Adoption Process
GPA Northwest seeks qualified adoptive homes that are committed to responsible pet ownership. We have established formal procedures to ensure that retired racers are placed in loving homes with people who will take good care of them for the rest of their lives. Browse our website and read over the adoption agreement. Prospective owners 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 at all times when not in an enclosed area. Read this page to learn just how much we do to prepare your Greyhound for life as a pet and why GPA Northwest is the leading Greyhound Adoption organization in the country. We do more for the Greyhounds and we provide more support for you. We also provide opportunities for you to participate in fun activities to help more Greyhounds find homes and to enjoy being with other Greyhound owners and their dogs.
Starting The Adoption Process
After reviewing the information on this web site, if you are interested in adopting a retired racing Greyhound please complete an adoption application form (download the Adobe PDF file, complete the online application, or call GPA Northwest to have an application mailed to you 503-784-1285.
1) Visit By A Placement Representative
When your completed application is received, a placement representative will first contact you by telephone. They will explain what having a Greyhound is like and answer any questions you may have about Greyhounds or our adoption process. After the telephone discussion, if you both agree that a Greyhound sounds right for you, the placement representative will arrange a convenient time to visit with you in your home. During the in-home visit, you and the placement representative will put together a profile of the Greyhound best suited to your lifestyle and needs. While there, the placement representative will answer your questions and show you any possible danger points in your home and yard. Greyhounds have some special requirements and your placement representative will help you see your home and yard through the eyes of a Greyhound. Should you decide to adopt and your application is approved, your placement representative will suggest ways to make the addition of your Greyhound a safe and happy experience for all concerned.
2) Selection of The Right Greyhound
Because our Greyhounds are cared for in foster homes, we are able to compile profiles on the Greyhounds available for adoption. We compare these profiles with the profile you and your placement representative prepared. We will select Greyhounds that match what you are looking for and your placement representative will call you with the names and descriptions of the dogs that we think best meet your preferences and needs, as well as the needs of the Greyhounds. You are welcome to visit these dogs with your placement representative. You then have the opportunity to choose the dog you want to adopt from the dogs you have met or to continue looking. When you have found the Greyhound of your dreams, we will help you complete the adoption arrangements.
3) The Adoption
There is a $255.00 adoption fee to help us recover part of our costs and continue our adoption program. A portion of this fee is tax deductible. This fee helps support the GPA Northwest adoption program.
GPA Northwest provides much more medical care and preparation for their Greyhounds than most organizations, therefore our costs are higher and our adoption fee may be higher. We have a complete veterinary dental cleaning done on EVERY Greyhound entering our program. We don't cut corners by providing dental cleaning for only some of our dogs. If a dog needs any teeth extracted, we take care of that as well so you don't have to make another visit to your vet. All of our senior aged Greyhounds have a complete blood profile, called an SA1620/Superchem, which is a very in-depth view of the dogs health. Any Greyhound that shows signs of injury or illness is seen by a veterinarian specifically for that issue. If needed, the dog will see a specialist to get the best possible treatment. We believe that all of this extra care is best for the dogs and their new owners. Ask your veterinarian what it will cost to have a dogs teeth cleaned and the other things on this list and you will agree that our adoption fee is very reasonable!
Before your Greyhound goes home with you he or she,
is neutered or spayed
has a complete dental treatment (cleaning, polishing, and any extractions that may have been necessary)
has all vaccinations updated (Typically DHPP & Rabies)
has received heartworm testing and preventative
has received de-worming (Round Worms, Tape Worms, Hook Worms, Whip Worms)
has had flea & tick treatment applied (typically Frontline Plus or Advantage)
has been treated for several potential parasites, such as Giardia
has had all extraordinary medical treatment needed to be happy and healthy
has had any extraordinary blood testing needed, such as testing for tick-borne diseases and fungal disease
all Senior aged Greyhounds have full blood work performed
has been loved by a foster family and taught about life as a retired racing Greyhound
Each dog comes with a GPA Northwest identification tag, and a special Greyhound safety collar, called a Martingale, with a matching leash. You will also receive the GPA Northwest New Owners Guide, which contains information about integrating your new Greyhound into your home. You also become part of the largest Greyhound Adoption program in the United States, with access to other Greyhound owners and experts who can help you with any questions, concerns or problems you may encounter. GPA Northwest is the original Greyhound Adoption program in Oregon. We have been supporting Greyhound adopters for 20 years and we will be there for you when you need help and support. Read More About Our History
Complete the adoption paperwork and take possession of your new Greyhound! Your placement representative will have you fill out a one-page adoption form and will provide you with a packet of information, literature and coupons. Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a wonderful Greyhound!
4) Follow Up
After you adopt your Greyhound from GPA Northwest, our placement representative will contact you the following day, about a week later and usually a few times during your first month or two. This is to be sure that your questions are answered and that any issues with your new Greyhound are resolved as quickly as possible. Most often, any issue can be corrected easily if it is addressed quickly with the proper information and knowledge. We want your new Greyhound to fit perfectly into your life and family so we will encourage you to call us any time you have a question or want information. You can't call too often, we are always here for you.
We will also include you on our mailing list so you receive our quarterly newsletter and, if you choose, you can be part of our email newsletter subscriber list and receive current information about GPA Northwest events, news and information about Greyhounds.