This page was updated on October 15, 2011
(More articles will be added here from time
to time. Please check back frequently.)
The information in this page is meant to be a
general guide and is not a complete literature about greyhounds. If you have any
questions, please feel free to ask any of our vice presidents or adoption representatives
listed in the Contact Us section. For a general adoption guide,
please check here - Adoption Guide
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO
ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
WHAT IS GREYHOUND PETS' ADOPTION DONATION?
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH AN ADOPTION REPRESENTATIVE?
IF YOU NEED TO RETURN YOUR
GREYHOUND
GREYHOUNDS IN
GENERAL
Greyhounds are bred for speed, health,
intelligence, and sociability. This makes them excellent house pets. They are clean, odor
free, indoor dogs that don't eat a lot nor require extensive exercise. The greyhound is
basically a quiet dog and will spend much of its time sleeping in the corner of the room
or may even bid for part of the sofa, if allowed. It is happy to follow you around in the
house and loves to go for car rides.
GREYHOUNDS'
HEALTH
Greyhounds live to be about 12-15 years old barring any accidents or illness.
Racing Greyhounds are bred for health and speed. They are not predisposed to genetic
disorders like blindness, deafness, hip dysplasia, etc.
Greyhounds have thin skin, no undercoat, and little body fat to insulate themselves.
This means they need protection against the cold and the heat. Because the greyhound's
skin is thin, it can tear easily. Greyhounds are also sensitive to certain drugs and
chemicals.
Greyhounds are meant to be "skinny". An overweight Greyhound is an unhealthy
Greyhound. You should be able to see the last two or three ribs and feel their hip bones.
Watch out for those long tails - they are prone to being trapped in doors.
When you adopt a greyhound he/she has had all his/her shots, been spayed/neutered, been
wormed, had their teeth cleaned if necessary, been micro chipped and been seen by a vet.
While generally healthy, you should be aware of certain things about greyhounds.
Because your greyhound has been an athlete, we do see some arthritis in greyhounds as they
age. Depending upon where your greyhound has raced, it may have been exposed to tick borne
diseases or valley fever. These are very treatable.
In order to keep your greyhound healthy, it is very important to keep your greyhound's
teeth clean and keep them at a healthy weight (not overweight). Talk to us about the
options. It is also important to keep their nails short.
These dogs, like all living beings, are not free from terminal diseases. Our goal is to
ensure that each greyhound that comes to us is given the best care possible and to provide
you with the best information we can. Opening your heart and home to one of these
beautiful creatures can be a wonderful, lifetime experience.
(Please check our Links
page for some important information and articles regarding Greyhound health.)
GREYHOUNDS
AND SEPARATION ANXIETY
A greyhound has been raised in a bustling kennel and racing environment that
requires extensive handling and they crave human company. While not all greyhounds suffer
from separation anxiety, some greyhounds get nervous and afraid if left alone by itself. A
greyhound must learn by experience that we will return, and being alone in the house is
safe. If frightened, it can result in destructive behavior. Your dog may try to get out of
the house and find you, and may decide that he has to chew through the door to get out.
To minimize difficulties, never put your dog in a separate room when you leave. If he
normally has the run of the house, give him the run of the house when you leave. Also,
don't ever, ever lock the dog in the basement, garage, bathroom, or laundry room when you
leave; it will think it is being punished. You want to change as little as possible for
the dog when you leave.
Putting him in a separate room emphasizes that something different is going on, and may
make him think he is being punished. Don't make a big deal of leaving or returning; make
several "false starts" in leaving. Start by leaving your dog for a few minutes
and gradually work up to longer periods. Surprisingly enough, most incidents of damage by
dogs with separation anxiety occur shortly after leaving. Soon your dog will feel secure
alone in the house and will not cause problems. If you are having difficulty, consider
using a crate. After he settles in, a well adjusted dog should be comfortable alone for up
to four hours. (Greyhound Pets, Inc. rents out crates if needed). Of course, two dogs do
much better alone than one dog alone, as they keep each other company. Consider getting
another greyhound if you have to leave your dog alone.
