How Do I Surrender My Irish Wolfhound?
When you first brought home your Irish Wolfhound, you probably imagined years of companionship — long walks, lazy afternoon snuggles, and a bond that would last a lifetime. But things haven’t gone the way you planned. Maybe your living situation has changed, and there’s no longer enough space for a giant breed. Perhaps the financial strain of feeding and caring for such a large dog has become overwhelming, and you’re looking for financial assistance with vet bills. Or despite your best efforts, their energy, strength, or prey drive feels like more than you can handle.
What does it mean to rehome a dog?
Rehoming a dog means finding them a new, responsible home when you can no longer care for them. This is different from surrendering a dog, which usually involves giving your dog to a shelter or rescue organization. When you rehome your Irish Wolfhound, you take an active role in ensuring they go to a safe, loving family rather than leaving that decision to an overcrowded shelter.
There are many reasons pet parents may need to make this choice. Maybe your Irish Wolfhound has grown too large for your current home, or you’re expanding your family and wondering if they’ll thrive among other household members. Or financial struggles have made it difficult to afford their food and veterinary care. Perhaps they have high energy levels or behavior challenges that you aren’t quite equipped to manage.
The most important thing is to take the time to find the right option — not just any home, but the right home. If you’re unsure how to find the best adopter, check out tips for finding a home for a rescue pet. In the next sections, we’ll explore how to rehome a dog safely, avoid risky methods, and connect with people who are truly prepared to welcome an Irish Wolfhound into their lives.
How to rehome your Irish Wolfhound
If you’ve decided to rehome your Irish Wolfhound, it’s important to do so in a way that prioritizes their well-being. Finding the right home takes time, but choosing the best option will ensure your dog ends up with a responsible adopter.
Avoid classifieds and unsupervised online listings
It might be tempting to post an ad on general classified sites or social media to find a new home quickly — but these platforms are risky. Without proper screening, your dog could end up in an unsafe situation. Some people seek out large breeds like Irish Wolfhounds for irresponsible breeding, neglect, or even dog fighting.
Red flags to watch for in potential adopters:
- Someone offering to take your dog “no questions asked”
- Requests for a “free” dog, which can indicate a lack of commitment or bad intentions
- Adopters unwilling to meet in person or share details about their homes
- People interested in adopting multiple dogs at once
It’s best to avoid unmoderated online options entirely — including generic pet classifieds — as they often attract adopters who may not have the best intentions.
Find someone you already know to adopt
One of the safest (and least stressful) ways to rehome a dog is to place them with someone you already know and trust — a family member, close friend, or coworker looking for a dog. For someone who already knows your dog, the adjustment period for both your pup and the new family may be smoother and more compassionate.
Try FurPetVo Rehome
If you want to stay involved in your dog’s adoption process, FurPetVo Rehome is a trusted, secure option. This online platform — available at furpetvo.com — allows you to create a detailed profile for your Irish Wolfhound (or any other pet), connect with and screen adopters, and choose the best fit for your dog.
How FurPetVo Rehome works:
- Create a profile: Include photos and a thoughtful description of your dog’s personality, daily routine, medical history, and specific needs.
- Set an adoption fee: A modest fee helps confirm adopters’ seriousness and commitment.
- Screen potential adopters: Review applications, ask follow-up questions, and communicate directly with interested families.
- Finalize the adoption: Once you find the right match, FurPetVo provides guidance on safely transitioning your dog into their new home.
Using a platform like FurPetVo ensures your dog is adopted by a responsible, committed pet parent — not someone seeking a free pet or making an impulsive decision.
Surrender at a shelter or breed-specific rescue
Surrendering your Irish Wolfhound to a shelter or rescue is another option — but approach it thoughtfully. Many general animal shelters accept surrendered pets, yet they’re often severely overcrowded and may have long waitlists. A better path is reaching out to a breed-specific rescue, as they understand the unique needs of Irish Wolfhounds and typically have stronger networks for successful, lasting placements.
Before surrendering your pup, research how to find a reputable pet rescue organization. Many rescues operate through donations and volunteer efforts, so they may accept your dog at no cost — though space is often limited. In urgent situations, some organizations offer resources or temporary support while you search for a permanent match.
Why you should charge a rehoming fee
A rehoming fee is a small, voluntary fee you charge someone to adopt your pet. If you’re placing your Irish Wolfhound with a trusted friend or family member, you may choose not to charge one. But if you’re connecting with strangers, a modest fee serves an important purpose: it helps ensure the adopter is serious, financially prepared, and genuinely committed to your dog’s lifelong care.
Do you have to pay to rehome an Irish Wolfhound?
In most cases, rehoming your Irish Wolfhound won’t cost you anything — but it depends on the method you choose. Some shelters charge surrender fees (typically $50–$150) to cover basic intake and care costs. However, many breed-specific rescues and platforms like FurPetVo Rehome do not charge owners to list or rehome their dog.
If you’re concerned about affordability, FurPetVo offers free listing tools and optional adoption fees you set yourself — helping you balance compassion with practicality. You retain full control over the process, and FurPetVo’s community guidelines help protect both you and your dog.
No matter which option you choose, taking the time to find a responsible new home is the most important step you can take — for your peace of mind, and for your beloved companion’s future happiness.
