MDAR - Retired Greyhound Care and Adoption Council - The Retired Greyhound


Retired Greyhound Adoption Council Grant information The Retired Greyhound - information on adopting a greyhound	The Retired Greyhound The average greyhound races until approximately four years of age. Once the dog has completed its racing career it will either return to the farm for breeding or be placed in a home as a pet. Adoption entities assist with the placement of the retired greyhound. In Massachusetts there are various adoption entities that prepare the greyhound for its transition from athlete to pet. Prior to being released for adoption the adoption entity has the greyhound examined by a veterinarian, a spay/neuter is performed and the dog has its teeth cleaned. In addition to tending to the physical needs of the greyhound, the adoption entity will assess the greyhound's personality so that it can be placed into a compatible home. The adoption entities strive for a smooth transition of the greyhound's life as a professional athlete to that of a pet. Commitment to the Greyhound The goal of the greyhound adoption entity is to place greyhounds into permanent loving homes where they will thrive as pets. Anyone adopting a greyhound should plan on a long-term commitment. Greyhounds that are properly maintained have the potential to survive beyond their 12th birthdays. The average age of the retired greyhound available for adoption is 2 years to 5 years of age. For someone seeking an older canine companion, organizations do have some senior dogs that are seeking homes. The adopting entities make a lifelong commitment to the greyhound that they place into a home. A reputable adoption group will take the dog back into their program at any time during the dog's life if the adoption is not successful. Most of the adopting entities require that a contract be signed that states that the greyhound must be returned to the organization in the event that adoption fails any time during the life of the greyhound. Post Adoption Costs When adopting a greyhound the expense of maintaining a dog should be a consideration. Expenses after adoption include daily feeding, treats, regular veterinary care, periodic teeth cleaning, heartworm testing and prevention and vaccinations. Veterinarians The Council is attempting to compile a list of veterinarians with knowledge in the treatment and care of retired greyhounds. The list will be published on this website in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 10, Section 64. It is not the intention of the Retired Greyhound Care and Adoption Council to promote a particular veterinarian and the list is open to any licensed veterinarian who states that he/she has experience in the care and treatment of greyhounds. Veterinarians who would like to be listed may contact Daniel Rhodes at 617-626-1728 or Daniel.Rhodes@state.ma.us. Greyhounds as Therapy Dogs There are organizations that utilize people and their canines to volunteer for therapy dog programs. Dogs visit convalescent facilities, assisted living facilities, schools and other places where people benefit from exposure to pets. Pets must meet the standard of a particular organization in order to qualify for the program.	On this page Commitment to the greyhound Post adoption costs Veterinarians Greyhounds as therapy dogs Related Links Caring Canines: www.caringcanines.org Dog B.O.N.E.S. www.therapydog.info/index.htm Pets and People Foundation, Inc. www.westondogclub.org/Pets&People