Ask Yourself…

Before adopting a hound, ask yourself the following questions.  Be honest!  A new family pet is a life long commitment, no matter the breed/species.

Why do I want to add a pet to our family, specifically a greyhound?

If you’re into looks (“gee, what a pretty dog”), you need to do more research. If you’ve been around friends’ greyhounds and love them you’re definitely on the right track.

Will our resident pet(s) welcome a new family member?

Make sure your adoption group understands the kinds of pets you have. We’ve heard it all: ferrets, cats, fish, birds, even rabbits!  Many Greyhounds do well in homes with small animals, and most do well in homes with other dogs.  Some however, do not, so to make sure no horrible accidents occur, inform your adoption group.

How much time do I have to spend with a new family member to help them adjust?

If your answer is 10 minutes a day and a couple hours on the weekends you’re in the wrong place; get a cat. If you have time for 2 walks a day, yard-time every day and a couple of good runs on the weekends your dog and adoption agency will love you.

What is our family’s schedule like?

And are you willing to change your schedule for a month or two? If you’re regularly away from home more than nine hours a day you’ll have to invest in a dog walking service or neighbor to keep your new dog from bursting during the day. Even though greyhounds are much more tolerant than most breeds, they need daily attention and time. 

Do I plan on keeping our new family member, even in old age?

If you’ve left dogs at the pound and abandoned cats at your last apartment, adoption groups are not going to trust you with a greyhound. If you’ve had extenuating circumstances explain it to the adoption volunteer and get some ideas on how you might handle the same situation with your greyhound. The adoption group is interested in the long-term health and safety of their greyhounds! They will always be ready to assist you.

Are we ready for a new family member?

Are you just settling in to your new home?  Have you lived in your current residence for awhile and have weighed your options prior to deciding on a greyhound?  These are questions to ask yourself as a new family member is a lifelong commitment.  Have you researched different breeds to ensure a greyhound will be a good “fit?”

Who will be interacting with the new family member?

Children? Do they know about dogs? Can you teach them to respect one another? Spouse/significant other? Do both of you want a greyhound? Are both of you willing to take care of the dog?  Roommates? How stable is your roommate? If he/she leaves will you be able to handle the dog on your own? 

What money are you willing to commit to a new family member?

Be honest with yourself. If your budget only allows for an extra $20 a month for dog expenses this may not be the right time to get a dog. You can expect to pay $250-$300 for initial adoption. Realistically you will need to budget for shots, worming, vet care, plus regular food costs of $40/month. Then there are the emergencies that happen (we figured in $20/month over the long term) and various dog toys and “stuff” of $15/month.

Does your current living situation allow for a new pet?  Do you have a fenced yard?  How big is your house and yard?

Though not all adoption groups ask this, it’s an important question for you to ask yourself. Without a securely fenced yard, you must take your dog out on leash at least four times a day to relieve him/herself, plus exercise walks. At the same time, even with a fenced yard, the dog will need exercise and attention from you every day (plus yard clean up).  Many greyhounds easily live in small apartments with no yard, but their owners are committed to 2-3 short walks and 1-2 long walks a day. Your level of commitment must be able to handle your living situation.  

Will our family keep a greyhound on a lead or in a fenced in yard at all times?

Greyhounds have two important traits that make them greyhounds: the urge to chase and speed. It’s a part of their being and it leaves no room for self preservation. In 30 seconds a greyhound can be running close to 40 M.P.H., across streets, over fences, through woods. He might get hit by a car, get lost, or break a leg in a gopher hole. 

How does the adoption process work?

The adopt process begins by filling out an online application for adoption. The application is forwarded to G.R.A.C.E. representatives who review the application, references, and check for available dogs that best fit your lifestyle. Within a week someone will contact you to discuss your application with you and set up a date for a home visit. We bring 1 or 2 greyhounds to your home visit that best fit your home so everyone can see how the greyhound interacts in your home and so you can also get a better understanding of what it is like to have a greyhound in your house.

What if I choose to foster a greyhound?

We can always use more foster homes! Fostering is a fun, essential and very rewarding job. Foster homes are what makes G.R.A.C.E. possible. Once our new arrivals have been to the vet they get placed in foster homes. This is where the greyhounds learn their “house manners”. Becoming a foster home is similar to adopting: Fill out the online application, but make sure to note that you would like to be a foster home.