Not every dog suffers when left alone for short periods of time, and your dog may never
have any difficulties, but it is one of the most common problems with greyhounds and you
should be aware of the possible problems so if they do arise you will be prepared.
There are some great reference tools as well on Separation Anxiety:
- The Greyhound Pets, Inc. "The Greyhound Adopter's Guide"
- www.greyhoundlist.org/separation_anxiety.htm
(an article by Lynda Adame)
- "I'll Be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety" by Patricia
B. McConnell, Ph.D.
GREYHOUNDS
AND CHILDREN
The breed's gentle, loving personality makes it a compatible family member
for those with children. While we have had great success with greyhounds and children,
including babies, we have had situations where snapping incidents have happened. Remember,
no dog likes to be scared or surprised by active small children. To prevent any instances
of a startled dog snapping at a child, please be aware of the following situations where
the child might surprise the dog:
- Where the dog is sleeping, and the child decides to give it a hug or jumps onto it.
- Where the dog is resting, and children are playing noisily around it.
- Where the dog is eating, and a child gets too near to it.
Greyhounds tend to view children as puppies. While it is not always the case, female
greyhounds will sometimes act maternally by instinct to discipline children behaving in
manners which she considers out of hand. Therefore, we recommend an older male greyhound
(4 years and above) as opposed to a female greyhound as the first dog for family with
children. Please work closely with our adoption representative who will help you pick a
greyhound suitable for your environment.
Please read a GPI document regarding Children and Greyhounds.
GREYHOUNDS
AND OTHER ANIMALS
We have placed greyhounds in homes with small furry animals and other small
dogs or dogs of another large breed and have had a lot of success with these adoptions.
However, some greyhounds are not compatible with any small furry animals - cats or small
dogs - and once again, we ask that you work closely with our adoption representative to
ensure that the right greyhound is chosen for your environment. Below, please find our
updated Cat FAQ.
Question: How are our greyhounds cat tested?
Answer: Several ways. In some cases the group sending us dogs is able to cat test. Each
group does it differently, so explaining it here would be lengthy and complex. Then we
also test them once they arrive here (after they have settled some). We have several
wonderful volunteers who test the dogs for us. They take the dogs to their homes and spend
up to half an hour with each dog and the cats trying to determine the dog's cat
friendliness. Also any other traits about the dog are noted for possible inclusion in
their write-ups.
Question: What are the different categories assigned to each dog?
Answer: - Yes: They are cat friendly - No: They should not live with cats - Trainable:
With a savvy owner and cat they could most probably be trained to live with cats - Very
Trainable: With just a little training they should be able to live with cats.
Question: Does the cat testing assure that a dog will be able to live with cats?
Answer: No it does not. There are many different personalities and breeds of cats and
many different dog personalities. The same as with people, not all people get along, well
neither do all cat friendly dogs get along with all cats. So it is important at first to
treat all dogs going into homes with cats as if they were not cat friendly. Take
precautions at first and then once the adopter is comfortable with the dog and cat
together, slowly reduce or relax the precautions.
Question: Which greyhounds are put into foster homes with cats?
Answer: If a greyhound isn't adopted right away and we have an open foster home with
cats, we will put a dog that has tested as cat friendly or cat trainable into a foster
home to learn some more about him/her and give them some more exposure to cats.
Question: If a dog is ok with cats inside does it mean they are going to be ok with
cats outside.
Answer: Absolutely not! Many greyhounds are just fine with cats inside, but outside
can be a totally different story. There are some greyhounds that are ok with cats outside,
but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Question: If a greyhound is ok with small dogs does it mean they are ok with cats?
Answer: No it does not. We have seen many a greyhound that is absolutely fine with
small dogs but they are not ok with cats.
Question: If a greyhound is ok with cats does it mean they are ok with small dogs?
Answer: This is usually true, but do not assume anything. We have yet to see a
greyhound that is cat friendly that isn't ok with small dogs, but you never know.
