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 About
GPA
What is Greyhound Pets of America
(GPA)?
GPA is a volunteer organization dedicated
to finding loving homes for greyhounds from racetracks across the
country. Through our community service work, we attempt to raise public
awareness that these ex-racing purebred dogs make excellent, loving pets
and that they are available for adoption into qualified homes.
What are GPA Greyhounds?
Greyhounds placed through GPA are usually
between 2 and 5 1/2 years old. These retired racers are very intelligent
and adaptable dogs, who fit easily into their new home environment
following a brief adjustment period. They are eager to please and
respond positively to any attention given them. The majority of the
greyhounds are quiet, clean, gentle, good-natured dogs who adapt and get
along well with other animals and people. They seem grateful for their
new homes and reward their new owners with never-ending affection. They
do not require a great deal of space to run, as many people think, but
they do need exercise. Inside the house, they enjoy curling up in the
corner on a soft bed. Greyhound males stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the
shoulder and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Females stand 23 to 26
inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. They come in many
colors: black, white, several shades of brindle, fawn, red, or a
combination of these colors. Many people assume these dogs are "grey"
when, in fact, blue is the least common color of greyhound.
What is Their Life Expectancy?
These purebred athletes enjoy many years
of good health. With proper care, they have a life expectancy of 12
years or more.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt and
Care for a Greyhound?
A nominal adoption fee helps defray the
expenses incurred on behalf of the dog including spay/neuter procedure,
vaccinations, dental cleaning, medical testing, etc. Caring for a
greyhound costs on average between $800 and $1000 per year including
food, treats, toys and routine medical maintenance like dental cleanings
and vaccinations.
Do Greyhounds Need a Lot of Exercise?
Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog,
but they are sprinters without a lot of endurance. A retired racer is
quite content to be a "couch potato" and spend most of the day sleeping.
Exercising with walks and occasional opportunities to run around in a
fenced area is all that's required. Greyhounds can never be trusted
off-lead in an unfenced area!
Are Retired Racing Greyhounds Already
Housebroken?
While racing, greyhounds are "kennel
broken," which means they are trained not to relieve themselves in their
living area. They are clean dogs by nature and would prefer to relieve
themselves outdoors when given a choice. These two factors, combined
with specific advice from a trained GPA representative at the time of
adoption, lead to an easy transition into life as a house pet.
What Kind of Grooming do Greyhounds
Require?
Greyhounds' coats are short and sleek, so
they stay clean for long periods of time between baths. While frequent
bathing is unnecessary, these dogs do seem to enjoy (understatement) the
occasional brushing with a hound glove.
 How are Greyhounds with Kids?
Greyhounds generally are not
suitable for families with children under six years old. They cannot
tolerate rough play due to their sensitive and delicate skin, sleek coat
and little body fat. Their natural speed, strength and athleticism are
not the best combination with babies, young children or persons unsteady
on their feet, as they could easily be tipped over by a playful
greyhound!
How are They with Other Pets?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and
socialize well with most family pets as a result of encounters with
other greyhounds in the racing kennel. Even cats and small dogs are
often easily accepted as family members. GPA has successfully placed
thousands of greyhounds with happy owners who also have cats and small
dogs. We get to know each and every dog as an individual and do our best
to match the dog's personality to an ideal home environment.
What Kinds of Pets do Retired
Racing Greyhounds Make?
Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly
dogs who thrive on attention and human companionship. They make terrific
pets! Raised with their littermates where they competed for affection,
greyhounds love becoming the center of attention as household pets.
Greyhounds usually do not make good watchdogs.
Interested in Adopting
a Greyhound?
If you have been thinking about getting a
pet, adopting a GPA greyhound may be right for you. You will be rewarded
with many years of love and enjoyment. Please refer to the homepage to
find adoption information and how to submit an application.
How Else Can You Help?
If you are unable to adopt a greyhound, you can still help GPA. Make a
donation to the local chapter or subchapter. We are a non-profit
organization staffed by volunteers. Our expenses can be high and we
frequently dip into our own pockets to make ends meet. We warmly
appreciate contributions!
Volunteer
to Help!
We are grateful for volunteers to help with fundraising, public
relations, transporting dogs, placement follow-ups, home visits, etc.
Tell your friends about GPA and our wonderful greyhounds. Give us your
ideas. We welcome new ideas to help us promote our program and improve
operations.
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