Wolfdog rescue organizations often rely on donations to care for the animals. Donations can help provide food, shelter, and medical care.
Some organizations, like the Wolf Park in Indiana, offer educational programs and tours to raise awareness and funds for wolfdog rescue. These programs can help people learn about the importance of conservation and the challenges faced by wolfdog rescue organizations.
Volunteers play a crucial role in wolfdog rescue, helping with daily tasks such as feeding and cleaning enclosures.
Adoption and Rescue
Adopting a wolfdog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, offering a second lease on life to these amazing animals.
You can learn more about the adoption process by downloading our Adoption Package, which will walk you through the steps and provide instructions on how to apply.
Adopting a wolfdog is a gift that can't be replaced, giving them another family member and bringing joy to both the animal and the adoptive family.
The adoption process is well-documented in our Adoption Package, so be sure to download it to get started.
By adopting a wolfdog, you're not only saving a life, but also gaining a loyal companion that will bring love and companionship into your family.
For another approach, see: Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Adoption
Ownership and Care
To give a wolfdog a happy and healthy life, you need to be a prepared and educated owner. It takes a lot of work to provide a good home for a wolfdog, so make sure you're up for the challenge.
Wolfdogs are escape artists, so you'll need to provide adequate containment to keep them safe and prevent them from getting into trouble. This means making sure your home is wolfdog-proofed and that you have a secure enclosure or fence that can withstand their jumping and digging abilities.
A wolfdog's exercise needs are unique, and they require both physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. A 30-minute walk around the neighborhood just won't cut it - they need more than that to burn off their excess energy.
Here are some key things to consider when it comes to providing a good home for a wolfdog:
- Provide adequate containment to prevent escape and injury
- Ensure daily physical and mental stimulation
- Understand a wolfdog's specific challenges and behaviors and know how to manage them
- Have done extensive research on wolfdog behavior and ownership prior to adopting or buying one
Can a Wolfdog and Cat Get Along?
Wolfdogs tend to have a higher than normal prey drive, which means they might see cats as potential prey.
Some lower content wolfdogs may be okay around cats if they've received proper socialization to them at a young age.
However, even with socialization, it's essential to supervise interactions between wolfdogs and cats at all times.
If you're considering bringing a wolfdog into a household with cats, it's best to start with a controlled environment and gradually introduce them to each other under close supervision.
Can Dogs Get Along?
Socialization at a young age is crucial for wolfdogs to get along with other dogs. Proper socialization can make a big difference in their behavior around other canines.
Whether a wolfdog will get along with other dogs depends on the amount of wolf content they have. A low content wolfdog is more likely to get along with other dogs than a high content wolfdog.
Same sex aggression is common in wolfdogs, especially those with a significant amount of wolf content. This means they may not always get along with other dogs of the same sex.
Dog parks and off-leash areas are often not suitable for wolfdogs due to their potential aggression towards other dogs.
Recommended read: Wolf and Wolfdog
Dog Life Span
A wolfdog's life expectancy can vary depending on how much wolf content is present, but it's often between 12-16+ years old.
Caring for a wolfdog is a big commitment that requires long-term responsibility, as they can live well into their teens.
Wolfdogs with more wolf content tend to have a longer life expectancy, but this also means they may be more challenging to care for.
If you're no longer able to care for a wolfdog, there are very minimal places for them to go, which can often result in euthanasia.
A wolfdog's lifespan is a significant consideration when deciding whether to bring one into your family, as you must be prepared to care for them for their entire life.
Ownership
Owning a wolfdog is a big responsibility. It takes a lot of time, effort, and education to provide a good home for these animals.
First and foremost, you need to understand that wolfdogs are jumpers and diggers, so they require adequate containment. This means having a secure enclosure that's escape-proof with a top or high enough fencing.
To keep your wolfdog happy and healthy, you need to provide ample physical and mental stimulation daily. This can include activities like running, playing, and problem-solving.
It's essential to research wolfdog behavior and ownership before bringing one home. This will help you understand their specific challenges and behaviors, and know how to manage them.
Wolfdogs require a lot of exercise, and a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood just won't cut it. They need both physical exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis.
Here are some key requirements for owning a wolfdog:
- Provide adequate containment (they are jumpers and diggers)
- Provide ample physical and mental stimulation daily
- Take the time to understand a wolfdog's specific challenges and behaviors and know how to manage them
- Have done extensive research on wolfdog behavior and ownership prior to adopting or buying one
- Build a regulation size pen that is in conformity and compliance with rules and regulations of Federal, State, and Local permits required by law
Remember, owning a wolfdog is a big commitment, and it's crucial to prioritize their safety and well-being.
What Do They Eat?
When it comes to feeding your wolfdog, you'll want to focus on a high protein diet. Wolfdogs tend to do best on a high protein diet.
Most mid and high content wolfdogs do best eating a raw meat based diet. This means providing a variety of raw meats, such as chicken, beef, and fish.
Sanctuaries and Support
The Sanctuary for wolfdogs is at capacity, which means they can't accept every surrender that comes their way. They have to turn many wolfdogs away due to limited enclosures.
