Greyhound Newsletters

Serving areas throughout California and Las Vegas

Toll-free 1-877 GR8TDOG
(478-8364)

Greyhound
Adoption Center
P.O. Box 2433
La Mesa, CA
91943-2433

What are these special needs that make an ex-racer different from a lab or a whippet or any other breed?
Racing greyhounds have never ridden in a car, been in a house, seen a window or a sliding glass door, stairs, a TV set, etc. They've probably never seen a child or any other dog, except other greyhounds. These dogs are remarkably adaptable, however, and learn quickly, but it takes patience and commitment on the part of the new owner to help an ex-racer make the transition from racing machine to family pet.

An ex-racing greyhound will ALWAYS view any door, gate, garage door, or car door opening as a starting box door opening and therefore the signal to make a fast sprint "out." These dogs reach speeds of up to 47 mph and are at cruising speed in seconds. If a greyhound gets "out," he may NEVER come back, no matter how much he's called. Ex-racers are taught to GO!!! and are out of your voice range in seconds.

Once out, a greyhound is at risk. These dogs will NEVER have the car-smarts or street-smarts that other dogs have. Once out in "the real world," an ex-racing dog is probably going to be hit by a car and killed, as anyone involved in greyhound rescue can testify.

This means that anyone who adopts a greyhound needs to have a secure and safe home with good doors and fences. Anyone who adopts a greyhound needs to be committed to the safety of the dog and NEVER allow it off-leash in an unfenced area.

Greyhounds also have special medical needs related to how their trim bodies process anesthesia, flea control products, and worming medication. Many greyhounds will require thyroid medication. Therefore, a greyhound- knowledgeable vet is a must. Our program will do its best to supply you with the name of a veterinarian in your area who is experienced in treating greyhounds.

I have a 6-foot fence and locked gates. Can my greyhound live outside?
Greyhounds are strictly INDOOR dogs and our program will not adopt to anyone who plans to keep the dog outside. Their entire lives at the racetrack have been spent INSIDE the racing kennel, where it's warm in winter and cool in summer. An ex-racing greyhound does not have the undercoat of fur that other breeds have, and feels heat and cold much as humans do. 

The inside of a racing kennel is a restricted, secure, protected environment and a greyhound left unattended in a backyard invites problems, which can result in vet bills or property damage. People who maintain "outdoor" dogs and say the greyhound will be indoors are declined by our program because we know dogs being dogs, they will want to be together. And if one dog is outdoors, that's where the greyhound will end up.

We place greyhounds as house pets, which means the house...not a patio, the garage or a laundry room. (This is not negotiable with us.)

I work long hours. Should I adopt a greyhound?
Why adopt ANY dog? A companion animal needs a companion and this may not be the right time in your life to adopt a dog. Ex-racing greyhounds are even more attuned to having people around since a racing kennel is a busy, crowded place. 

Another consideration is: How will the dog be able to relieve itself? Racing greyhounds are generally turned out every four hours or so (except at night).  If you're away from home for more than six hours a day, reconsider the type of pet you want. It's cruel to expect a greyhound to have bladder control for eight or more hours, something people certainly don't expect of themselves.

I want to crate my greyhound at night or when I'm away from the house. Is this a problem?
Our program does not approve of crating and will not adopt to anyone who plans to crate.  

Unlike other breeds of dog, racing greyhounds have spent their entire lives in crates and have developed an extremely strong sense of personal space. We want these dogs to live with us in OUR world and to share it. We believe crating reinforces a track behavior that isn't acceptable in their new lives as family pets.

Applicants who wish to crate for their own convenience and maintenance of a neat and tidy home are turned down. We believe -- strongly -- that the last "cage" a greyhound should see is at the kennel.

There are children in my family. Do ex-racing greyhounds like kids?
Most greyhounds have never seen a child until they leave the racetrack.  Most are tolerant of children but it's not a dog a child can particularly "play with" or interact with. If your children want to play with a dog, there are other breeds better suited than ex-racing greyhounds.

These dogs are large, athletic sprinters and no one under the age of 14 should  take an ex-racing greyhound for a walk without an accompanying adult.

Younger children may also not understand how important it is to the greyhound's safety to shut gates and doors to the outside world, or how to respect an ex-racer's sense of "space."

They're housebroken, right?
No, they're not, but they're very easy to housebreak and it shouldn't be a problem.

I have cats, small dogs, chinchillas, rabbits, birds.
Our program tries very hard to choose a dog that will fit into your family. We test each ex-racer with cats and we also test with other dogs (non-greyhound) for safety and compatibility. Although certain small animals, such as chinchillas and rabbits, look a lot like a racing lure, there are greyhounds who live in homes where these animals are also family pets.

How much does it cost to adopt a greyhound?
Our adoption fee is $240. This partially defrays our cost of spaying or neutering the dog, getting dental work done, thyroid and heartworm tests, and giving all vaccinations. Please keep in mind that owning a pet carries a financial responsibility that will last the dog's lifetime.

What does your program look for in approving an applicant who wants to adopt an ex-racing greyhound?
We look for a long-term commitment, a willingness to listen, financial stability, and a safe and loving home. We feel the dogs deserve this.