You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for the best Whippet rescues in the United States. The “poor man’s racehorse” is dubbed for its lightning-fast speed. Whippets are calm, loving, and graceful dogs. Like their cousins, the famous Greyhound, Whippets are slim dogs that make excellent pets, and Whippet rescues in the United States are the best places to get one.
The friendly and gentle nature of Whippets makes them ideal lifelong companions. When they’re not running around chasing balls or squirrels, Whippets love nothing more than to relax for hours on end with their loved ones. Unfortunately, local shelters and rescue organizations rescue many Whippets from the streets after puppy mills and backyard breeders turn them out.
Whippet rescues throughout the United States are determined to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome as many Whippet dogs as possible. Most rescue organizations have well-established rehabilitation programs that include training, socialization, grooming, and healthcare to ensure each rescued dog finds a loving home. Therefore, the dogs in these rescues are more well-adjusted and trained than most people expect.
So, instead of purchasing a costly Whippet from a breeder, consider adopting one of these pet rescues in the United States. Although some excellent organizations are working for the welfare of Whippets, there aren’t many. Hence, we’ve also mentioned a few online resources for Whippet rescues that can help broaden your search if you’re not having much luck finding rescues in your area.
Before you scroll down this list of Whippet rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Newfoundland Rescues in the United States and Best Papillon Rescues in the United States.
Find a Whippet Rescue Shelter Near Me in the United States
This guide compiled by our team at We Love Doodles will help you find the best Whippet rescues in the United States with available dogs for adoption.
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1. Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. – Multiple States
First on our list is the widely recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. Operating exclusively in the United States, Whippet Rescue, and Placement, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming purebred Whippets that have been surrendered by owners, welfare facilities, and humane societies.
Luckily, it provides services across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. assesses every Whippet’s physical and mental health, training, temperament, and suitability as a pet. All dogs receive necessary veterinary care, vaccinations, and treatment for heartworm and fleas/ticks.
Moreover, the organization operates through foster homes and ensures that all dogs receive appropriate love and rehabilitation before being placed into permanent forever homes. Abused or neglected rescue Whippets are often nervous and frightened.
The experienced, generous, and compassionate volunteers and fosters at Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. teach these animals to trust people before adoption. In addition, Whippets given up due to behavior issues are thoroughly evaluated and receive adequate training and behavior modification before they are put on the adoption list.
Due to the exceptional efforts of the organization, there are always very few Whippets in their foster homes, and the waiting list for adoptable rescues is usually full. If you’re interested, fill out and submit the adoption application to start the process of considering you as an adoptable parent for any available dogs. After a home visit and interview, the final decision rests with the rescue volunteer and the Regional Advisor.
The adoption fees as of August 2019 are as follows:
- Unaltered Whippet puppies (up to 1 year old): $700 with up to $200 refunded when proof of spaying/neutering is given after adoption
- Altered Whippet puppies (up to 1 year old): $500
- 1 to 2-year-old Whippets: $500
- 2 to 8-year-old Whippets: $400
- 9-year-old and above Whippets (seniors):$200
- Special-needs Whippets: fee differs for every dog after consultation with a Regional Advisor
Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. Details
- Address/Location: Multiple States
- Website: Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc.
- Social Media: Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc.’s Facebook
2. Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue – Northern California
A club established in 1965, the Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association is devoted to preserving, satisfying, and rehabilitating the Whippet breed. The club handles the Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue in collaboration with other autonomous Whippet rescues in the United States surrounding the area from the Oregon and Nevada borders to Monterey.
Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Rescue also works closely with the Whippet mentioned above Rescue and Placement, Inc. Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue fosters, trains, grooms, and finds the best-matched forever homes for purebred Whippets.
It accepts dogs from other rescues and shelters, strays, and those surrendered by owners. The rescue organization does not have a kennel; instead, all its rescued Whippets are housed in loving private foster homes run by experienced members and volunteers. In terms of health, all the rescue dogs are up-to-date on immunizations, spayed/neutered, and thoroughly examined by a vet.
