Before Adopting a Greyhound

While we evaluate each adoption application on a case-by-case basis and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, we will turn down applications quickly if we believe you are adopting without making the sincere commitment it will take to have a greyhound in your life. Greyhounds are wonderful, loving, gentle, sensitive creatures and bringing one into your life should not be done on a whim. If you are willing to accept the realities of having a greyhound as a pet (you will never regret it if you do it for the right reasons!), we are looking forward to talking to you!!!

You want a birthday, Christmas, anniversary present for your relative or you want a companion for your friend, relative.

.You think they come house trained and you don't want the responsibility of house training a puppy and wiping up puddles.

You have not done any research on greyhounds but you think they must be like other dogs and you've had other dogs.

You want a dog to run next to you when you go running or play "catch" and follow you without being on a leash. Or you want to let the dog outside on its own and it will come back when it's ready.

.You don't have a fenced-in yard and you haven't thought seriously about having to walk the greyhound four times a day with kids, a stroller, etc. in rain, ice, and snow, and during those hot, humid summer days for as long as the dog needs to walk to do its business. (Or in the middle of the night when "nature" calls).

Greyhounds need a loving home where they are treated well. Making the decision to adopt a greyhound is very serious. Do not take greyhound adoption lightly. Apply for adoption only if you are ready to make a serious long-term commitment to a pet.

Please do not fill out the adoption application until you have read the Adoption Process , A Greyhound's Life, and greyhound Care Guide sections on this web site.

No matter which greyhound adoption group you choose to work with, all have the same goal. Since all greyhound rescue groups consist of unpaid volunteers, please choose only one to work with. Each one will try to do what is best in terms of finding you the right greyhound. We all have limited resources and time. Please be considerate.

NO dog should be a present. The decision to adopt a greyhound should be made for the right reasons. There would be no need for rescue groups and shelters if people would think of dogs (and greyhounds) as God's creatures deserving of respect and dignity. We will not adopt a greyhound to anyone for this reason.

Children do not know what is involved in adopting a pet. Greyhounds are not toys. Adopting a greyhound is a long term commitment and children should not be making decisions of such magnitude. There are many ways to teach children responsibility besides using a living creature as a learning tool.

Greyhounds have been bred and used to race. When they retire, they need a home where they can be valued for their loving, gentle nature. They are wonderful animals that do not need to be exploited for their beauty and grace. They are not human window dressing nor should they be a "project".

Greyhounds are crate trained and house trained before going into their forever homes via foster care. However, no animal can be "guaranteed" to never make a mistake during a period of adjustment. It is likely that there will be a mistake or two or even more! You must be willing to spend the additional time to help your greyhound through the adjustment period into your home.

Greyhounds are quiet, loving, and gentle natured. No one should try to adopt a greyhound without first researching the characteristics of the sight hound breed and understanding what having a greyhound in your life means. You will not be disappointed. Please read our greyhound Care Guide before making the decision to adopt a greyhound. We want our adopters to be informed and knowledgeable about greyhounds.

Many adoption groups will not adopt to anyone who does not have a fenced-in yard. A greyhound can NEVER be off leash in an unfenced area. It will not find its way home if it gets lost. Most communities have leash laws and we will question why you would have ANY breed of dog that you would not be willing to leash. We do adopt to people who have no fence, but we must be convinced that you will be responsible for leashing at all times!

Please consider your commitment! A greyhound will be totally dependent upon you for its care. Be realistic about what you are willing to do to have a greyhound. They deserve it!

Greyhounds are loving, social animals that have spent their entire lives around other dogs and people. They need and want to be with people. No dog should be left alone for long periods of time, but a greyhound is the wrong breed of dog to have in your life if you aren't willing to spend time with your pet. Do not adopt until you are able to commit the amount of time that a greyhound (or any breed of dog!) deserves.