The Rottweiler Welfare Association, is a not-for-profit organisation, and was started in 1979 to find good homes for Rottweilers. The association is completely run by volunteers and has been a registered charity since 1981. Our logo says - 'It begins here' and we firmly believe that a dog deserves to get a second chance and find its forever home.

The aims of the association are to:

RWA operates nationwide and have many years of experience in rehoming Rottweilers. We are not associated with any other Rottweiler rescue organisation, but will try to assist anyone that contacts us for help. RWA does not have its own rescue centre but encourages owners of dogs that need to be rehomed to continue to keep their dog as long as possible until a new suitable home can be found, thus minimising the stress and anxiety on the dog. If a dog needs to be removed from the home for whatever reason or comes in as as a stray they are housed in a number of approved kennels throughout the country whilst waiting for a new home. The kennels are all experienced with Rottweilers and are Welfare representatives. Some dogs are also fostered in homes if kennels are not appropriate. All dogs that need a new home are assessed by us, so we can match the right dog to the right owner and vice versa. All prospective new homes are also checked.  A requirement of our adoption policy is that if for any reason or at any time a dog needs to be returned RWA will take it back. All dogs depending on their circumstances will be neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated before being rehomed. Dogs that cannot be neutered prior to being rehomed, will need to be neutered by the new owner within 6 months and a spaying form returned to us. 

The dogs we rescue are given up for many reasons: now an adult and no longer the cute puppy this dog is perceived as a nuisance and is simply abandoned. A dog is neglected due to the owner not being able to afford the veterinary fees or food for it to eat. Others need to be helped to find new homes due to the owner dying, the loss of a job or home, a child developing an allergy, a family break up and those who are moving house and are unable or unwilling to take the dog with them. Then of course there are the cruelty cases, dogs beaten for no reason, or shut up in a shed all day. These are only a some of the reason,  but it is our policy to ensure that these Rottweilers get a chance to start a new life and be loved.

Information on adopting

Because our rescued Rottweilers are very special to us we insist upon finding them the very best forever homes. To be considered as an adopting owner you must:

• have a home check from an authorised officer of the RWA
• undertake to keep your dog as a household pet. Rottweilers are sociable dogs and require human companionship and should not be kept away from human company.
• undertake to keep the dog in good health and give it good care. This includes providing all the necessary veterinary care and insurance. Proper care of the dog includes assuring that it has fresh water and food, appropriate sleeping quarters in a space of its own. Proper socialisation, training, exercise, play, given it attention and undertake grooming.　
• have a high fenced yard/garden or an appropriate secure area for the dog to use. Tying dogs outside to a post, tree, or clothes line or promising to always accompany the dog in an unfenced yard are not acceptable alternatives to fencing. This is necessary to ensure the dog’s safety as well as having consideration for your neighbours.
• be willing to have third party liability insurance
• return the dog to Rottweiler Welfare if for any reason you can no longer keep it. The dog must never be sold or given away to anyone including family members.
• comply with any laws and regulations as laid down by the Government, in respect of Rottweilers.

Please read these notes carefully!

• The Rottweiler is a large, strong, intelligent and determined dog which, like all dogs, needs to be socialised, trained properly and controlled at all times.
• No one should own a Rottweiler if he/she is not absolutely sure that they can control such a dog and are willing and able to devote time and effort to teach the dog good basic manners.
• The Rottweiler has a natural guarding instinct without being encouraged to be aggressive. NO owner should take the action to encourage the Rottweiler's natural guarding instincts.
• No Rottweiler should be in the sole charge, even for a limited period of time, of a person e.g. child, who is not capable of controlling it, either physically or mentally.
• When taking a Rottweiler, or any other dog out in public, it is of paramount importance to show consideration for other people, animals and livestock.
• Any person who owns a Rottweiler should be aware that he will be devoted to and feel protective towards his household. This should be born in mind when children are playing, people arguing or visitors are calling.

So you still want a Rottie than please consider giving one of our dogs a home.

We try to the best of our ability to match each dog with the most suitable owner. The length of time you wait depends on your requirement of a dog as well as the dog’s requirements of an owner. If you are flexible about the dog’s age, sex and distance you will travel, your wait may be less, but when applying to adopt a dog, if a suitable dog is not available your name will be added to our waiting list until a suitable dog arrives. Dogs now come into care almost on a daily basis and the website gets updated regularly. Under no circumstances will a dog be rehomed to any place other than a home environment. If after you have adopted your dog you require help and advice with your adopted Rottweiler we are only a phone call or email away.

Costs

To be able to continue our work, the RWA needs support. A voluntary donation will be greatly appreciated when adopting one of our dogs. All donations help with kennelling costs and the care of the dogs.

It is our policy not to place a dog into a home with young children unless we know that the dog has lived with children of the same age range and is accustomed to them.