INTERESTED IN ADOPTING A GREYHOUND?

Adoption Policies and Requirements

A greyhound isn’t for everyone, and not everyone is qualified to adopt.

Greyhound adoption is a lifetime commitment. The dog should not be considered as a rental to be returned at the first inconvenience. Please consider your adoption choice carefully. This information packet set out the requirements that must be met for adopting a greyhound, as well as the basic realities of greyhound ownership.

STEP ONE: Determine if a greyhound is the right breed for you and your family

If you are interested in a gentle, loving family companion that will be a housedog, you are a one of a kind adopter. However, if you are looking for a “yard dog” to reside in your doghouse, or intend to keep the dog outdoors for extended periods of time, then a greyhound is not the breed for you.

Why do you want a greyhound?

If you are simply into “looks”, or think that it’s “neat thing to do”, you need to do further research. On the other hand, if you have admired and become acquainted with greyhounds that are owned by people you personally know, you are on the right track.

Are you looking for a housedog and family companion?

Our dogs are placed as house pets and are the finest companions you could ever want. They are strictly indoor dogs, as they have short fur and a low percentage of body fat for insulation. Are you prepared to have a large dog living in your house? They don’t have as much physical presence as other large dogs, but they are tall and have long legs! Female greyhounds range in weight from 50-65 pounds. Males weigh 65-85+ pounds. They stand 23-30+ inches tall.

How much time do you plan to spend with your dog?

If your answer is 10 minutes a day and a few hours each weekend, then a greyhound is not for you. Greyhounds are lovable and sociable animals. They crave human companionship.

Is your yard COMPLETELY fenced?

If not, a fence must be in place before your application is considered. Greyhounds have two unique traits that make them greyhounds; the urge to chase and incredible speed. As a member of the sighthound family they can see objects over one-half a mile away. They can reach speeds of over 40 miles an hour in three strides. When their attention is focused on the object of their chase, be it blowing paper or actual prey, they become oblivious to their surroundings, including you. For this reason, greyhounds must never be allowed off leash except in a fenced area.

1. Are you willing to make a lifetime commitment to give a greyhound your best for the rest of its life?

The average racer is worth $3000 by the time it ventures onto the track at 15-18 months of age. They are generally 2-5 years old when adopted. Greyhounds have a 12-15 year life span. Are you willing to commit to the care and responsibility of owning a greyhound, including all vet and health care expenses for 10 years or more?

How much do you expect to pay for a greyhound? What are your anticipated costs over time?

Be totally honest with yourself. After the non-refundable adoption fee, expect to pay $25-$50 a month for food. There are veterinary cost for annual shots, checkups, heartworm preventative, flea protection, and emergencies. Are you financially able to commit the funds necessary for greyhound health and ownership?

Do you have children?

Do your children know how to behave around animals? There is a possibility that we will not adopt a greyhound to individuals with children under the age of five. Greyhounds are usually good with young children, however, they are very strong and some can be afraid of the behavior displayed by active toddlers. The greyhound’s natural speed, strength, and athleticism do not combine well with babies and young children, who can be tipped over by a playful greyhound.

What other pets do you have?

Greyhounds have spent their entire lives in the company of other greyhounds. They are friendly and sociable by nature. While they quickly adjust to other breeds of dogs, they are natural hunters and have the potential to inadvertently hurt small animals. Cats are about the same size of a racing lure. With time and care, most greyhounds learn to accept other animals as members of the family. However, some greyhounds have such a high prey drive that they must live in homes without cats or other small pets.

What kind of “end” have your former pets met?

If you have left your dogs at the pound, you may be turned down when you try to adopt a greyhound. If there were extenuating circumstances, explain them thoroughly. Please be aware we are very particular about how and where we place our greyhounds. Obviously, we are interested in the long-term health and safety of all of our greyhounds, and will do all we can to ensure that you will give your dog the best possible life as a member of your family.

NOTE: All greyhounds in our adoption program are owned by the board of Race The Wind Greyhound Adoption, Inc.

2. Please do not consider greyhound adoption if you are unwilling to make a lifetime commitment to the dog.

Race The wind is dedicated solely to the interest of the greyhounds and will not allow them to be put in risky or compromising situations. Tragic incidents have occurred when individuals chose to ignore the rules and guidelines.

Race The Wind Greyhound Adoption, Inc. reserves the right to refuse adoptions. If these terms and conditions are too restrictive or unacceptable, you may want to consider another breed.

These pages are only a brief overview of greyhounds. You can research the greyhound on the internet. Please go to www.racethewind.org for a lot more greyhound adoption information.

Does a greyhound sound like the dog for you? If so, proceed to the next step.

STEP TWO: Complete the application on www.racethewind.org or complete the attached application and return it to:

Race The Wind Greyhound Adoption, Inc.
c/o Bob Mowery
624 S. Bluff
Wichita, KS 67218

Your application will be carefully reviewed and references checked. An adoption volunteer will contact you if your application is approved or we need further information. We are all volunteers, so please be patient. Every effort will be made to process your application quickly, but sometimes we are unable to reach your references.

Once the application is approved, an appointment will be scheduled for you to visit the adoption kennel and meet the available greyhounds deemed as candidates fitting your household and lifestyle. A home visit may be scheduled if you have cats or other small animals. During the home visit, we will be looking for potential problems concerning the greyhound’s safety and comfort, and suggesting ways to resolve any problems.

STEP THREE: Let a greyhound adopt you!

When a match has been made between family and greyhound and the adoption fee is paid, the greyhound will be scheduled for spay/neuter. We usually have a few greyhounds that are already spayed or neutered. If one is chosen, it may go home immediately.

3. ALL GREYHOUNDS PLACED BY RACE THE WIND GREYHOUND ADOPTION WILL BE SPAYED/NEUTERED PRIOR TO GOING HOME. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!

We will notify you when your greyhound is ready to go home. You will need a leash and martingale collar. The transfer contract will be completed. Congratulations! You are now ready to take your greyhound home!

NOTE: Greyhounds placed by Race The Wind Greyhound Adoption, Inc. are given a physical, heartworm checked, and all required immunizations prior to going home. Additional information is located in the transfer contract.

STEP FOUR: Follow-up.

We do not send greyhounds home and forget about them. We will make follow-up calls to see how they’re doing. We also hope to involve you in promoting greyhound adoption. We also appreciate updates from you.

Please understand that if we find the dog that has been entrusted to you is not being cared for properly and the dog’s health or safety is in question, we reserve the right to take the dog back. We will do so if necessary in order to protect the dog. Additional information is located in the transfer contract.

SUGGESTED READING

The following books are helpful when deciding if a greyhound is the dog for you. They are also helpful in helping you understand your greyhound as it transitions from a racing dog into a beloved pet.

Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies – By Lee Livingood

Adopting the Retired Racing Greyhound – By Cynthia A. Branigan

Pet Owner’s Guide to the Greyhound – By Anne Finch

The Complete Book of Greyhounds – By Julia Barnes

NOTE: A completed application is required for you to be scheduled to visit the greyhounds in our adoption kennel. Visits are by appointment only. Again, all greyhounds are spayed or neutered prior to going to their new homes. There are NO exceptions.

4.RACE THE WIND GREYHOUND ADOPTION, INC. ADOPTION QUESTIONNAIRE

Greyhound ownership is a serious responsibility and lifetime commitment. This questionnaire has been designed to aid both you and Race the Wind in deciding if you and your family are ready for this responsibility and commitment. Please answer each applicable item completely, honestly and truthfully. Add another sheet if necessary.

Click HERE do download the printable questioneer