Adoptions for Retired Racing Greyhounds

Find your gentle companion and give a racer a loving new beginning.
Adopt A Pet

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Greyhounds standing in nature setting

The Adoption Process

Thank you for your interest in adopting a retired racing Greyhound. Greyhounds make wonderful companion pets and offer many years of love and devotion. This application helps us ensure each adopter understands the responsibility involved and that every Greyhound is placed in a compatible, loving, and responsible home.

With many years of adoption experience, we have seen both happy and difficult outcomes. Our decisions are always made in the best interest of the Greyhound. These dogs live 10–14 years, making adoption a serious, long-term commitment. Returning a dog after it has settled into a home is extremely traumatic, and pets should never be considered disposable. Greyhounds are not for everyone, and all adults in the household must agree to and sign the application. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION UNLESS YOU ARE READY AND ABLE TO ADOPT WITHIN 2 WEEKS.

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Can I meet Greyhounds first?

Absolutely, we may be able to arrange a meeting closer to you—just contact us.

Adoption Cost

A non-refundable, tax-deductible adoption donation is required:

  • Domestic Retired Racers: $600

  • Senior Dogs (10+ years): $450

A $50 deposit is due with your application (refunded if denied). The remaining balance is due at adoption. Fees are non-refundable.

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Greyhound sitting on a sunny path

What the Adoption Fee Covers

FHGA's average cost per Greyhound exceeds $300 and includes:

  • Heartworm test (negative result)

  • Spay or neuter

  • Dental cleaning and extractions if needed

  • All vaccinations (DHLP, rabies)

  • Fecal testing and treatment until negative*

  • Full parasite screening

  • Adoption package (martingale collar, leash, muzzle)

  • Membership and benefits

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Our Commitment to Quality Care

If treatment is required, the adoption fee remains the same. Monthly preventatives (heartworm, flea, and tick) and any prescription medications during FHGA care are not included. Please ensure you understand this before adopting. Each adoption allows FHGA to prepare another Greyhound. Once your application and deposit are received, an FHGA representative will contact you to review them.

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Matching the Right Greyhound

We carefully match each Greyhound based on your household, including children, other pets, and lifestyle. Our officers are trained in Greyhound profiling. While preferences like color or gender are considered, we ask you to trust us to place the best possible match—even if it’s not what you originally expected.

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Covid-19 Update

IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ADOPTIONS.
All meet-and-greets have been suspended until further notice.
OUR SERVICE AREA IS UPSTATE AND WESTERN NY.
NORTH to PLATTSBURGH - WEST to ROCHESTER -
SOUTH to BEACON and WAPPINGERS FALLS.
[Our service area DOES NOT INCLUDE NYC or the BOROUGHS.]

*Please DO NOT apply if you, or any family members, are ill.
The dogs will wait, and so will we!*
Questions: (518) 428-3254

Please Consider the Following Before You Adopt

Families With Children Under 8

Due to the challenges of supervising toddlers and young children, we generally prefer adoptive families to have children 8 years of age or older. Greyhounds are gentle and sweet, but they are still animals and, like any breed, can react unpredictably if startled, hurt, or frightened by sudden movements or falls. Families with younger children must contact Paula before submitting an application or fee. In many cases, arrangements can be made, but there are no guarantees with any animal.

Cat Owners Considering Adoption

Families Without Fenced Yards

Available Greyhounds for Adoption

Not Ready to Adopt?

Consider fostering instead:

Important Reminder

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION UNLESS YOU ARE READY AND ABLE TO ADOPT WITHIN 2 WEEKS.

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Adoption Application

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION UNLESS YOU ARE READY AND ABLE TO ADOPT WITHIN 2 WEEKS.

Pet ownership is a serious responsibility. Anyone adopting a Greyhound must understand the moral, physical, and financial commitment involved. Greyhound ownership is not suitable for everyone. Please read all information carefully before applying.

Get Started

Adoption Donation Fees

All adoption donations are non-refundable:

  • Domestic Retired Racers: $600
  • Senior Dogs (10+ years): $450

A $50 application deposit is required when submitting your application. This deposit is refunded only if your application is denied. The remaining balance is due at adoption.

How to Begin the Adoption Process (Online)

Important Hold Policy

Applying by Mail or Fax

Application Deposit Policy (Important)

Additional Notes

Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions reserves the right to refuse adoption to any applicant. Interested in adopting a Spanish Galgo? Please read the Galgo information page first.

Forever Home Greyhound Adoption Application

PLEASE NOTE: Your application will NOT be considered unless we have received your application fee.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Information
Address
About the Household
Ages of children in the home*
Is everyone in the household aware that greyhounds must ALWAYS be kept on a leash, or in a completely fenced area?*
About My Residence
Currently, do you*
[Renters Only] Section
Is there an animal size/pound restriction?
Do you have permission from your landlord to adopt a dog?
[Homeowner's Only] Section
Is your yard fenced in?*
Other Household Pets
If you own a cat, is it
Do you provide dental care for your pets?
Pet Care
Do you already have a veterinarian?*
Is your veterinarian familiar with a greyhound's special needs?*
Is there a legal ordinance in your area pertaining to animal/pet ownership? (i.e., leash laws, required vaccinations, dog licenses, etc.)*
About Your Interest in Greyhounds
Do all adults in the household agree to the adoption?*
Do you have a gender preference?*
Occasionally an older greyhound, or one with special needs, is available. Would you consider adopting such a dog?*
It may take SEVERAL WEEKS for a greyhound to adjust to its new home. Are you willing / prepared to allow this much time?*
A home visit may be required. Do you agree to allow a Forever Home representative to do a home visit and make post-adoption phone calls?*
Where will your greyhound spend the majority of his/her day?*
Where will your greyhound spend the majority of his/her night?*
What type of (greyhound) personality/temperament do you think would best fit your household and lifestyle?*
What do you consider valid reasons for giving up your greyhound?*
What research have you done about the breed?*
Are you willing to return your greyhound to FHGA if you are unable to keep the dog? *Please note: this is not an escape clause for the adopter to use in the event of medical issues or old age of the dog.*
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References

Please list two references that you have known for more than one year. At least one of your references should be a neighbor. References cannot be family members.
Reference #1
Address*
Reference #2
Address*
References

I/We authorize my/our veterinarian to release information regarding my/our pets to a representative of Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions. Further, by typing/entering my/our name(s) I/we affix my/our electronic signature(s) acknowledging that the information supplied herein is true and correct. If the information in this application is found to be false, Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions retains the right to decline this adoption request.
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