There are so many hounds in need of loving homes, and we are excited that you are considering going through the adoption process to adopt one of these great dogs! We look forward to helping you find the best dog for your family. To get started, please review the adoption resources on our website and then visit our adoption application page to submit your information.
Before You Adopt
Your application will be delivered to our Volunteer Adoption Coordinators, who will typically contact you within a few days. (We strive to process every application as efficiently as possible, but do have an all-volunteer staff.) Your adoption coordinator will set up a time to speak with you about your interest in adopting a sighthound and discuss which dogs may be a good match. Next, we’ll work with each of the foster families of the dogs you are interested in to determine whether their foster hound is compatible, taking into consideration factors like other pets, children in the home, household activity level, and more. Our goal is to find a match that is ideal not just for you and your family, but for the dog as well.
Your adoption coordinator will share any additional information they’ve learned from the foster families so you can make a decision. We will help coordinate the pick-up/drop-off of your new family member with you and the hound’s foster family or one of our transport volunteers. Your adoption coordinator will also let you know when the adoption fee should be paid. Adoption fees vary by hound and can be found on each dog’s individual profile.
“Cat-Tolerable” Hounds
Due to the importance of finding a safe match for homes with feline residents, we ask for your understanding in giving priority to those with cats living in the home when “cat-tolerant” hounds are available. Potential adopters who do not have cats should choose from the “not cat-tolerant” hounds whenever possible, so that households with cats are able to adopt hounds, too. (For more information on sighthounds’ compatibility with cats, please check out not-cat-tolerant and cat-tolerant).
Meeting Adoptable Hounds
Visit the Events page on the American Greyhound website for various opportunities to meet both adopted and available hounds throughout Indiana and Illinois. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet a number of adoptable dogs all in one location, and they are one of our volunteers’ favorite methods of connecting hounds with their forever homes. These events also offer an opportunity for current canine family members to meet potential adoptive hounds to get a feel for compatibility. (Introductions to current feline family members are best made in the home, with the new hound initially wearing a muzzle when interacting with cats.) For additional information on upcoming events, as well as updates on available hounds, follow our Facebook page and check back on the website regularly.
“Gotcha Day” and Beyond
If any concerns arise with your newly adopted hound, contact us for insight and assistance as soon as possible. We are here to help and serve as a resource, and may be able to offer suggestions for common concerns.
Be patient and remember the 3-3-3 guideline of adoption: three days, three weeks, three months. Experienced adopters have observed that newly-adopted dogs are often overwhelmed during their first three days in a new home, and may seem anxious or uncomfortable as they learn their new surroundings.
During the next three weeks, dogs begin to relax and show their personality, and are receptive to routines, training, and boundary setting. After the first three months, there is usually an increase in confidence and trust, along with the feeling of safety and security that comes from being in a loving forever home. However, these are only loose guidelines. Every dog is different, and some may adjust to being your new family member faster or slower. Patience and consistency is key.
If a particular hound is not working out in your home for any reason, such as conflicts with other pets, children, etc., American Greyhound will always take the dog back and will find another home that is a better match. Remember that every hound has been welcomed into the hearts and home of his or her foster family once already, and our volunteers will gladly welcome them again.
Please note, it is required that any dog adopted from American Greyhound be returned to our organization if they cannot stay in their adoptive home, regardless of the reason for return.