Adopting a Whippet in London: rescues, rules and health

The count under the short answer is live: it shows every Whippet and Whippet cross listed with us in London and within about 35 miles, and our London Whippet page links each one to its rescue. When we checked on 20 October 2026 there were none, so on many days there may be none to show. Our London greyhound guide covers the bigger sighthound, for which London has several rescues.

Read its FAQs before you apply, because several answers bear directly on London:

• Central London is a hard match. It says it is "rarely able to home whippets into Central London or built-up cities", because most rescue Whippets will not cope there, and some are surrendered each year by owners who feel they need a quieter life away from the city.
• Flats. It rarely rehomes to flats without gardens, and a communal garden depends on how secure it is.
• Fences. It prefers 6 foot fencing, because a nervous Whippet in a new home can easily clear a low fence.
• Cats. On average it has only up to 5 Whippets a year classed as cat friendly.

JR Whippet Rescue CIO says the number of Whippets needing help has risen significantly since lockdown. The reasons it gives include behaviour problems such as reactivity and separation anxiety, relationship breakdowns, a new baby, owners who didn't realise the commitment, and Whippets not coping with city life. It says most of its dogs need some behavioural support, most often for lead reactivity (reacting badly to other dogs or people while on the lead) or separation anxiety, and offers adopters help with it.

JR Whippet Rescue CIO pays for neutering if the dog isn't already done, and offers 5 weeks' free insurance if you opt in, plus lifetime support and back-up.

A bought puppy should already be microchipped by its breeder, as UK law requires by 8 weeks, but neutering and further vaccinations usually come on top of the £400 to £3,000 Blue Cross gives for the puppy itself, and you don't yet know how it will cope with London.

The Royal Kennel Club lists no specific DNA or screening test for Whippet breeders, asking them to prioritise genetic diversity, and notes a breed club health scheme. UK sources point to these:

• Eyes and heart. PDSA lists progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual loss of sight, and mitral valve disease, a heart condition, among conditions Whippets may develop, along with immune-mediated problems, where the body reacts against its own cells.
• Skin and bones. PDSA says Whippets can cut their thin skin on thorns or twigs and can damage their bones running on uneven ground, so check where you let one off the lead.
• Keeping warm. With very little body fat, a Whippet may need a coat in winter and soft, thick bedding, PDSA says.

The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour of exercise a day and a small house with a small or medium garden. PDSA says a secure garden is a must, that Whippets need a good run off the lead in a secure area, and to keep a tight grip on the lead elsewhere because of their high prey drive. It adds that Whippets dislike being left alone and would only recommend one if someone will be around with the dog all day.

Rescue Whippets are adopted, not sold. You apply, the rescue matches a dog to your home, and you pay its adoption fee or donation. Every Whippet on our London Whippet page is adopted that way. JR Whippet Rescue CIO lets you choose a preferred age range but asks you to stay open-minded, because the right match may be older than you hoped.

If you decide to buy, Dogs Trust suggests asking your vet about a pre-purchase consultation on likely health conditions and rough costs, and The Royal Kennel Club runs a "Find a puppy" service. Report a suspected scam advert to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud.