Every dog available for adoption is posted on our Instagram page, @wicklowanimalwelfare, with a full background and honest account of their needs. When you find a dog you connect with, send us a direct message explaining why you feel the match could work. We take it from there.

Meet and greets are held at our centre near Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 1pm, by appointment only. We do not accept walk-ins. We are a small charity that operates on a tiny budget - all our time goes into caring for animals and we can’t afford to meet prospective adoption families each day.

The adoption fee is €250. This covers the veterinary care already provided during the dog's time in our care, including vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchipping and neutering where applicable. We also ask for a minimum donation of €100 toward the next rescue. Wicklow Animal Welfare receives no government funding.

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 full health record and starter food.

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. This policy exists to protect both the child and the dog, and we do not make exceptions.

We require that there are no un-neutered dogs in your home. Beyond that, we consider each application individually. Be honest on your adoption form about the dogs you have and we will advise whether a particular match is likely to work.

A valid dog licence, an engraved ID disc carrying your phone number and eircode. These are legal requirements under Irish law and we adhere to them without exception.

Yes. 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.

We expect to be the first call if something goes wrong. Every dog we rehome has a place back with us if they ever need it. Please do not rehome a dog yourself or surrender it to a pound without contacting us first.

We work with whatever dogs come through the system, which means we cannot predict what breeds will be available or when. Sometimes we see pups that were registered with the Irish Kennel Club. Other times, we rescue dogs that are so beautiful, their origin doesn’t matter! Follow our Instagram page for the most up-to-date picture of who is looking for a home.