Cat Friendly Dogs - There are
many people with cats looking to adopt greyhounds. If you do not have cats, we ask
that you only consider adopting a dog that is not cat friendly. These dogs need
homes just as much as the cat friendly dogs and we ask your help in reserving the cat
friendly dogs for those homes that truly need them.
WHAT ARE
THE REQUIREMENTS TO ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
- You should be looking for a house dog and a companion. Our dogs are adopted strictly for
house pets and are the finest companions you could ask for. They do not do well outside,
since they have little body fat nor a thick coat to keep them warm. And, as your best
friend, they want to be with you.
- You need a fenced yard (minimum height 4ft; no electric fences, invisible fences or
barbed wire) unless you're in an apartment/condo, to protect your dog when it goes outside
to relieve itself. A door to your house must open into the securely fenced area. All
gates must be secure. The fence should be in good repair, with no missing parts or
boards. Certain types of fencing are not acceptable because the greyhound can slip
through them or are unsafe for greyhounds. Our home visit representative will work
with you to determine if your fence is safe for a greyhound.
- If you are in an apartment or condo, you must provide a copy of your lease or condo
association rules that show you are permitted to have a greyhound or large dog.
- There should be no obstacles near the fence that a greyhound could use as a jumping
point to get over the fence.
- The greyhound is totally innocent and will likely be killed on the road if allowed to
run loose. You must plan on your dog being confined in the house or a fenced yard.
If you walk or jog with it, make certain it is leashed at all times.
Retractable leashes (or similar devices) are not acceptable for use with greyhounds.
Often people say that they live on five or more acres and they think this should be plenty
of room for a dog to live without a fence. This simply doesn't work because of the
dog's breeding and extensive training.
- You must agree to never stake, tie up, or chain your greyhound to anything.
- You must agree to never use your greyhound for breeding, research, experimentation,
hunting, or professional racing.
- Plan to spend several days at the start with the dog in its new home. There will
be a transition period for the greyhound as it adjusts from track and kennel life to home
life.
- Greyhounds may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. In many instances
we will recommend you purchase or rent a crate for housing your greyhound while you're
gone for short periods or several hours. Remember, crates are not cruel.
They've been the dog's home while it resided at the track and kennel. However, be
realistic in how long you leave the dog crated, since it will have to relieve itself
within several hours. We do not recommend crating for more than 4 hours so plan on
coming home at lunch or asking someone to come in and let the dog out.
- As a sighthound, a greyhound must never be confined to a room without a view such as a
laundry room, garage, basement, etc.
- You understand that a minimum non-refundable donation of US$250 is required to adopt a
greyhound. The senior adoption donation is US$125. (Effective March 1, 2010)
- If you have not adopted from us before, you understand that you will need to fill out an
Adoption Application, have a home visit, and be approved in order to adopt a greyhound. If
you have adopted from us before, contact your Regional VP for
information on how to proceed.
- You agree to allow future visits to check on the dog.
- You have patience and time available to help your former racer adjust to its new life
(on average it can take up to three months for an ex-racer to be completely settled into
its new home). Please be willing to work with your adoption representative and/or VP
in trying to solve issues with your dog.
- You must agree to keep a hound safety choke collar with identification on your dog at
all times. The identification tag with your name and phone number on it, and the
Greyhound Pets, inc. tag must be kept on the collar; to call Greyhound Pets, Inc. if your
dog becomes lost or missing and to keep GPI informed at all times of the dog's
whereabouts, and to return the dog to Greyhound Pets, Inc. if for any reason you cannot
keep the dog. If you move, you must notify Greyhound Pets, Inc. and give them your
new address, phone number and email address, if applicable.
- You must agree to keep the greyhound in good health and proper weight and fitness and to
provide at least annual Veterinarian examinations, current vaccinations, teeth cleaning,
and worming. After adoption, all veterinary expenses for the greyhound are solely
the responsibility of the adopter.
- You also agree to allow Greyhound Pets, Inc. to repossess the dog if at any time in
their opinion the dog is not being properly cared for.
- GPI reserves the right not to place a greyhound under 3 years of age in a condominium,
townhome, or apartment, due to their expected energy levels and activity needs.
