Adoption Process and Costs

Adopting a greyhound should be a carefully arrived-at decision based on your desire to add a significant new member to your family. It must be considered a long-time commitment, not a trial run, whim, or passing fancy. To help you determine if a greyhound would fit into your home, we strongly recommend that you thoroughly research the breed. Read books on greyhounds such as Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan and Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livengood. Browse greyhound websites such as The Greyhound Project, Greyhound Gang and the GreyTalk forums. Most importantly, join us at one of our upcoming events to meet some of these wonderful animals.

We recommend completing an adoption application before visiting the kennel. You may submit your application on our website, mail it to us, or drop it off at the kennel. A member of the kennel staff will contact you to let you know that we have received your application and discuss when you might want to visit the kennel.

Your initial visit is a great time to learn more about greyhounds and to get all of your questions answered! Upon arriving at our kennel, you will be met by one of our friendly adoption counselors. Let your adoption counselor know what personality traits and characteristics you are looking for in a greyhound. This will help us ensure a good match. If you currently own a dog, your dog should accompany you on this visit to help select a greyhound. If you are bringing a dog to the kennel, we ask that you call ahead and let us know.

Based on your preferences, the adoption counselor will suggest several available greyhounds for you to meet and interact with. Try to be open-minded and focus more on personality and less on appearance. You will be taken to one of our fenced areas to interact with one dog at a time. During this time, we can answer any questions you may have about greyhound ownership. If you have another dog with you, we will introduce the greyhound to your dog and gauge the reactions of both dogs to determine if it is a good match. When planning your visit, keep in mind that it can take up to two hours to choose your new best friend.

Some adopters will visit the kennel multiple times before they make a decision. When you have found that perfect dog, we will fill out a crate sheet to indicate that the greyhound’s adoption is pending and arrange a time for you to pick up your greyhound. The majority of our dogs can’t be taken home on the initial visit because their veterinary work has not yet been completed. Most of our adopters select a greyhound and take the dog home the following weekend. If you aren’t quite sure about a greyhound and would like a few days to think about it, then we can put a dog on hold. Dogs can be put on hold for up to three days. There is no deposit required for a hold and you may only put one dog on hold at a time.

After you’ve made your decision, it usually takes one to two business days to approve an application. The kennel staff will call the references listed on your application, including your landlord and/or veterinarian (if applicable).

Before adoption day, please read our New Adopter’s Guide thoroughly and agree to ground rules for all family members, human and canine. Prepare for your greyhound by purchasing a crate, dog bed(s), food and water bowls, and don’t forget a few toys!

The day for you to bring your new greyhound home has finally arrived! You will come to the kennel to pick up your new family member. The official adoption process usually takes about 30 minutes. During this time, you will review and sign our adoption contract and pay your adoption fees. We will then go over your dog’s NGA paperwork and put a GFNC tag on your greyhound’s collar. You will receive copies of their veterinary records to give to your greyhound’s new veterinarian. We will also go over the microchip information with you if you opted to have one implanted.

All adopters receive a used muzzle and a martingale collar on adoption day. We also sell coats, collars, leashes, and muzzles, if you need any additional merchandise. Visit our online store to view some of the items you can purchase at the kennel. Once you have signed the paperwork and paid your adoption fees, you are ready to go home!

Our staff and adoption counselors are always available by phone or email should you have any questions or concerns about your greyhound or their new status as a member of your household. We have also published a list of useful links and documents for greyhound adopters on our Resources page.

Adopting a greyhound is just the first step to becoming involved with our community of greyhound lovers. Greyhound Friends hosts a variety of events that are focused on bringing greyhound adopters together as well as raising awareness and funds for soon-to-be retired hounds. You can stay in touch with us online, too. Follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our email newsletter, and share stories about your greyhound with our community.

There are many different ways you can help Greyhound Friends beyond adopting and donating money. In fact, the gift of your time is often just as valuable as a financial contribution. If you are interested in lending your time and talents to Greyhound Friends, please visit the Volunteer page for information on specific opportunities.