Because we do "home advisories" prior to adoption, we do not ship dogs. We only do adoptions in Tampa, Hillsborough. Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Polk, Bradenton, and Sarasota Counties, and surrounding communities. We will occasionally do an adoption a little farther away if circumstances warrant, or if the adopter has had previous greyhound experience.
Unlike some rescue organizations, we do not have specific requirements such as a fenced yard, no young children in the home, etc. We have found that in most instances, greyhounds do well in condos, apartments, and even RV's. Greyhounds do not need a fenced yard so long as the owner is willing to take them for walks and to a fenced area occasionally for a quick romp. One of the great myths about greyhounds is that they run a lot. They are quite the opposite. You will be surprised how much they will love snoozing quietly by your side. You have probably heard that greyhounds are "the world's fastest couch potato", and that is a very accurate description.
Most greyhounds also do surprisingly well with children, and seem to really love them, even though they have not been raised around children. Rather than impose limits as to ages of children, number of pets already in the home, etc., we prefer to look at each case individually and determine if a greyhound would be the right companion for each family. If you have any questions regarding requirements to adopt, please contact us regarding your situation.
*****************************
We are staffed entirely by volunteers, and most of us have full-time jobs and families. We try very hard to answer all inquiries timely and to give you all the information you request. Because our adoption fees do not come close to covering out costs, our programs depend on donations, corporate grants, and the fund raising efforts of our volunteers. All funds received go directly to help the greyhounds.
The greyhounds we receive from the racing kennels are normally between 2 and 5 years old. We occasionally receive a puppy that will not be used for racing, or an older dog that has been used for breeding, or that has been in a pet home. We do all veterinary work as soon as we receive a greyhound from the racing kennel. We then foster each greyhound in our homes for a minimum of two weeks prior to adoption so we can help them adjust to life in a home, start the potty training process, and insure a smooth transition from the kennel to the adoptive home. Since we foster our greyhounds, we are knowledgeable about their temperments and can advise you which adoptable greyhounds would best suit your needs. Our most urgent need is for families to foster a greyhound. There are always many more greyhounds waiting at their racing kennels than we can possibly take in. Some greyhounds have waiting at their kennels for a year or more. Fostering is a very rewarding experience. Complete information on fostering is available on our website (www.bayareagreyhounds.org). Please contact us about fostering one of these wonderful dogs.
The adoption process is easy! You just need to fill out an Application to Adopt, which is available from any of our volunteers, by calling us at (813)272-2332, or on line at www.bayareagreyhounds.org. We suggest that you visit with us at one of our appearances each weekend throughout the Tampa Bay area to meet the adoptable greyhounds and choose one that is right for you--actually the greyhound will choose you!
Once you submit an application, we will check with your vet to make sure that all pets in your home are spayed or neutered, that they are current on their vaccines, and that they are on heartworm preventative. If you rent, we will also need permission from your landlord for you to have a dog the size of a greyhound (50-90 lbs.) in your home or apartment.
After your application is processed, we will bring the greyhound you have selected to your home to make sure that it is compatible with other family pets. We will also provide you with information to help your retired racer adjust to life in your home and will answer any questions you may have. The adoption process can be completed in just a few days.
Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions is Florida adoption partner with the Second Chance at Life Greyhound and Inmate Prison Partnership. Through this unique program, greyhounds are trained in basic commands by inmate handlers at various correctional facilities. Once they have completed training in basic commands, they are returned to us for adoption. These SCAL trained greyhounds are truly The Best of the Best in retired racing greyhounds. For more information on the prison program, please click on our website under "Second Chance at Life".
Our adoption fees vary depending on the ages of the greyhounds and whether they are SCAL trained. Please check on the adoptable greyhounds page for the adoption fee we request for each individual greyhound. The fee helps to defray the cost of veterinary treatment, transportation, insurance, kennel truck expenses, dog food, medications and other expenses. Your greyhound will come with a matching collar and leash, an identification tag, a microchip, and a packet with his or her photo, racing history, and pedigree. If you are adopting an SCAL trained greyhound, you will also receive a special collar, leash, SCAL jacket, and your greyhound's travel bag with toys, a grooming kit, and a training DVD. We will loan you a crate for a refundable deposit to help with your greyhound's transition to your home. Greyhounds adapt to their new homes rapidly, and you will only need the crate for a short period of time.
Greyhounds are purebred dogs, registered with the National Greyhound Association. There is a $30 charge from NGA to transfer the ownership from the racing kennel to you. We will assist you with this process.
