home.A Second Chance. Not a Consolation Prize.
The dogs in our care come from different backgrounds. What they have in common is that they all deserve better than what came before.
Some arrive with difficult histories. Time in a pound, a life spent producing litters, or simply a home that could no longer keep them. Others are healthy, sociable dogs whose circumstances changed through no fault of their own.
We get to know every dog before we even begin looking for a match. Their personality, their quirks, what unsettles them and what brings them to life. Some are ready for a busy family home. Others need somewhere quieter. A small number need experienced handlers.
None of that makes any of them less worthy of a home. It just means the match needs to be right. A dog placed well stays placed. That is what we are working toward with every adoption we make.
The DogsEverything you need to know about giving a dog their forever home.
We get a lot of questions about the adoption process, so we've put this page together to guide you through your adoption journey. We ask you to come prepared, be 100% on board, and be patient. Our volunteers work hard to match every dog to the home that fits them best.
Every dog available for adoption is posted on our Instagram page, @wicklowanimalwelfare, with a full background, honest personality notes and a clear account of what they need.
RehomingThe Right Home. Not Just Any Home
Before You Apply
Check availability: Dogs available for adoption are posted on our Instagram page. Keep an eye on our stories, posts, and highlights. Any dog labelled Booked is no longer available.
Get everyone on board: Only apply if every person in your household is fully in agreement about adopting.
Check with your landlord: If you are renting, make sure you have permission to keep a dog.
Read the dog's profile carefully: Each post will tell you the minimum age for children in the home, whether the dog needs another dog for company, and any other requirements.
Is this Right for You?
The Adoption Process
Step 1: Apply Complete our adoption application form on our website (link in our Instagram bio).
Step 2: Express your interest Send us a DM on Instagram to let us know which dog you're interested in and that you've submitted your application.
Step 3: Application review We will assess your application. We may ask you to send photos of your garden, or your balcony if you live in an apartment.
Step 4: Home check call If we feel you're a good fit, one of our volunteers will arrange a home check call to go through your application and answer any questions you have.
Step 5: Meet your dog Our volunteers will arrange an appointment for you to meet your dog. If all goes well, you take them home that same day!
If you have questions before applying, our FAQ page has everything you need.
Meeting Your Dog
We are not open to the public and do not offer open meet and greets or the option to view multiple dogs.
All adoptions are by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 11am to 12:30pm, at our rescue in Wicklow.
When you attend your appointment, if the meeting goes well, you can take your dog home with you that day.
Is this Right for You?
Adoption Fees
Every dog that leaves us is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated twice, treated for kennel cough, wormed, and treated for fleas and mange. They leave with a health record and starter food.
Adoption fee: €250 covers the vet care already provided during their time in our care.
Minimum donation: €100 goes directly toward the next rescue in crisis.
Wicklow Animal Welfare receives no government funding. Every donation goes directly to the animals.
A note on puppies
Puppies adopted before they are old enough to be neutered leave under a legally binding contract. Neutering at six months is mandatory, without exception. If this is not something you can commit to, please do not apply.
Why We Sometimes Say No
We occasionally decline applications, and it is always in the best interest of the dog. A dog placed in the wrong home is a dog that comes back, and that doesn't help anyone. It also confuses a dog who doesn't understand why their "forever" home was short-lived. Our volunteers take great care to make the right match for every dog.
Without You, None of This Happens
Wicklow Animal Welfare receives no government funding. Zero
Every rescued animal is funded entirely by donations.There is no single right way to help. Monthly giving, one-off donations, volunteering or simply sharing our posts: every contribution keeps the work going.
We welcome donations via Paypal, Revolut or text the word WAW to 50300 to donate €4*
👇 Click to Donate 👇
Wicklow Animal Welfare is a registered charity No. 20068943 *100% of the text cost goes to Wicklow Animal Welfare. Some providers apply VAT, which means a minimum of €3.26 will go to the charity. Service Provider: FundraisingSolutions.co
A one-off donation is always welcome.
A monthly commitment changes how we operate.
When we know what is coming in each month, we can book vet appointments without checking the balance first. We can say yes to the next pound call without hesitation. We can plan a neutering clinic and know it will go ahead.
Even €10 a month makes a measurable difference.
Over a year, that covers parasite treatment, vaccines or emergency care for several animals.
Because every dog deserves a happy life
Fiona’s Story
Over 50 Years helping animalsFounder Fiona Gammell started rescuing dogs when she was just 12 years old, using her pocket money to pay for neighbours' dogs to be neutered in a bid to prevent unwanted litters flooding her local area. That early determination never left her.
Over the decades, she worked as a voluntary cruelty inspector, served as vice‑president of Wicklow SPCA, and studied both law and farming to better understand the systems – and the gaps – that leave so many animals at risk. This breadth of experience means WAW doesn't just understand animals; we understand the rural realities, the legislation loopholes, and the cultural and economic pressures that create Ireland's ongoing animal welfare crisis.
We know what it takes to make real, lasting change – and we're in it for the long haul.
