Grey Hound Rescue: A Guide to Adopting and Caring for a Retired Hound

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Dogs in Cage in Shelter
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Adopting a retired greyhound can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. Greyhounds are bred for speed, not endurance, so they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Greyhounds are generally quiet and laid-back, making them a great fit for apartment living. They are also known for their affectionate nature and love to be around people.

Greyhounds are prone to bloat, a serious health issue that requires immediate attention. Regular feeding and exercise can help prevent bloat, but it's crucial to monitor their health closely.

Greyhounds typically live between 10-13 years, making them a long-term companion. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in their golden years.

Explore further: Irish Racing Greyhounds

Adopting a Greyhound

If you're considering adopting a greyhound, you're in for a treat. These gentle giants make wonderful companions.

Greyhounds placed through adoption programs are typically between 18 months and four years old. This age range is perfect for families or individuals looking for a low-maintenance pet.

Happy Greyhound Laying in Sunny Park
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Adoption programs like MoKan Greyhound Adoption usually adopt within a two-hour drive of Kansas City, but they're expanding their reach to cover more of Kansas. If you live outside of this area, you can search for a local adoption program on the Adopt-a-Greyhound.org website.

The adoption process typically begins with a home visit, which allows the adoption staff to get to know you and your family better. Fast Friends, for example, requires a home visit as part of their adoption process, and they'll even help you choose the perfect greyhound for your household.

Once you've selected a dog, you'll need to complete an adoption application. Fast Friends' application process involves a phone interview, a meet-and-greet with the dogs, and a home visit. They'll also provide you with training solutions to help your new greyhound become fully house-trained and navigate stairs with ease.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the adoption process at Fast Friends:

  1. Complete and return your adoption application (online or print and send)
  2. Once received, our adoption staff will call for a phone interview to talk about your application and answer any questions you may have.
  3. Then, we will schedule an appointment for you to come and meet the hounds. Please note that if you have other dogs, you may be asked to bring them in order to do an “introduction” with the hound you are considering adopting.

Remember, adopting a greyhound is a rewarding experience that will bring joy and companionship into your life. With the right guidance and support, you'll be well on your way to finding your perfect greyhound companion.

Adoption Process and Fees

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The adoption process at Fast Friends is designed to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. You'll start by completing and returning your adoption application, either online or by printing and sending it in.

Once received, the adoption staff will call for a phone interview to discuss your application and answer any questions you may have. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the adoption process and get a sense of the organization's commitment to finding the right match.

The adoption process typically takes place within an approximately 2-hour radius of the facility, and includes a home visit to ensure the dog's new environment is suitable. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of the home visit, which covers the veterinary visit and health certificate for the dog.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the adoption process:

  1. Complete and return your adoption application (online or print and send)
  2. Phone interview with adoption staff to discuss your application and answer questions
  3. Scheduled appointment to meet the hounds, with the option to bring your own dogs for an introduction

Adoption Process

The adoption process at Fast Friends is designed to ensure that both you and your new furry friend are a great match. They take the time to know their dogs as individuals, and will help you choose the one that will be the best fit for you.

Unrecognizable Couple Looking at Laptop Screen Displaying Adoption Page
Credit: pexels.com, Unrecognizable Couple Looking at Laptop Screen Displaying Adoption Page

The process begins with completing and returning your adoption application, either online or by printing and sending it in. Once received, their adoption staff will call for a phone interview to talk about your application and answer any questions you may have.

You'll then be scheduled to meet the hounds, and if you have other dogs, you may be asked to bring them in for an introduction with the hound you're considering adopting. This is a great opportunity to get a sense of how your current pets will interact with the new addition.

The adoption process includes a home visit, which is scheduled by appointment only. This visit is usually within a 2-hour radius of their facility, and a representative from Fast Friends will bring your dog and go over training solutions for helping them become fully house-trained, learn to navigate stairs, and more.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the adoption process:

  1. Complete and return your adoption application (online or print and send)
  2. Phone interview with adoption staff to discuss your application and answer questions
  3. Meet the hounds, and introduce your current pets if applicable
  4. Home visit with a representative from Fast Friends to discuss training and care

A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of the home visit, which covers the veterinary visit and health certificate each dog receives prior to going home. If the adoption proceeds as scheduled, the deposit will be deducted from your final adoption fee.

Worth a look: Greyhound Adoption

Adoption Fee

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The adoption fee is a crucial part of the process, and it's great that Fast Friends is transparent about what it covers. Your adoption fee helps offset the costs of caring for your dog, including spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and dental care.

All dogs adopted from Fast Friends are spayed or neutered, up-to-date with shots, and have received dental care if needed. The adoption fee also includes a microchip for international dogs.

The adoption fee varies depending on the breed of your dog, with Greyhounds costing $1550 and other sighthounds costing $1050. There's a $50 discount if you pay with cash or check.

You'll also need to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $100 when your home visit is scheduled.

Greyhound Adoption Groups

Greyhound Adoption Groups are doing incredible work to save greyhounds.

Forever Hounds Trust is based in England and is one of the groups mentioned.

Greytful Hearts Greyhound Rescue is located in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Greyhound Adoption Center is situated in California, USA.

Greyhound Adoptions of Florida is based in Florida, USA, and USA Defenders of Greyhounds is located in Indiana, USA.

Greyhound Rescue of Idaho is the sixth group mentioned, based in Idaho, USA.

For more insights, see: Basenji Rescue Groups

Special Considerations

Dogs in Animal Shelter
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When adopting a greyhound, it's essential to consider their specific needs. Greyhounds can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they need a warm and cozy living space, especially in cold climates.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth. Regular nail trimming is crucial to prevent injuries and infections.

Greyhounds are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Monitoring their eating habits and providing a slow-feeder bowl can help prevent bloat.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Names for Italian Greyhounds

Special Needs

Special needs dogs require extra attention and patience. Fast Friends never turns any Greyhound away, including those with special needs.

The application process for special needs Greyhounds takes longer than usual. This is because you may need to make multiple visits to the Adoption Center to earn their trust.

Installing a fence around your yard is also a must for special needs Greyhounds. This helps them feel secure and safe in their new environment.

Greyhound Dog Watching Elderly Owner Reading Book
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Attending training classes is another important step for special needs Greyhounds. This helps you learn how to care for and interact with them effectively.

Your patience will be well rewarded with a special needs Greyhound. They will bring joy and love into your life, making all the extra effort worthwhile.

Honorary Hounds

Adopting an honorary hound can be a wonderful way to support a great cause. GALT's non-refundable adoption fee for honorary greyhounds is $125 unless otherwise noted.

Honorary hounds are a unique way to show your support for the organization.

Retired Racing Greyhounds

Retired racing Greyhounds are quiet, clean, gentle, affectionate, friendly, and eager-to-please dogs.

They get along well with older children and other animals, including cats.

These dogs are grateful for their new homes and bond with others, rewarding their new owners with constant affection.

Retired racing Greyhounds placed through Fast Friends are usually between two and five years old.

Worth a look: Grey Hound Racing

Dogs in Shelter
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Life in a home with people is a completely new experience for them, so new owners must be patient and willing to help their greyhound adjust to life after the track.

Female Greyhounds, like the one born on December 23, 2021, and from Australia, make great pets.

If you're interested in adopting a retired racing Greyhound, you can meet the adoptable dogs at Fast Friends.

Toni O'Reilly

Writer

Toni O'Reilly is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in animal welfare and health. With a strong foundation in research and storytelling, she has established herself as a reputable voice in the pet care industry. Her articles have covered a range of topics, including the beloved Rough Collie breed, providing readers with valuable insights and information on their care and well-being.

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