- GPI reserves the right not to place greyhounds deemed as high energy in a condominium,
townhome or apartment.
Greyhound Pets, Inc. always represents the dog’s interests and will not allow it
to be put in a risky or compromising situation. We have seen too many tragic incidents
occur to people who chose not to follow our advice. If our requirements are not
acceptable, please consider another breed.
WHAT IS
GREYHOUND PETS' ADOPTION DONATION?
We request a non-refundable adoption donation to cover part of the medical
costs we incur in taking care of the dogs.
Effective March 1, 2010 our non-refundable adoption donation will increase to US$250.
The senior adoption donation will increase to US$125.
Effective March 1, 2010 the adoption donation will include a leash/collar combo, a
muzzle, as well as the usual vet check, blood panel (if appropriate), spaying or
neutering, current vaccines, teeth cleaning (if needed), microchipping, a comprehensive
adoption packet, and follow up support.
We only accept money orders or cashier’s checks made out to GREYHOUND PETS, INC
for the adoption donation. We do not accept personal checks or cash. You might also want
to consider purchasing one or more of the following items prior to, during, or sometime
after the adoption. All these items are sold by our Needlenose Rootique. Find out more
about each item’s usage from your Adoption Representative:
- Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan, and/or Retired Racing Greyhounds for
Dummies by Lee Livingood. These are highly recommended for first time greyhound
owners.
- Squawker/Squirrel or Rabbit Call
- Winter Coat
- Rain Coat
GPI’s adoption donation structure for senior greyhounds is as follows:
- Senior dogs are defined as those who are 9 years old or older
- The adoption donation for 9, 10 and 11 year olds is US$125 (effective March 1, 2010)
- For any greyhound over 12 years old the adoption donation will be equivalent to any
costs that GPI has incurred on that dog, up to, but not exceeding $125.00
- If the dog’s birthday is within two months of the adoption date, then the next fee
would apply
- All dollars are in U.S. dollars.
- All seniors will receive a vet check if they haven’t had one in the last six
months. Any greyhound 12 and over that will be traveling to their new home for any
distance will do so only on the OK from a vet.
The quiet dignity and noble bearing of the senior greyhound lends itself to being the
perfect companion for seniors, a quieter household, or anyone else for that matter, in our
community. In most cases they are already house trained, know stairs, and sliding glass
doors. Originally they were adopted when they were young but then lifestyles and
circumstances in their families change. The greyhound, now in its golden years, is
returned to Greyhound Pets, Inc. Or perhaps the greyhound was used as a brood matron or
stud dog and after several years of breeding puppies, the greyhound is no longer able to
do its job. Whatever the reason, a greyhound is available for adoption. These seniors make
EXCELLENT companions and deserve the change to be loved again. Please consider making a
senior greyhound part of your family.
If you have any questions about our senior dog adoption structure, please contact our
closest VP or Adoption Representative.
If for any reason the dog you picked does not work out, you are required to return the
dog to us and if returned within a reasonable period, you can pick another dog to work
with. We want you and the dog to be happy!
HOW DO I
GET IN TOUCH WITH AN ADOPTION REPRESENTATIVE?
You can get in touch with any of our adoption representatives nearest to you
listed in the Contact Us section. You can also visit any of our
weekend booths scheduled in the Calendar section. To expedite
your adoption application, please download and fill out the application forms in the Forms section.
WHAT IF I
NEED TO RETURN MY GREYHOUND?
If, for whatever reason, you can't
keep your greyhound, you must return him/her to Greyhound Pets, Inc. Please contact:
North Puget
Sound: Marchet Anschell, 206-310-8038
South Puget Sound: Chris Nooney 206-228-8942
Northern WA: Janet Keough, 360-220-1891
Mid Washington: Leigh Duvall, 509-582-7411
Canada, all areas: Steve Waines, 604-882-0432
All
other areas: Moira Corrigan, 425-333-0515
Copyright © 2001-2012 Greyhound Pets, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Web Editor: Greyhound
Pets, Inc.
