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 DogsEvery 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. When you find a dog you connect with, send us a direct message explaining why you feel the match could work.
If it looks promising, we send you an adoption form. Once completed, we arrange a meet and greet at our Rathdrum centre, Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 1pm, by appointment only. A volunteer then visits your home. If everyone agrees the match is right, your dog goes home with you.
We sometimes say no. 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 does not understand why his “forever” home was short lived.
Every dog that leaves us is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and treated for kennel cough, fleas and mange. The adoption fee of €250 covers the vet care already provided, plus a minimum donation of €100 toward the next rescue in crisis.
RehomingThe Right Home. Not Just Any Home
Every dog adopted from Wicklow Animal Welfare 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. The adoption fee of €250 covers the vet care already provided during their time in our care.
We also ask for a minimum donation of €100 toward the next rescue. Wicklow Animal Welfare receives no government funding. Every donation goes directly to the animals.
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 that is not something you can commit to, please do not apply.
Our FAQ page covers fees, contracts and everything else you need to know before you begin.
No Surprises. No Hidden Costs.
Every dog that leaves us is fully prepared for home life before they go.
Is this Right for You?
A Few Things to Know Before You Apply
We have firm criteria. They exist to protect the dogs, the children and you.
We do not place adult rescue dogs in homes with children under six. Many of our dogs arrive fearful of sudden noise and unpredictable movement. Small children, through no fault of their own, can set a recovering dog back significantly. Our criteria exist to protect everyone, and we do not make exceptions.
We also require that there are no un-neutered dogs in your home. All adopters must bring a valid dog licence when collecting their dog, along with an engraved ID disc carrying their phone number and proof of address for microchip registration. These are legal requirements and we adhere to them without exception.
If you have questions before applying, our FAQ page has everything you need.
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 (01 202 2810)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
Founder 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.
Fiona’s Story
Over 50 Years helping animals