Finding fur-ever homes: Celebrating Adopt a Greyhound Month with GPA-Houston

April marks a special time for Greyhound Pets of America – Houston as they celebrate Adopt a Greyhound Month. Spearheaded by dedicated members like Heather Conn from the Adoption Committee and supported by the leadership of GPA-Houston’s Board of Directors, including Amy Bradford and Cindy Crochet, the organization aims to raise awareness about the adoption of retired racing greyhounds. This month serves as an opportunity to highlight the impact adoption has had within the GPA-Houston community, and the joy and companionship adopted animals offer.

Founded in 1988, GPA-Houston was the first greyhound adoption group in Texas. Over 100,000 greyhounds have been adopted by GPA National and its nearly 40 chapters across the country. GPA-Houston is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.

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“(We) find responsible loving homes for retired racing greyhounds, provide support and guidance to greyhound adopters, and educate the public on how this beautiful and noble breed makes an excellent and loving pet,” Conn said.

After greyhound racing was banned in Florida and greyhounds became almost impossible to obtain, GPA-Houston transitioned into a non-adoption support group in 2021.

“We’re excited to have recently partnered with Australia’s program and in late 2023 began importing Australian retired racers to find their forever homes as pets in the Lone Star State,” Bradford said. “Once again GPAH is making available these wonderful dogs to the greater Houston area.”

GPA-Houston’s adoption process connects greyhounds with loving families through an online questionnaire and a phone interview with volunteers.

“Next steps include contacting personal and veterinary references and an in-home interview by GPA-Houston volunteers and possibly a greyhound ambassador,” Crochet said. “Once everything checks out, only then are prospective adopters now eligible for a scheduled meet-and-greet with available hounds. We often find that during this last step of the process, the hound chooses the family.”

Conn shared that one of the things that makes greyhounds unique is that they are wonderful pets for first-time owners.

“Due to their unique upbringing as professional athletes, they typically arrive crate-trained, socialized with other large dogs, and used to being handled,” Conn shared. “Most greyhounds are quiet as they don’t bark often, are affectionate and eager to please.”

The GPA-Houston team dispelled some common myths when it comes to greyhounds.

Myth: Greyhounds need a lot of exercise.

Reality: Nicknamed one of the world’s fastest couch potatoes, greyhounds are sprinters with short bursts of energy (not a lot of stamina) who enjoy a long nap afterward (on a cozy surface and maybe with their feet up in the air). Often a daily walk (or two) will satisfy thier daily exercise needs.

Myth: Greyhounds need a large yard to run.

Reality: Greyhounds take retirement seriously and love to nap and sleep which makes them a greyt dog for any size home. Although backyard exercise is enjoyed, they are greyt in an apartment. We even have members that take their greyhounds on the road, living in an RV for extended periods of time.

GPA-Houston extensively vets each hound and adopter to ensure the best chance of success.

“We and our personal hounds, visit the home of each prospective adopter and offer guidance to make the home greyhound-friendly. We consider any special needs of both the hound and adopter,” Bradford said. “After adoption, we provide support by follow-up calls, and by our very active Facebook discussion page.”

GPA-Houston offers support and resources to provide to adopters to help them transition their new greyhound into their home.

• A veterinarian’s report and microchip information are provided in the adoption packets, along with a short bio and foster dog report for the hound. Multiple help documents are included in the adoption packet, including learning about greyhound behavior, introductions to other animals, greyhound medical considerations, suggested readings and book recommendations.
• GPA-Houston Facebook page where members share stories, ask questions and of course post adorable pictures of their hounds in retirement.

Peolple can get involved with GPA-Houston beyond adoption, such as volunteering or fostering.

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“If you cannot adopt, our biggest need is for foster homes,” Crochet explained. “If you cannot foster, your donations will allow us to continue supporting greyhounds that may not be suitable for a forever home - Greyt Wellness Fund.”

Initially, greyhounds are not used to pet life and need to learn to live in a human house, navigate staircases, and adjust to the noises and routines of a new household.

“Most greyhounds are very adaptable and quickly fit right in with proper guidance and positive reinforcement. Greyhounds should never be off-leash in an unfenced environment,” Bradford said. “Owners should commit to providing multiple daily walks or have a fenced-in yard for their hounds. Since greyhounds are bred for function, they are generally healthy dogs. Their most common health concerns are teeth and, more uncommonly, osteosarcoma.”

Especially during Adopt a Greyhound Month, Conn highlighted more reasons greyhounds make greyt pets. As a result of their striking appearance, greyhounds are often admired by neighbors when walking in the neighborhood.

“They are highly socialized from birth through their racing career. They are crated trained which makes potty training a breeze. They have short bursts of energy and sleep long hours the rest of the day, making them perfect for any sized home,” Conn said. “Greyhounds are easy to maintain. They have short coats, shed very little, and do not have a ‘doggy” odor’, unless they decide to roll in something smelly.”

GPA-Houston has many opportunities to get involved and volunteers are always welcome. Interested in a spot on the adoption committee, providing transportation, or helping organize fundraising events? Check out their website gpahouston.org for more information or connect via the public Facebook page: Greyhound Pets of America-Houston.