Greyhound adoption

Greyhound adoption or Greyhound rescue programs focus on helping Greyhounds move from racing—where they live in kennels on the track—to homes (for more information about track conditions see Greyhound racing).

Contents

1 Background 2 Origins of the Greyhound adoption movement 3 Care by adoption groups 3.1 Medical care 3.2 Living conditions 4 External links

Background

Many Greyhounds are adopted as pets after they retire from racing. A few pups are adopted directly into homes, most often due to injury at a young age. Others are euthanized due to injury or age and are therefore no longer profitable to their owners (often at only 3 or 4 years old). A Greyhound can often live over 10 years after retirement if given proper medical care.

Currently, most Greyhound adoption programs are based in the United Kingdom and United States. In other places in Europe, the groups often deal with dogs from a variety of sources; for example, in Spain, ex-hunting dogs are often in need of rescuing along with Greyhounds.

Origins of the Greyhound adoption movement

The Greyhound adoption movement grew out of a concern by a few individuals about the treatment of the dogs while racing. All early adoption groups opposed racing. Over time, as more groups have started, a deep ideological division regarding Greyhound racing has developed. The older groups are generally adamantly opposed to any form of Greyhound racing for any purpose other than the enjoyment of the dog. The tracks and owners have started many of the more recently formed groups; these adoption groups (and some others) have started to accept money from the tracks. These groups do not tend to advocate for an end to racing.

When Greyhound adoption first started in the United States, many people associated with racing argued that Greyhounds did not make suitable pets. However, it has become clear that Greyhounds make excellent companions.

Care by adoption groups

Medical care

Typically, when a group takes a dog from the track, they provide a significant amount of basic medical care for the dog and then help place it in someone's home. Often dogs adopted from racing need dental work and deworming. Most owners also require that the groups neuter the dogs, leaving the groups to handle the procedure.

Living conditions

There are generally two different living situations for Greyhounds living with adoption groups: kennels or foster care. Several adoption groups use kennels, which are similar to those used by the tracks in the United States (see Greyhound racing for full discussion). These kennels generally allow larger spaces for each dog, and the dogs are permitted much more time in turn-out pens (outdoor runs for the dogs to play in). Other groups feel that the best way to prepare the dogs for living in homes is to provide them with a home to live in. These groups place the dog in a volunteer foster home. The adoption group generally pays for the veterinarian bills and food for these dogs, while allowing the foster "parents" to train the dog and provide its day-to-day needs.

While there is some debate within the adoption community about which technique is better, it is generally accepted that, by having kennels, the group can handle a larger number of dogs more efficiently, while foster care provides a better living situation for the dog more quickly.

External links

• Adoption groups
  • American-European Greyhound Alliance
  • British Greyhound Retired Database (Association of over 100 adoption organizations)
  • First State Greyhound Rescue
  • Greyhound Adoption Directory
  • National Greyhound Adoption Program (one of the oldest and most outspoken Greyhound adoption groups)

• More information
  • Flash Wilson's guide to adopting an ex-racing greyhound
  • A discussion board of Greyhound owners