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First and foremost, a fenced in yard is an absolute requirement. Greyhounds, being sighthounds, will want to chase small animals as a matter of pure instinct. A Greyhound that is loose and on the streets is at a greater risk than most other loose animals because of their sheer speed. There may be some exceptions for people who live in apartments in major cities, but our first responsibility will be to the needs of the Greyhound as we see them. Too many tragedies have occurred - too many dogs have been lost - too many hearts have been broken. We hope you will understand the importance of this requirement.
Second, we require that the Greyhound be kept as in indoor dog. Because of their thin skin and coat, and their low body fat content, the Greyhound has a low tolerance for temperature extremes. These animals are companions and thrive with human interaction. They are also an unusual looking pet, and some Greyhounds have been stolen from yards - sometimes to be sold to labs and other institutions for experiments. Keeping the retired racing Greyhound as a house pet will go a long way to increase the pleasure you experience when helping us save one of these marvelous animals.
Third, we require all Greyhound adopted through USA Defenders of Greyhounds to be kept on Heartworm preventive medication. We would prefer that they be kept on this medication year round, but at a minimum, during the months of the year when mosquitos and other carriers may survive and pass on this parasite. The dogs that we place have all been tested to be heartworm free and are placed on preventive before you receive them. Heartworm is a major killer of house pets - our special animals deserve no less than protection from this disease.
Fourth, the Greyhounds we are placing are to be kept as pets only. They are not to be part of any competitive racing - they are indeed retired. Of course, because they are spayed or neutered before they are placed, they cannot be bred. We do encourage obedience training and trials - the Greyhound is a very smart and adaptive breed and there are some who have received CD an CDX titles. They also enjoy agility!
Fifth, if for any reason the adoption fails, the Greyhound must be returned to USA Defenders of Greyhounds. We have saved this animal from certain death, and will not allow one of our adoptees to be discarded or otherwise released to another party. If the return is because of a behavior problem, we will place the animal with someone qualified to deal with an unusual case. USA Defenders of Greyhounds also reserves the right to recall an adoptive pet for reasons of (but not limited to) abuse or neglect, or if we believe the Greyhound is at risk.
Applications will be followed up by a phone call and interview. This may take some time, but the more information you can give us, the better. Also realize that the more specific you are on your application with respect to preferences in color and sex, the longer it may take for us to find a Greyhound that will work well in your home. We rescue the dogs as they become available and as we have space for them - we don't go to the track and pick out specific dogs to "fill orders".
Lastly, please understand that we are an all volunteer organization. It will take us some time - sometimes 4 to 6 weeks - to compile the applications and get back to prospective families. We will do our best to expedite the process, and hope that you understand the need for us to be as vigilant when placing these wonderful animals as we try to be when we save them from the track or educate the public about the horrors of the racing industry. Now that we have explained our basic requirements, please proceed to the adoption form.
Carmel, IN 46082