Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If I am interested in fostering or adopting, what is your process?

A. Fostering is a great way to get to know a breed of dog before you adopt. It is also a very rewarding experience and helps a rescue effort greatly. Our foster program is very simple. We follow basically the same process as adoption but instead of signing an adoption contract; a foster contract is signed. There are no fees involved in fostering unless the person fostering wants to buy the dog toys, treats, etc.. We provide the food, and take care of veterinary costs while the dog is in your care. We ask that you use our veterinarian if the dog in your care needs to be seen. We ask that foster homes be within our local area, as they must be available for other potential adopters to visit with the dogs. Should a foster parent decide that they would like to adopt the dog, we need to be notified as soon as possible so that we can take the dog off of our available dogs list.

Adoption Our goal is to find each and every dog a "Forever Home". When a potential adopter contacts us, we will have them fill out an application and we will then conduct an interview them on the phone and determine if we have a dog that will fit their situation. We will also at this time check vet references. If we have a possible match we will invite the adopter to meet the dog and to introduce any pets that the adopter might already have. If this meeting goes well and the adopter decides that they would like to try and adopt the dog then we do a home visit with the dog.

The home visit is to acquaint the dog with its new surroundings. We also check to see if it is an environment that is safe for the dog. If this all goes well and the applicant is approved, then we will finalize the adoption. We require a contract to be signed and an adoption fee of $250.00 (adults over 1 yr) and $275 (puppies under 1yr). If after adopting a dog, the owner finds that the dog is not working out or if they cannot keep the dog, the dog must be returned to Wolf Creek Wem Rescue.

Q. Do you adopt to homes out-of-state?

A. Yes, provided we can find someone in the area to do a home visit and it is the right home. We take each case on an individual basis and whether we have a dog that we feel will do well without the rescue feeling that the dog will come back to us. We must be able to check on the dogs we adopt out. Out-of -State adoptions make it harder for us to do that.

Q. What is bloat and do I need to worry?

A. Please see our Health Page for detailed information

Q. I have a cat. Would a Weim do well with one?

A. Sometimes we get dogs that are cat friendly, but since this is a hunting and sporting breed, most have high prey drives and might not do well with a cat. However, if a weim is brought up with a cat from a young age, then they most likely will do well.

Q. I am a college student and I want a weimaraner. I live in an apartment.

A. We typically do not adopt to students, as their schedules are usually very hectic and varied. Weims are a breed that likes things to consistent. We have found that student life is not conducive for weims. It is advised to wait until you finish school and get more of a permanent schedule. Also there are very few weims that make good apartment dogs. 15 percent of owner surrenders we get in, come from college students who have either left the dog with mom and dad or find they do not have time as their schedule becomes too busy or they move to a new job and cannot take dog with them.

Q. Where do the dogs you get come from? Why do you get so many?

A. We typically get weims from shelters and as strays. Most come as owner surrenders. Lack of research before choosing the breed as a pet and changing lifestyles are the most common reasons for the dogs we get. Many people get the breed and the novelty wears off and even still, people are not willing to work through training issues or behavioral problems. Most dogs we get are very wonderful and just need a second chance in the proper environment. The breed as become very popular and are being breed by backyard breeders everywhere which contributes to the problem.

Q. I have young children, do weims do well with kids.

A. Weims do well with older children. We have found that a household with 2 or more young children is not the best for most weims. Weims require a major attention commitment from their owner. We have found that a household with 2 or more really young children does not have the energy or time commitment needed. Weimaraners are like having and extra child.

We are very careful in placing dogs in homes with children as many of the dogs we get in have backgrounds that are unknown. We receive many calls of families expecting a child and want to get a weimaraner. This is not advisable as the family will be busy with the new arrival and most likely the dog will not get the attention it deserves. If you have children, and are considering a weim, please be sure that you and all family members are willing to contribute to its care and well being. 80 percent of owner surrenders we get in, come from families with children due to the energy level of the weim and the lack of training, exercise and attention the family provides to the dog.

Q. Do Weimaraners need a fence? I have an electric underground fence?

A. Our position on electronic fences is this: They are not our first choice, but if used correctly can be better than not having one at all. Dogs should never be left out in one unsupervised. We have known cases of electronic fences backfiring and injuring dogs and dogs being stolen. Proper training should be given if you are to use one. The fence does not stop intruders or other dogs. The fence can be a help if leash walking isn't desirable for potty breaks.Some weims are escape artists and many are prey driven so sometimes electronic fences won't hold them. Weims have a high level of separation anxiety so sometimes it does not matter what kind of fence you have - they can get around it if the desire is gret enough.

Most weims need a permanent fence. There are occasions when we get a dog that is trustworthy enough to be placed in a home without a fence. It must be an excellent situation and the dog mature enough to handle it. We will not place a dog in a home where it is to be kept outside within an electronic fence. We also do not place dogs in homes where they are to be outside dogs.

Q. When is the best time to start training?

A. With pups, as early as 10-12 weeks. With adults as soon as you get them. We recommend that if you rescue a weim, that you at least take them through one set of classes, just to bond and develop a working relationship. Choose an instructor that is motivational and uses motivational methods. We do not recommend board and train classes. YOU must work with your weim.