Frequently Asked Questions About Greyhounds:


( greyhound rescue new york )
Are they good as pets?
Yes, they are friendly, quiet and affectionate.

Do they need to run a lot?
No, they need about a 20-minute daily walk for exercise. If you have a fenced area they
will run once or twice a week.

Are they good with children?
Yes, they tend to be patient with children, but as with any breed, parental supervision is a
must. Children should never disturb the dog when it is eating or sleeping. Children need to
learn to leave the dog alone when it is resting. Some experts say the male greyhound is
better with children then the females who tend to see children as puppies and may
discipline them.

Are they housebroken?
Not completely, they are crate trained. Some may be housebroken to the foster home but
may have a few accidents in your home.

How much does it cost to adopt one?
$200.00 tax-deductible donation. This donation includes the cost of a special collar and
matching lead. Crates are available for rental of $22.00 for the first two weeks and
$11.00 for each additional week.

Can they run loose?
Never! They must always be on a leash or in a completely fenced area. They have been
bred for speed and have had the idea to chase reinforced in them. You are risking your
dog's life if you let them run loose.

Can they be on a run or stake?
Never! Since they can reach full speed in a very short time, they can break their necks or
backs if wearing a harness.

Can they stay outside?
No, they cannot tolerate temperature extremes, both hot or cold. Also, for any breed,
someone could enter your yard and let the dog out by accident or even steal the dog.

How much do they eat?
About 4 cups per day, 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups at night. Some may need more
until they reach their ideal weight.

Do they have any special requirements?
Yes, in addition to always being on a leash or in a fenced area, they are also sensitive to
chemicals. As such, they cannot wear flea collars or be exposed to toxic chemicals. In
general, shampoos or other products need to be safe for puppies and kittens.

How old are they?
From 18 months to 5 years, the average is 2 years old.

Are they neutered or spayed?
Yes, they are all fixed before they can be adopted.

Have they had their shots?
Yes, they are up to date on their shots.

How are they with other animals?
Most are good with other animals but some are not good with cats or small animals.

What is their life expectancy?
The life span is from 12 to 14 years.

How do I adopt one?
You need to complete and return an application form. Once you are approved, you meet
the adoptable greyhounds at one of our awareness clinics. Since we know their
personalities, we will help you select your greyhound. We will then set a time for the
adoption. We also recommend that you read Adopting the Racing Greyhoundî By
Cynthia A. Branigan.


Estimates Of Costs

Many prospective Greyhound owners ask us about how much it will cost for the annual
check-up with the Vet. While the fees vary in different offices this is an approximation of
the routine yearly costs.

Item Approximate Cost
Office visit 25.00
DHPP (distemper, etc) 16.00
Lepto 12.00
Bordetella * 10.00
Rabies (3 year) 22.00
Lyme * 12.00
Heartworm test 23.00
Heartworm preventative (12 months) 78.00
Stool test 12.00
Worming Varies
Waste disposal fee for each shot 00.55
Total yearly cost approximately 220.00
* Usually need a second booster in 3 to 4 weeks the first time, then yearly boosters.

While we are on the topic of cost, there are other costs involved.
We have tried to include the approximate costs of these other items.

Item Approximate Cost
Food 30.00
Treats (24 oz box hard biscuits) 5.00
Dishes 10.00 to 15.00
Sight hound Collar ** 9.25
Leash ** 8.00
Comb/brush 10.00
Shampoo 8.00 to 10.00
Nail Clippers 12.00 to 25.00
Nail trimming by groomer 5.00
Fleece toy 8.00 to 15.00
Bed/comforter 30.00 and up
Coat 35.00 to 60.00
Total about $190.00 for the 1St
month and a minimum of $40.00
each month thereafter.
** We sell special collars and
matching leads for Greyhounds.


Pet Owner Responsibilities

* Greyhound Rescue of New York, Inc. considers pet ownership to be a very serious
responsibility. Great care is taken to insure that each person adopting a Greyhound is
aware of that responsibility and that they are ready, willing and able to take on that
responsibility.

* The Pre-Adoption Form asks questions to help you and Greyhound Rescue decide
if a Greyhound is the right breed for you. The staff at Greyhound Rescue will help you
select a dog. We have been observing the dog's behavior, personality and temperament.
The information on the pre-application form helps us get to know a little bit about you.
We will speak with you and any other family members. Any who will be living with the
dog, including other dogs, should come and meet the Greyhound.

* We urge you to be very honest with us about yourself and your home life, as these
dogs rely on us to find a suitable home for them. One dog may be perfect for a busy
household, while another may panic and be terrified. They truly have their own personality.

* Please keep in mind the responsibility of pet ownership when completing the
pre-adoption application form. Have you considered the time and expense of pet
ownership? Remember this pet is the equivalent of a perennial 2 year old child and you
will be the sole provider of all his basic needs for the rest of his life. He will need:
regular walks, food, water, shelter, a soft bed, training, collars, leashes, routine and
unexpected veterinary care, and a lot of love, patience and understanding.

* Once we help select the right match for you, a legal agreement is filled out. It states
that you will care for the dog properly, as we have described in the agreement.

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