They are also evaluated for behavioral or temperament issues and receive house/crate training to adapt quickly to their perfect forever home. While some dogs are easily vetted and evaluated, others might require a lot of time and special veterinary care. Hence, the period a Whippet spends in foster care varies greatly.
True to its exceptional reputation, the Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association places about four to eight Whippets in forever homes every year. If you’re interested in adopting a Whippet in Northern California, fill out and submit the adoption application form on the rescue’s website. After receiving the application, you will receive a welcome message and be placed on a waiting list.
A representative from the rescue will contact you if a prospective match is available. The adoption process involves a home visit and an interview. All adopted Whippets from the rescue are meant to be ‘house dogs’ and must not be kept in yards. Moreover, the prospective owners must ensure that their house has a dog door and a securely fenced yard.
The adoption fees are as follows:
- Whippet Puppies (less than a year old): $500
- Adult Whippets (over one year old): $400
- Senior whippets (over nine years old): reduced or no adoption fee on a case-by-case basis
The adoption fee covers expenses for immunizations, spaying/neutering, and any other medical and basic requirements for rescue dogs. Important update: As of January 1, 2023, the Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue will join the Whippet Rescue & Placement Inc. Family.
All existing Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association adoption candidates received information about applying with Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. around December 1, 2021, since Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc. has its application process.
Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue Details
- Address/Location: Northern California, United States
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association Whippet Rescue
Other Resources For Whippet Dogs in the United States
If you can’t find a suitable Whippet from these rescues or can’t seem to locate a Whippet rescue in your area, here are some useful resources that feature authentic pet rescues in the United States.
3. RescueMe Whippet Rescue – Multiple States
RescueMe is a huge resource for dog rescues in the United States; it showcases a network of rescues in almost 20 states and features hundreds of animal rescues (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) to help potential adopters find their ideal pets. In addition, they have a webpage dedicated to helping Whippet rescues connect with potential customers across California.
There are usually many Whippets available for adoption on their website at a given time, each with a dedicated profile highlighting their age, health, temperament, and other important information. Their contact information is also available for adopters. You can also subscribe to the network’s Rescue Alerts to receive notifications whenever a new Whippet (or any animal you prefer) is posted in your area.
RescueMe Whippet Rescue Details
- Phone Number: (800) 800-2099
- Website: RescueMe Whippet Rescue
- Social Media: RescueMe Whippet Rescue
4. American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network – Multiple States
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network is the largest dog rescue network in the United States. The American Kennel Club is an archive of purebred dog bloodlines in the United States. Officially recognized by the AKC in 2013, the network currently features over 450 rescue organizations in the United States with more than 160 different breeds of dogs.
AKC’s National Breed Clubs lead most of these rescue groups, rehabilitation centers, and foster homes. Moreover, most of the rescues registered with the AKC are run by dedicated canine breeders and enthusiasts. The AKC Rescue Network is unique because all rescue groups in the network foster and rehabilitate dogs for as long as they don’t find a forever home or until they are physically and mentally prepared to be rehomed.
The foster volunteers in these groups provide transparent and detailed information about the rescue dog’s history, personality, temperament, health, and special needs, making it easier to find them a best-fitting home. You’re sure to find a Whippet dog from one of these AKC-accredited rescue groups.
AKC Rescue Network Details
- Website: AKC Rescue Network
- Social Media: AKC Rescue Network’s Facebook
5. Adopt-a-Pet
Adopt-a-Pet is another large-scale network that helps more than 21,000 humane societies, animal shelters, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, pet rescues, and pet adoption organizations advertise their animals to potential adopters every month, and that too for free.
The purpose of Adopt-a-Pet is to connect potential adopters with shelter animals. The network also provides valuable information about responsible pet ownership, human/companion animal relationships, and the importance of spaying/neutering to reduce animal euthanasia rates.
