San Antonio, Texas Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
 
Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
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How to Adopt a TXGAP Greyhound
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Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
Texas Greyhound Adoption Program
 
The TXGAP Adoption Process:

So, you have decided to join the world of Greys and you are ready to adopt! An adopted Greyhound will return the love & affection you give him by 110%. Few things in life are quite as satisfying as adopting one of these wonderful Greyhounds. What should you do now? The following information below will guide you through our adoption process.

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Before Adoption:

Before adoption, we recommend your purchase and read two books. First, Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies, written by Lee Livingood. This book is a no-nonsense guide to the joys and pitfalls of adopting the retired racing Greyhound. It is full of sensible tips and unique aspects of owning a Greyhound as your forever pet. You can visit Lee Livingood's web site at: Running with the Big Dogs for more info about adopting a Greyhound. Another book we recommend is Adopting the Racing Greyhound, by Cynthia Branigan. Cynthia's book is regarded as "The Bible" for anyone considering ownership of a former racing dog.

 

Potential Adopters must understand that Greyhounds need to be house pets, since they have little natural protection from the elements. Due to their breeding and training, they must be leashed when not in an enclosed area.

Be realistic about your lifestyle and what you're willing and able to accommodate. Dogs are a huge commitment, but well worth the effort! Many of us can't imagine what our home was like before adopting a Greyhound. To Greyhound owners, they are the perfect pet! And, a potato chip dog... you can't have just one! Please take the time to consider whether a Greyhound is right for you (and your family) before you make a commitment to adopt and to care for one.

Our adoption fee is $210.00 with an $105.00 deposit due with the adoption application. The remainder is due when your Greyhound is delivered. Both the adoption fee and the deposit are non-refundable.

The adoption fee includes:
  • the spaying or neutering
  • microchip
  • all vaccinations (DHLPP, Rabies, Bordatella, and Corona vaccinations)
  • blood testing
  • testing for heart worms
  • dental care (cleaning, polishing, and any extractions that may have been necessary)
  • trimming nails
  • HCGA identification tag
  • Collar and lead

The Application Process:

1. After reviewing the information on our web site, if you are still interested in adopting a greyhound, complete an adoption application. To get an application, you may stop by one of our adoption clinics or print our on-line application (If you have Adobe Reader installed, the PDF application will automatically open in your browser. If not, you can download a free copy at Adobe.Com.)

2. Bring your application to one of our adoption clinics and speak with a TXGAP representative. With TXGAP's help, you now are ready to choose the Greyhound you want to adopt, or you may want to keep looking. You can view the Greyhounds we have up for adoption before coming to an adoption clinic or begin now using PetFinders.

3. While selecting a Greyhound, keep these things in mind:

  • Do you have small pets? Does the Greyhound need to be small animal and cat friendly?
  • Do you have children or grandchildren, or do you plan to have children in the future?
  • Does a dog fit your lifestyle? How many hours will my Greyhound be alone during the day? Am I willing to crate my Greyhound?
  • Who will you keep your Greyhound while you vacation or travel for business?
  • Greyhounds are house pets. Am I willing to keep my Greyhound indoors?
  • Greyhounds are sighthounds. Am I willing to keep my Greyhound on a lead at all times when outdoors and not in an enclosed area?
  • Do I want a watch dog? Greyhounds do not make good watch dogs.
  • Are you committed to caring for your retired racer for ten or more years? Are you prepared to care for your aging racer?
  • Can you afford a dog?
  • A new dog, however wonderful he or she is, changes the dynamic in a home.Retired Racers typically do not show their true personalities for at least 6 months to one year. Are you willing to work with your Greyhound and train him or her to be the best they can be?

3. When you have found the Greyhound of your dreams, after working with an adoption counselor to help you select a dog which will be suitable for your lifestyle and environment, we will begin adoption procedures. First, you will be interviewed by one or more TXGAP representatives. The interview(s) will:

  • Answer your questions about the needs of your future pet. Please have your list of questions ready!
  • Assure TXGAP that you are serious about adding a Greyhound to your family.
  • Assure that you will provide a safe and loving environment for the Greyhound.
  • Assure that you understand adoption is a long-term commitment and responsibility.


4. When your application has been approved, one of our TXGAP representatives will have you fill out a one-page form and will provide you with a packet of information materials and coupons. Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a wonderful Greyhound!

Depending on the number of applications and the schedule of the interviewers, the entire process could take up to one week. It can be a very long week when you are anxiously awaiting the time your new family member will arrive! In special circumstances, we can try to expedite the process.

Our adoption process, which requires you to view possible adoptive dogs, fill out an application, a possible home visit, and/or interviews, may seem like a lot of work. But remember, you're planning a relationship that will last 10-plus years. Isn't it worth taking the time to make sure you're getting a dog that will be just right for your family?

How to Get an TXGAP Adoption Application:

Come by one of our adoption clinics or print out our on-line application. (If you have Adobe Reader installed, the PDF application will automatically open in your browser. If not, you can download a free copy at www.adobe.com.

You may also call 830.303.2229 (metro-line) or fastfriends@txgap.org if you have any questions or need help filling out your application.

After Adoption:

Suggested Purchases:

  • A soft, large dog bed
  • Raised feeder with two bowls
  • A wire crate large enough for a Greyhound to stand and turn comfortably in
  • Dry dog food with 21% or less protein
  • Name & address tag
  • Fluffy, squeaky dog toys
  • Dog Biscuits

You get a knowledgeable, friendly support network when you adopt from us, and you join a family of Greyhound lovers who delight in the joy experienced by new adopters. All of us at TXGAP are happy to share with you what they know about Greyhounds and about adjusting to their new life as the family pet. A new dog, however wonderful he is, changes the dynamic in the home. He alters to some degree all of the human and animal relationships. This means that you'll inevitably have questions and needs, especially in the first few weeks. It's a great relief to know that folks out there know what you're going through and are ready to help and encourage you.

If you do have any questions about your new family pet, please e-mail HoundBuddy@txgap.org. Feel free to give us a call too at 830.303.2229 (metro-line). Or, if you are in the area of one of our adoption clinics, stop by, we will be glad to visit with you and answer your questions.

Return Policy:

Your Greyhound always has a home should he or she not work, or should your lifestyle change radically and you can no longer keep a dog. We will always take the greyhound back to find him or her a new, loving home. Return Policy Agreement

 
 

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