Today, there are over 250,000 wolves and wolf-dog crosses living as pets in the US.  Over 75% of these animals will die before their first birthday due to abuse, neglect and misunderstanding.  Those that do survive end up living at refuges and sanctuaries set up just to care for these cast-off pets.  All refuges are facing a population crisis because of the increasing popularity of wolves.  More people are buying and abandoning wolves and wolf-dogs each year than there are enclosures to take them in.  Many pet wolves and wolf-dogs are “set free” by owners that cannot bear to put them down, nearly all dying a slow and painful death of starvation or being shot on sight by a fearful person.
 

If you want to own a wolf or wolf-dog, please look into getting a husky, malamute or German shepherd.  These are all dogs that look and act much like wolves because they are very closely related.  But, at the end of the day, you still have an animal that it is possible to train and is at least moderately safe to have around people.  If, after all of your research and facing all of the harsh realities, you still must have a wolf-dog, rescue one that is already in need.  Why encourage the puppy mill breeding of more wolf-dogs by buying one, rather than helping a wolf or wolf-dog that really needs it?  Make sure that you have the proper facilities, time and commitment needed.  Visit our rescue to learn about building wolfdog -proof fence and healthy feeding practices.  Learn as much as you can about wolf behavior and body language.  Be educated before you adopt!