A lot of people ask us what questions they should be asking or what information they should know before adopting a greyhound.
We’ve compiled some useful questions that people regularly ask and information we will tell them when adopting…
Can you afford the upkeep of the dog, including vet bills, insurance and food?
Getting any dog isn’t a quick process or an easy decision - make sure you have done your research about greyhounds and the cost of things.
This includes thinking about whether you have time to take your dog for a walk, or whether you need to put in place arrangements for dog sitters, friends or family to help out.
Considering these factors at the outset helps you know what you are looking for when you get to the rehoming centre and ensures that everyone’s time is well-spent.
Are you looking at dogs at different rehoming centres?
If you are looking at dogs at different centres, be open and honest with both centres that this is the case, as the centres dedicate valuable time to showing the dogs to prospective adopters.
Key questions to ask…
In the excitement of it all when viewing dogs and inevitably falling in love, it is easy to forget to ask vital questions such as:
What is their history - have they been in a home before, or even more than once? Why did they come back?
What assessments have been done at the kennels?
Do they share a kennel with another dog? This one is important in that you may want to get a companion for them in future or are looking to adopt so you have a friend for a dog already in the home.
If the dog is kennelled on its own, is this because they like their own personal space? Do they guard the bed, or is it simply that there isn’t currently a suitable partner for them?
Does the dog have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries?
Do they have any allergies or intolerances?
Do they have any likes, dislikes or are they afraid of anything? This may seem like a bit of a silly question. However some dogs won’t like certain things such as their ears being touched, leaning over them - tiny things you may not think of.
How much exercise are they currently used to and what do they need in the home?
Why is this dog suitable for us? This one is important! A lot of rescue and rehoming centres will let you view dogs generally, often showing you several in the hope that you chose one, and don’t necessarily have a ‘matching’ process. However, not every dog is suitable for every home - make sure to ask the staff’s opinion as to why the dog they are showing you is appropriate for your specific home situation.
Make sure to ask questions, consider all aspects of what it will be like to introduce the dog into your home and what ongoing training or arrangements you will need in place.
Can I reserve more than one dog?
At the kennels if you narrow the choice down between two dogs, you can partially reserve them both whilst you go away and have a chat about which one would be a better fit.
Once you have chosen, we ask you to let us know within two days, then the dog you choose will be fully reserved for you and no one else will be able to see them.
Take your time…
Taking home a new family member is as exciting as it is terrifying, but what you don’t want is to have to return the dog to the rehoming centre because you dived in too quickly.
Don’t get carried away on the day and jump into things that may not work out, but also be sure to tell the centre if you aren’t sure on the dogs you have seen, as they may have others that suit yours needs more.
However, if you don’t express your opinions on the dogs you have seen the team will be unsure - we also try not to show you too many dogs, as this can be overwhelming!