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IWAMS — the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Mid South — is the original name of the club now known as the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas (IWAC). The organization was founded in 1992 by a group of long-time Irish Wolfhound owners and breeders, incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)7 in 2009, and received American Kennel Club (AKC) accreditation in April 2022. That accreditation required the name change, because the club wanted its name to reflect the region where most of its members actually live.

If you are looking for IWAMS today, you are looking for IWAC. The club serves North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, and its rescue work extends into neighboring southeastern states including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

What the club does

IWAC's stated objectives fall into three areas:

• Education — teaching owners and the public about the breed's health and welfare.
• Responsible breeding — promoting quality breeding in line with the standards of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) and the AKC.
• Rescue support — backing Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South (IWRMS) in rescue and placement across the region.

Education and events

The club's largest public outreach happens at regional St. Patrick's Day parades, Irish and Celtic heritage festivals, and specialty events. These are chances to meet the breed in person and talk with owners. IWAC also holds club gatherings through the year with educational programming; past gatherings have featured keynote speakers specializing in behavior and health. Check the club's Events pages for current dates and locations.

Health resources

IWAC works with the Irish Wolfhound Foundation (IWF) and IWCA on health initiatives, studies, and testing, and recommends that breeders follow IWCA's Standard of Behavior for Breeders. Two practical resources stand out for owners:

• Heart screenings offered throughout the year, with locations including IWAC Specialty shows, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in North Carolina, and a Virginia site with Dr. Bill Tyrell.
• Regional veterinarian recommendations — the club answers questions and points owners toward vets experienced with Irish Wolfhounds, a breed with specific medical concerns.

Rescue and placement

Rescue is handled through Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South (IWRMS), which IWAC supports in providing rescue and placement for hounds across its region and the neighboring southeastern states. If you are considering adoption or need to surrender a hound, IWRMS is the entry point rather than the club itself.

How to get involved

• Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade, Celtic festival, or specialty show to meet members and hounds.
• Watch the Events pages for club gatherings and heart screening dates.
• Contact the club with health or veterinarian questions for your region.
• Reach out to IWRMS for rescue and placement matters.

The website does not list membership fees, event pricing, or sign-up requirements, so confirm those details directly with the club before planning around them.