Adopt-a-Pet also features blogs, articles, and a YouTube channel with tutorials on pet training and various entertaining aspects about animals. All its content is developed by experts and professionals specializing in animal training, behavior, and human psychology.
Adopt-a-Pet Details
- Phone Number: (800) 728-3273
- Website: Adopt-a-Pet
- Social Media: Adopt-a-Pet’s Facebook
6. Petfinder
And our last online resource for Whippet rescues in the United States that need homes is the searchable rescue database Petfinder. It features nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption agencies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All registered nonprofit organizations have their separate pages and available-pet databases.
Petfinder consists of animal-care professionals and dedicated volunteers to maintain the welfare of disadvantaged animals. In addition, the organizations collaborate with local governments, public pet shelters, and other nonprofit rescue organizations to provide active and accurate listings of adoptable pets across the United States.
Pet lovers can easily search for a rescued pet, find the relevant rescue or shelter’s website, and learn more about their services. Moreover, Petfinder features discussion forums, free pet-care articles, and a pet-care resource directory. Petfinder is updated daily, and its mission isn’t simply rehoming disadvantaged animals.
This online resource also helps increase public awareness about rehabilitating high-quality adoptable pets, the efficacy of pet adoption organizations across North America, and the importance of spaying/neutering to reduce euthanasia. If you cannot find a Whippet rescue in your area, give this platform a go. If you’re lucky, you can find listings of many adoptable Whippets within your radius.
Petfinder Details
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Website: Petfinder
- Social Media: Petfinder’s Facebook
How to Choose Whippet Rescues in the United States
When you’re choosing Whippet puppy rescues in the United States, make sure to look for the following aspects:
- Reputable rescues have a 501(c)(3) charitable status with experienced and trained staff and volunteers. They also uphold strict adoption and fostering guidelines.
- The fosters and volunteers must be friendly, cooperative, and eager to answer any queries to find the perfect pet-person combination.
- All rescue animals must receive adequate medical and veterinary care and be treated for ticks/mites and heartworm. Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping are also a must.
- Responsible rescues restrict the number of animals they take in to prevent overpopulation. This is why some rescues, like most of those we’ve mentioned in this article, focus on rescuing a single breed.
- Active rescues regularly organize fundraisers and other rescue events. A dynamic public presence helps them socialize with the community and gives the animals more opportunities to interact with potential adopters. Moreover, it allows the rescue to raise funds and awareness.
- Good rescues establish long-lasting connections and links with other rescues and shelter organizations, medical experts, spay and neuter clinics, groomers, trainers, etc.
More Information About Whippet Puppies in the United States
Whippets are synonymous with agility and grace, like the Greyhound. However, this breed is a little smaller than a Greyhound at a maximum height of about 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. In addition, the Whippet features a deep chest, slender waist, lean head, and a long, arched neck.
Its sturdy legs are what support its athletic and fleet-footedness. These dogs make perfect companions because of their exceptional temperament, low maintenance, and loving behavior with children and other pets. They like running around in a fenced yard and adjust nicely in compact apartments as long as their owners provide ample exercise.
Conclusion For The “Best Whippet Rescues in the United States”
We hope our list of Whippet dog and puppy rescues in the United States and the most reliable online resources for pet rescues will help you find your perfect Whippet companion.
If you’re not looking to adopt but have experience with the breed, you can volunteer as a foster and help rehabilitate disadvantaged dogs. Always donate generously to your local rescues and shelters to help them with their noble cause.
For more guides similar to this list of Whippet rescues in the United States, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Bloodhound Rescues in the United States
- Best Shar-Pei Rescues in the United States
- Best Shiba Inu Rescues in the United States
Before you adopt a Whippet dog companion from a rescue shelter in the United States, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “12 Things Only Whippet Dog Owners Understand” down below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ASCM7hN2O1c
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.