Frequently Asked Questions

How does the adoption process work?

See "What You Can Expect When Adopting From GAO"

What is the adoption fee?

$175.00 + $15 for martingale collar & 6' leash

What does that cover?

See "What You Can Expect When Adopting From GAO", "About Greyhounds"

Are these dogs good with kids? Cats? Hamsters? Birds?

As a breed, greyhounds are as good or better than most. However, we recognize that each dog is different and strive to help you pick the dog best suited to your family's needs. Some will take a little time and patience to adjust to cats. Roughly, half of our greyhounds are placed with cats or other small pets.

Don't females make better pets?

Not at all. Again, each dog is an individual. Many families have greyhounds of both gender and see no difference with regard to personality, tolerance, affection and gentleness.

It's our experience that many people request a female, when considering adoption. The sad fact is that boys are often misunderstood and, therefore, more difficult to place. While boys are rarely sent back to the farm after their racing days, girls are often sent to retire to the breeding farms, making the pool of available girls very small in relation to the number of boys we receive. It is not unusual for us to get twice to three times as many boys as girls when we take in new dogs.

Contrary to what many people think, girls are not "nicer" than boys. Boys don't live their lives lifting their legs on the furniture. They might try it, once or twice (they usually don't) but during that first day in your home, you'll be right there to correct him and let him know that outside is the place to do that. Greyhounds are very sensitive creatures and take correction very seriously. It's one of the nicest things about them and part of what makes them such lovely companions. It only takes a time or two of hearing your unhappy voice for them to get the message.

Boys are gentle, kind, loving and sensitive. Many adopters who've had both genders prefer to have boys, although we firmly believe each dog is different and each must be viewed in terms of his or her own personality. Our boys often wait, patiently, for many months, for the love of a family, while the girls "zip" out the door, shortly after they arrive.So, if you're someone who has listed "small girl", in answer to our question about preferences, please consider our dear, sweet boys! You won't regret it!

 

Are there any other challenges that come with adopting a greyhound?

One situation that is fairly common is that a greyhound, after some time in his new home, develops separation anxiety. Greyhounds have never had a person to love. When they bond with an individual or family, they give their "all". When the object of their affection is gone, they can become upset and despondent. This problem can be managed and usually only happens in homes where the dog is alone all day and where no other pets are present. If you have no other pets, adopting two greyhounds can preclude the problem and offer twice the fun as adopting one! Of course, most greyhounds that live alone do just fine. We will help with any problems that may arise.

Can I plan to eventually allow my greyhound to run off-leash? Why/Why not?

NO! Greyhounds are sighthounds and have been bred and taught to chase. It is not that they are trying to run away from you. Rather, they are so fast, that if they do chase something, they can be gone and lost before you or they know it. This is especially true of newly adopted greyhounds who, in most cases, don't even know their names or what the command "come" means.

Is Invisible Fence permitted?

After many years of a "no radio fence" policy, we have come to the realization that many greyhounds can do well with Invisible Fence. We will work with families individually, with regard to this issue.

Do greyhounds shed?

Greyhounds shed a nominal amount, certainly not nearly as much as many other breeds. A daily brushing with a rubber "mitt" will keep shedding to a minimum.

What if I have allergies?

Many people who have been unable to live with other breeds can live comfortably with greyhounds. You are welcome to come and spend time with them to determine if and how you react to them.

Do greyhounds dig?

Each dog is an individual. Most greyhounds will choose to stay out in the yard only for a short time, unless you are out with them. They truly are "people" dogs. Digging is rarely a problem.

Do greyhounds make good "watch dogs"?

No. Most greyhounds will rarely, if ever, bark. However, if they are in a home with a dog that does bark, some will learn. Greyhounds are gentle, friendly, non-aggressive dogs.

Are all greyhounds abused?

Have all those that are really shy been abused? While many cases of abuse have been documented, most greyhounds are not abused. The sensitive nature of the greyhound makes the racing life difficult for some dogs, who react by being shy. These dogs most often blossom in a home, making the adoption experience even more rewarding.

Can I pick my own dog?

See "What You Can Expect When Adopting From GAO"

Can greyhounds sit?

Yes! While sitting comes more easily to some than others, we believe every dog should learn basic obedience, including sitting. A well-trained dog is a happy dog.

What if the adoption doesn't "work out"? Will GAO take my greyhound back?

Not only will GAO take your dogs back but you will have signed an agreement to NEVER give your dog to anyone other than GAO! However, as adoption is a lifetime commitment, unless the problem is insurmountable, we expect adoptive "parents", with help from GAO, to work it out, as you would with any other member of your family!