Backyard breeders take advantage of misconceptions about wolfdogs to create a market for them as exotic pets. This leads to a cycle of displacement for many intentionally bred high-content wolfdogs.
The Sanctuary focuses on educating the public about the true nature of wolfdogs to prevent more animals from being displaced. They also support rehoming low-content wolfdogs that would thrive in specific homes.
The High Desert
The High Desert is home to a remarkable rescue operation that showcases the best of the national wolfdog rescue community. The High Desert Wolves Rescue was one of the largest rescue operations ever seen.
Every animal was saved, thanks to the tireless efforts of the rescue team. The rescue operation was a huge success, with no animals left behind.
For those interested in learning more about this incredible rescue, a story and photo gallery can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Nevada
In Nevada, a wolfdog was given 10 days to live after biting someone, but it was later revealed the bite was out of fear.
Apex was contacted by Melanie Nonya, a caring dog rescuer, who needed help saving the wolfdog.
The authorities refused to work with Apex, but they found attorney Debra Cyrene Scheufler, who represented them pro bono because she loves wolves.
With the guidance of attorney Christopher Berry, Debra worked tirelessly to save the animal, and they quickly filed a 60-day notice to sue.
The authorities released the wolfdog, and he was taken to a sanctuary in Colorado, where he is now safe and well cared for.
Susan Weidel, Rescue Coordinator of W.O.L.F. in Colorado, played a crucial role in finding the sanctuary that could take the wolfdog.
East Texas Wolf Dog Sanctuary in the Works
The East Texas Wolf Dog Sanctuary is a vital resource for these amazing animals. The sanctuary's primary focus is to educate the public on the true nature of wolfdogs, as there are many misconceptions surrounding them.
Backyard breeders often take advantage of these misconceptions to create a market for wolfdogs as exotic pets. Unfortunately, this leads to many wolfdogs being surrendered by their owners.
The sanctuary accepts surrenders, but they're currently at capacity due to limited enclosures. This means they have to turn away many wolfdogs in need of a safe haven.
Low-content wolfdogs, on the other hand, can be rehomed in specific homes with the right care and attention. This is a positive outcome for these animals, and the sanctuary supports rehoming efforts.
The Yamnuska
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is home to over 55 wolfdogs, and they're not just any ordinary dogs. They're wolfdogs, a unique and fascinating breed that requires special care and attention.
The sanctuary has a dedicated group of wolfdog ambassadors who take center stage at events and interactions to educate the public about these amazing animals. They help spread awareness about the importance of wolf conservation and the true nature of wolfdogs.
Unfortunately, the sanctuary is at capacity with the number of enclosures they have, and they're forced to turn away many wolfdogs in need. This is a heartbreaking reality, but it's also a testament to the sanctuary's dedication to providing a safe and loving environment for these animals.
Adopting a wolfdog can be a life-changing experience, not just for the animal, but also for the family that welcomes them into their home. The sanctuary's adoption process is thorough and rewarding, and they provide a comprehensive package for prospective adopters to learn more about the process and how to apply.
Surrender and Process
Before surrendering your wolfdog, consider reaching out for behavioral advice. Our team is happy to offer guidance on containment, enrichment, and any behavioral questions you may have.
If you're still unsure, consult a trainer knowledgeable about wolfdog behavior. If you need a recommendation, we can provide suggestions.
A reputable breeder should have a return policy in place if you're no longer able to care for your wolfdog, so don't hesitate to contact them.
If surrender is the best option, here's what you can expect:
- We'll require you to fill out a Surrender Application and include photos of your wolfdog.
- We'll review your application and discuss further options.
- We'll arrange a drop-off date and surrender fee if your wolfdog is eligible to come to our sanctuary.
- Otherwise, we'll work with you to find alternative options for the animal.
Surrender Process
If you're considering surrendering your wolfdog, the first step is to contact us for any behavioral advice. We're happy to offer knowledgeable information and advice regarding containment, enrichment, and any behavioral questions.
If you're still unsure, you can also consult a trainer that is knowledgeable about wolfdog behavior. We can provide suggestions on trainers if you need them.
If you purchased your wolfdog from a breeder, it's worth contacting them to see if they have a return policy in place.
The surrender process itself involves filling out a Surrender Application and including photos of your wolfdog. This helps us gather the necessary information we need.
Once we've received the application, we'll review it and discuss further options with you.
If it's determined that your wolfdog can come to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, we'll arrange a drop-off date and surrender fee.
Here are the steps to surrender your wolfdog:
- Fill out the Surrender Application and include photos of your wolfdog.
- We'll review the application and discuss further options.
- If your wolfdog can come to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, we'll arrange a drop-off date and surrender fee.
- If it's not possible for your wolfdog to come to the sanctuary, we'll discuss other options for the animal.
Scarlet
Scarlet's story is a great example of how our team responds to emergencies. She was found injured and disoriented on the side of the road by one of our volunteers.
Our volunteer immediately pulled over, picked her up, and called for help, demonstrating the importance of a quick response in emergency situations.
Scarlet was guessed to be about 6 months old, and the vets believed she was either hit by a car or badly beaten.
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