Adopting a Greyhound

Where to start?

So, you have decided you would like to welcome a greyhound into your home and have read all you can about it. What happens next?

Before you take the next step and choose your pet, please ask yourself the following questions:

What is my daily schedule?

This will have a bearing on whether you can actually own a greyhound at all: do I have the time for a greyhound, would an older or younger greyhound suit my lifestyle best, would a quiet, gentle greyhound or a playful, energetic one would suit my household.

Have I a securely fenced garden?

Because greyhounds are ‘sighthounds’, that is, dogs that chase by sight, your greyhound may catch sight of a newspaper in a breeze and be off before you know what’s happened! By the time they stop running, they may be too far away to find their way home. For this reason, it is very important to have a securely fenced garden for your greyhound to play in.

Have I other pets?

Most greyhounds will settle very well into houses with other pets. However, as with any dog some are more dominant, some are not; some are perfectly fine with cats, some are not. There will be the perfect greyhound out there for your family; you just need to honestly assess your requirements and realise that, while you simply adore the young blue dog you saw on that website, the older black dog might fit your family better.

Do I realise the responsibility of owning a pet?

This is a very pertinent question for ALL pet owners, irrespective of whether that pet is a goldfish, a cat, a dog or a horse! Adopting any pet is a lifelong commitment. Can you commit to giving your pet a good life? This means a good diet, exercise, companionship, Veterinary care and love. This is very important. You can expect your pet greyhound to live until 12 – 14 years of age. Will you love and respect him as much as he loves and respects you until the end of his happy life with you?

I’m convinced! What next?

Please contact the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust by calling Joanne Murray at 061-448089 or by emailing joanne.murray@grireland.ie and we would be delighted to help you find your perfect pet. Adopting through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust means that you can be sure that every greyhound has been neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped and you will be carefully supported throughout the adoption process and for the first few weeks of getting to know your new pet.

Choosing your New Family Member

Naturally, we have a responsibility to our greyhounds to make sure that they find good homes and to our adopting families to make sure that they get adequate information, support and aftercare. To help with this, we will ask you to fill out an adoption question to get a better idea of what greyhound would best suit your lifestyle and what kind of greyhound you are looking for.

We will help arrange for you to meet suitable greyhounds and we advise that you bring all the family, including pets, to ensure everyone is happy with your new addition to the family. Take the time to ask questions and explore your options. Remember, the only Stupid Question is the one you didn’t ask! The IRGT and our fosterers care passionately about their greyhounds and want only that both dog and family are perfectly matched.

Once you have found out all the information you need, you will be asked to allow a ‘Home Visit’. Don’t worry! This is just another opportunity to chat and ask questions and so that the adoption group can check your garden, where the greyhound will sleep, etc...

Things To Be Checked on a Home Visit

Is your garden securely fenced?
Will your greyhound sleep indoors?
What will his diet be?
Is the chosen greyhound suitable for the family?
Do you need any further information or advice?

Once your home visit is done, and any necessary changes have been made (fences, etc) it’s time to arrange the Grand Homecoming!

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Irish Retired Greyhound Trust