What are the adoption costs involved?
There is a $195 adoption donation (of which $150 is tax deductible). A check for $100 must be submitted with the application to adopt: $25 covers processing, $75 is refundable if we cannot match you with a dog. The remaining $95 of the adoption donation is due when the greyhound is adopted. [For senior dogs (nine years or older) the total adoption donation is $100.] GPA-CT uses the fee to pay for neutering or spaying, vaccinations, heartworm testing and, in most cases, teeth cleaning.

What are the prerequisites for adoption?
Greyhounds are not for everyone. GPA-CT will generally not place greyhounds with families who have children under five years of age. You must also have a fenced yard. Greyhounds should not be kept as outside dogs or left in a garage. They have insufficient body fat and too sparse a coat. They do not adapt well to extreme heat or cold. GPA-CT also reserves the right to withhold placement of a greyhound if the placement is not in the best interests of the dog.

What is the temperament of these dogs?
Greyhounds are generally gentle, quiet, clean, and good-natured.

What is their life expectancy?
Although most large breed dogs do not live as long as small breeds, track greyhounds have such an excellent athletic start in life that you can expect them to live until they are 12 to 14 years old. We know of some who have lived 17 years.

How much exercise do they need?
Greyhounds need no more exercise than other large dogs, but they enjoy running in enclosed areas and taking walks. They must NEVER be turned off-leash! Most of the time they are content to sleep.

Are greyhounds easy to train and handle?
Greyhounds are extremely sensitive and intelligent animals, responding quickly to talk and touch as rewards. A stern voice quickly checks a greyhound. No physical punishment should ever be used!

Are ex-racing greyhounds housebroken?
Greyhounds are "kennel trained" — they are trained to keep their kennels clean. At first, walk your dog frequently, and he will quickly learn his new home is the place he keeps clean and outside is the place he can relieve himself. When you are away from home, it helps to limit the area in which he can roam within the house. This helps him identify the areas to keep clean and limits his ability to get into trouble.

Are greyhounds good with children?
Because track dogs are handled by breeders, haulers, trainers, and track workers throughout their careers, they are highly socialized. They are not as playful as puppies, because they are mature dogs, but are generally tolerant of children. However, all dogs have their limits, and no dog should be subjected to harassment!

How are they with other pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and most socialize well with other dogs as a result of interaction with other greyhounds in the racing kennels. Some learn to accept cats and other small pets, but any introductory period should be closely monitored.

Do they make good jogging companions?
Yes! However, their track experience prepares them for sprinting on dirt tracks only. Long exposure to asphalt or concrete may hurt the pads of their feet unless they are allowed to acclimate gradually. You will also have to build them up slowly to your pace and distance.

Do they make good watch dogs?
No. They are far too gentle, but the psychological impact of a large dog can be a deterrent to would-be troublemakers.

Why do greyhounds wear muzzles on the track?
Greyhounds wear racing muzzles because as they round the bend on an oval track, some of them may bump shoulders due to the centrifugal force of the turn. This could potentially lead to a dogfight. Track officials prevent this possibility by muzzling. Racing muzzles are used for photo finishes as well.

Are there special responsibilities if I adopt a greyhound?
Your greyhound must be kept on year-round heartworm preventative, kept free of parasites, receive regular vaccinations, be kept indoors, and wear a GPA-CT identification tag at all times.

Show me greyhounds currently available for adoption.