210.662.6065 ~ 830.303.2229
Make A Fast Friend -
Adopt A Greyhound!
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.
Before Adoption:
Before adoption, we
recommend your purchase and read two books. First, we suggest 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
- all vaccinations (DHLPP, Rabies, Bordatella, and
- microchip
- blood testing
- testing for heart worms
- dental care (cleaning, polishing, and any
extractions that may have been necessary)
- trimming nails
- TXGAP 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 on 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
- 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 Adobe.Com.)
You may also call
(210.662.6065 or 830.303.2229) or e-mail 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 net
If you do have any
questions about your new family pet, please e-mail
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.
Copyright © 2006 TXGAP
~ All Rights Reserved