THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Do some research to see if a greyhound is right for you.
Learn more about the breed by perusing our Hound 101 and visiting the library and internet. Request an adoption packet. The adoption packet is full of information that will help you decide if a greyhound is the dog for you. You can request the adoption packet by calling 763.785.4000 or you can download here. Read all about it! All potential adopters are required to read at least one of the following books: Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood Please Note: GPA MN does not adopt to families with children under five years old. Greyhounds aren’t built for the rough-and-tumble playfulness of young children. They respond best to older, quieter, considerate children. For this reason we recommend that families with toddlers postpone adopting a retired racer until after children turn five years old. If you have children between five and eight years old, we also require you read either or both: Living with Kids and Dogs without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar Happy Kids, Happy Dogs by Barbara Shumannfang Attend a GPA MN Meet & Greet. These events are a great opportunity for you to meet retired racing greyhounds and talk with knowledgeable greyhound owners. To locate a GPA MN Meet & Greet, please check our calendar. Understand GPA MN's Conditions of Ownership. It is our responsibility to ensure the hound is safe and properly cared for after the adoption. To ensure these safety and care requirements are understood by adopters, the requirements are outlined in our Conditions of Ownership form that you will sign at the time of adoption. PART TWO
Upon completing the pre-requisites, complete and return the adoption application.
After we receive your application, an adoption representative will contact you. Speak with an adoption representative. The adoption representative will review your application, answer any questions you may have and interview you to find out:
Wait. Our Adoption Committee works hard to find the right dog for you. Taking into account your needs and preferences, the committee assess our available hounds to match each family with a great dog that fits your lifestyle and personality desires. PART THREE
Meet a Greyhound!
Your adoption coordinator will work with you to set up an appointment to meet a potential match. This is also considered part of the interview process and generally takes place at your home. These meetings usually last about 1 1/2 hours and should be attended by everyone that will be living with the greyhound, including other dogs or cats if applicable. Greyhounds may or may not go home on the day of the first meeting as they may still require vetting. The time period between first meeting and send home depends on the workload of the clinic that performs the surgeries. Pick up your new family member. Also called the send home, this meeting typically takes about 45 minutes. During the send home you will receive demonstrations regarding the care of your greyhound, and you will sign the Conditions of Ownership adoption contract. Payment will also be collected at the time you sign the contract.
After Adoption
We offer a wide range of post-adoption support.
Our adoption representatives are available at anytime after the adoption should you have any questions or concerns. Both representatives and fosters work together to ensure a successful placement. If issues arise following adoption, the representatives and fosters will work with you to help you and the dog have a successful relationship. We also have a GPA MN online forum where you can ask questions, share concerns, and get information on upcoming events. Join our community. Adopting a greyhound is just the first step to becoming involved with a community of greyhound lovers who share a wonderful common bond through our hounds. Our organization works hard to bring together our members by hosting a variety of events that are focused on building community within our group as well as raising awareness and funds for soon-to-be retired hounds. We are an active and growing community, and we hope that you will remain a part of it for many years to come. Socialize your greyhound. We provide many social opportunities throughout the year for you and your greyhound to get out and meet other greyhounds and owners. Remember, your dog has grown up around other greyhounds and they really do enjoy each others company. | 
Research, applications, appointments…The dogs need homes, why can’t I just take one home?
It's a pretty involved process.
GPA MN has a responsibility to both you and the owners of these former racers to ensure that each and every hound finds a good and loving home. Our experience shows that successful adoptions are achieved by carefully and thoughtfully considering each match. We also believe that greyhounds are special dogs that are worth the extra effort, and we think you will agree!
Please be patient with us.
GPA MN is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate our time and energy to the cause. We will work with you to make the process go as quickly as possible. Please know that our primary goal is not to find just any greyhound for you, but to find the right greyhound for you.
Check out some post adoption perks!
GPA Today Info Mailer
By subscribing to this email list you will receive occasional email notifications from GPA MN informing you of upcoming events and opportunities. GPA MN Forum As a new adopter, you will be invited to join our GPA MN community forum for sharing experiences, gaining insight from other greyhound owners, as well as staying in touch with the GPA MN organization as a whole. The Home Stretch The Home Stretch is GPA MN’s newsletter. Filled with informative articles, events, volunteer opportunities, and inspiration, it's a fun and informational resource for our adopting members. After you've adopted, you will receive the mailing a few times per year in your postal mail, and they can always be accessed online. |
