How to Adopt a Retired Greyhound

Retired racing greyhounds, known as "40-mph couch potatoes," make excellent pets. Thousands of these wonderful dogs complete their racing careers between ages 3 to 5 and may face euthanasia if they are not adopted. Clean, quiet and exceptionally loving, a retired racer makes a perfect pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Dog Carriers
• A Dog Collars
• A Dog Dishes
• A Dog Leashes
• Dog Beds
• Dog Food
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Dog Treats
• Muzzles
• Pet Doors
• Dog Shampoo

1. Contact Greyhound Pets of America at [phone], or another adoption organization.

2. Ask for the location of a foster facility or someone who has adopted a retired racer and arrange a visit to see a greyhound "up close and personal."

3. Learn from your family's interaction with the dogs when you visit. Some dogs may be shy around children. Some children may not be comfortable around larger greyhounds.

4. Remember a dog is a new family member and brings its own special needs. Greyhounds, for example, need a low-protein diet and a special anesthetic if surgery is ever required.

5. Ask the adoption coordinator for an application. You can complete it immediately or schedule an interview with an adoption coordinator. People in greyhound rescue will want to know about your house and yard, and whether you have a fence. They'll want to know your "pet history" and about any other current pets. They'll want to know if everyone in the family is eager to adopt a retired racer.

6. Be frank with the foster agency about your home, your lifestyle and any other pets. If you travel extensively or if you have numerous obligations outside the home, you cannot be adequate company to a greyhound nor can the dog to you.

7. Prepare your house and purchase any necessary supplies like a crate or muzzle.

8. Be ready to pay a processing fee of $100 to $200 when adopting your new greyhound companion.

Tips & Warnings

• Greyhounds are shy and sensitive, but they are also inquisitive and love people.
• Introduce your new greyhound to other pets slowly.
• Greyhounds, used to being kenneled with many other dogs, may suffer separation anxiety. They often find a crate comforting.
• Greyhounds sometimes need a muzzle. They have been raised in a pack and exhibit pack behavior by nipping when they get excited or anxious.
• Keep greyhounds leashed when not confined to a fenced area. They have been taught to run when off-leash and few can break that habit.
• Because of the relative length of their back and legs, some greyhounds cannot sit.
• Greyhounds have thin skin and minimal fur - protect them from extreme weather.

[goosemuffin]

on 10/9/2009 I too am a grey lover, they are beautiful! I wish I would have studied on them a bit more before the adoption, I had no idea they were so needy. Our gorgeous 80 pounder, Moby, ate at doorknobs if we left a room and he was left in the room. Very funny but frustrating constantly replacing doorknobs. LOL

[lacefullone]

on 3/27/2008 Thankyou for posting this article!!!
Yay for greyhound adoption, I love my greys and my life is awesome because of their presence in it :)
I would recomend a greyhound to any potential owner who will care for and love their new dog. They've had it hard, and are ready for the good life :)They raced into my heart!!!

[Beniville]

on 11/2/2007 can you adopt on line, and perhaps get a picture of the pet before deciding? I can't travel to mass to see what I am getting but a picture would do. I would want a female (thier usually a little smaller) and one that did not run well so it has not had it heart run out of her. I also want one well trained and obeidient, or easy to retrain to obey me and my wife. I can't walk so I would have to run him with a electric cart, which I am sure would work out fine. My family is against this because I am not well, but I believe a pet might raise my spirits and give me something to get my mind off other problems. My late son had a greyhound he adored that animal and it broke his heart to have to give him up. If you could tell me what I should do to proceed with this adoption, I would ge so pleased. I thank you in advance, I am sir robert B.Smith (HKt-B)

on 11/22/2005 At many Petsmarts or other pet store, greyhound organizations have a set schedule of days when adopted greyhounds will come to the store for 3 to 4 hours. You can see greyhounds and experience their behavior. This is how we knew this was the breed for us!

on 11/22/2005 Greyhounds need to be taught that which comes naturaly to most pets. They only know a cage, the track and a truck. Buy a good, large, soft bed for Buddy, they need it. They have had more excersize in 1-2-3 years than most dogs get in a lifetime.