American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association Rescue
The American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association (AWPGA) Rescue is the only national AKC breed rescue dedicated to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. We help rehome adult Griffons across the United States and Canada.
Our mission is to rescue and rehome purebred Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, finding them permanent homes where they can thrive. These dogs come from a variety of situations—owners who can no longer meet the breed’s needs, life changes, or shelters. Please note: AWPGA Rescue cannot accept dogs with a history of biting.
Maggie...is in Rhode Island and getting on a great schedule with hunting in her future.
Oakley...now gets to run on the beach in Jacksonville FL.
Goose...went all the way from California to Oregon to live with 3 female Griffs who keep him in line.
Thinking of Surrendering Your Griffon?
We know surrendering a dog is difficult, and we’re here to help. Our process ensures your dog will be placed in a loving, well-matched home.
Surrender Process:
Complete the Surrender Form
Fill out the Dog Evaluation
Pay the $130 Surrender Fee
Coordinate with the Rescue Chair to arrange the dog’s physical surrender.
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Surrendering Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
When you surrender your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to AWPGA Rescue, you are giving up legal ownership and placing your trust in us to find a safe, loving home for your dog. There is no cost to surrender your dog beyond the standard $130 surrender fee.
In most cases, your dog can stay in your home and under your care during the rehoming process. If that’s not possible, we can place your dog in one of our pre-approved foster homes until adoption.
AWPGA Rescue works hard to match each dog with the most suitable home from our pool of carefully screened, breed-experienced applicants. We will keep you updated throughout the process. While we may ask for your initial input on potential adopters, the final decision on placement is made by AWPGA Rescue.
Our goal is to remove the uncertainty from the surrender process and give you peace of mind, knowing your dog will be placed in a safe, caring home. We also conduct periodic follow-ups on all rehomed dogs to ensure their well-being.
Important: AWPGA Rescue cannot accept any Wirehaired Pointing Griffon with a history of biting—defined as an incident where the dog has bitten a person or another animal and broken the skin.
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The Surrender Intake Form is a legally binding contract between you and AWPGA Rescue. By signing it, you permanently give up all rights and ownership of your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Only the legal owner(s) of the dog can complete and submit the form, with a few exceptions:
Animal rescue groups or shelters may submit the form if:
The Griffon was picked up as a stray
The legal owners surrendered the dog to the organization
The legal owners are deceased
Friends, family, or representatives of the legal owner(s) can submit the form only if they provide written proof that they are authorized to act on the owner's behalf.
Once the form is submitted:
AWPGA Rescue takes over full responsibility for rehoming the dog
You must stop any personal efforts to rehome the dog, including removing all ads or social media posts
You are responsible for the dog’s care and expenses until physical custody is transferred to Rescue or a foster home
Important:
If you fail to turn over the dog when asked, misrepresent ownership, or try to rehome the dog outside of Rescue, you will be in breach of contract. This includes any involvement by your friends, family, or representatives. In such cases, you agree to pay $130 in liquidated damages, reflecting Rescue's time and effort in the rehoming process. -
AWPGA Rescue works to make the rehoming process as smooth and timely as possible. Some dogs are placed in as little as a day or a week. Others, especially those needing homes with specific experience, may take a few months.
No matter how long it takes, AWPGA Rescue will not transfer your dog to another rescue or shelter. We stay involved and work closely with you until we find the right home.
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Want to Foster a Rescue Griffon?
Foster families are vital to our rescue efforts! As a foster, you provide a safe and loving home while we find the dog’s forever family.
Foster Process:
Complete the Foster Application
Participate in a Foster Evaluation
Coordinate with the Rescue Chair when a dog needs placement
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Fostering means providing a temporary, loving home for a rescue Griffon while we search for their permanent family. You’ll care for the dog’s daily needs—feeding, exercise, socialization—and help them adjust to home life.
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You’ll be responsible for:
Keeping the foster dog indoors unless supervised outside
Providing daily exercise
Keeping your own pets separated from the foster dog for at least 10 days
Caring for the dog’s wellbeing while they’re in your home
Returning the dog to AWPGA Rescue when instructed
You also agree not to rehome the dog on your own. All adoptions are handled through AWPGA Rescue.
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It depends on the dog. Some fosters last a few days; others can last weeks or months. We work with you to make it a manageable and rewarding experience.
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AWPGA Rescue covers up to $300 for veterinary expenses, including vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention. Any vet care must be pre-approved and arranged through an AWPGA Rescue contact and an approved veterinarian.
What if the foster dog gets sick or injured?
Contact your AWPGA Rescue representative immediately. We’ll guide you on the next steps and coordinate care with an approved veterinarian. Do not proceed with veterinary treatment without prior approval unless it’s an emergency.
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The dog remains the legal property of AWPGA Rescue. As a foster, you care for the dog but do not have ownership rights.
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Yes. While the dog is in your care, you are responsible for their behavior. AWPGA Rescue is not liable for any damage, injury, or incidents involving the foster dog. You agree to hold AWPGA Rescue harmless during the fostering period.
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Fill out our Foster Application Form and participate in a Foster Evaluation. Once approved, you’ll be contacted when a Griffon needs a foster home.
What to expect when adopting a rescue Griffon.
Our goal is to ensure every Griffon finds a safe, loving, and permanent home. Adopting a Griffon is a rewarding experience, but it takes commitment. Many rescued Griffons are past the puppy stage, but they still need patience, training, socialization, grooming, and healthcare.
Ideal Homes:
Active families
Large, well-fenced yards
Children mature enough to handle a large dog
Griffons are known for adapting quickly and are typically great with children.
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As an adopter, you agree to provide humane care, including food, water, shelter, and necessary veterinary care. The dog must live in your home (not in an outdoor kennel), cannot be chained or used for fighting or experimental purposes, and must follow all local laws, including leash laws. You also agree not to sell, trade, or give away the dog. If you can no longer keep the dog, you must return it to AWPGA Rescue.
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Yes. AWPGA Rescue has the right to check on the dog’s welfare at any time. If the dog is found in poor condition, being kept in violation of the agreement, or if you fail to follow the terms of the adoption contract, AWPGA Rescue can reclaim the dog immediately.
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Yes. There is a two-week trial period. If you decide during that time that the adoption isn’t a good fit, you can return the dog and receive a full refund of your adoption fee.
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You must return the dog to AWPGA Rescue, either to the point of adoption or to a location agreed upon with an AWPGA Placement Officer. You are responsible for the transportation and any costs associated with returning the dog, unless other arrangements are made at the time of return.
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Make a donation
AWPGA Rescue is entirely volunteer-run and funded by donations. Every dollar goes toward veterinary care, transportation, food, and other costs to rehome our Griffons safely. Please help us continue this important work and keep rescue costs affordable.
Anshell...moved from Arizona to California with another Griff and a little Terrier.
Contact us.
Thank you for your interest in AWPGA Rescue, the National AKC Breed Rescue for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.