Castle Greyhound Rescue and Adoption
Over 15 years experience in finding the right dog, the right home!
WHAT ARE THE ADOPTION COSTS?
There is a $150 adoption fee. At least $75 is due with your completed application with the remainder due when you receive your dog. Castle uses the fee to pay for spay/neuter of the dog, vaccinations, and heartworm test and in most cases, teeth cleaning.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR ADOPTION?
Greyhounds are not for everyone. Castle Greyhound generally will not place greyhounds with families that have children under five years of age. You must also have a fenced yard.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES I ASSUME IF I ADOPT A GREYHOUND?
Your greyhound must be kept on year around heartworm preventative, kept free of parasites (ticks, fleas), receive vaccinations, have access to indoor accommodations and wear a Castle ID tag at all times.
WHAT IS THE ADOPTION PROCESS AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Castle greyhound uses an application process. After an application is completed and returned to us, the prospective adopter is called and the application is reviewed so that Castle will have a thorough understanding of what the adopter is looking for. Then the prospective adopter is given the chance to meet dog(s) that fulfill their qualifications. The prospective adopter then chooses the one they feel could best fit into their family and household.
Call or write to request an adoption application. Complete and return it with at least $75 payable to "Castle Greyhound." The adoption fee balance ($75) is due when you receive your greyhound. The time between the submission of your application and notification of your dog’s availability may be as short as a few days or as long as a few months. We have no way of controlling or predicting when these dogs may become available. Although you indicated your preference, we do not have control over the quantity, sex, color or expected arrival date for these greyhounds.WHAT IS THE TEMPERAMENT OF THESE DOGS?
Greyhounds are generally gentle, quiet, clean and good-natured.
WHAT IS THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY?
Although most large breeds do not live as long as small breeds, track greyhounds have such an excellent athletic start in life that you can expect them to live until they are 12 to 15 years old. We know of some that have lived 20+ years.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO THEY NEED?
They need no more exercise than other large breed dogs, but they enjoy running in an enclosed area and taking walks. They must NEVER be trusted off leash!
ARE GREYHOUNDS EASY TO TRAIN AND HANDLE?
Greyhounds are extremely sensitive and intelligent animals, responding quickly to talk and touch as rewards. A stern voice quickly checks a greyhound. No physical punishment should ever be used!
ARE EX-RACING GREYHOUNDS HOUSE BROKEN?
Greyhounds are kennel broken; they are trained to keep their kennel clean. At first, walk you dog frequently. He will quickly learn his new home is the place to keep clean and outside is the place he can relieve himself. When you are away from home, it helps to limit the area in which they can roam in the house. This helps him identify the area to keep clean, and limits their ability to get into trouble.
ARE THEY GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Track dogs are handled by breeders, trainers, haulers, owners, and track workers throughout their careers and are usually highly socialized. They are not as playful as puppies, being mature dogs, but generally are tolerant of children. However all dogs have their limits, and no dog should ever be subjected to harassment! Dog bites are rarely fatal to people, but are often fatal for the dog.
HOW ARE THEY WITH OTHER PETS?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and most socialize well with other dogs as a result of interaction with other greyhounds in the racing kennels. Most also learn to accept cats and other small pets, but an introductory period should be closely monitored. Also, Castle tests most greyhounds with cats, small dogs and birds prior to placement. Be sure to mention other pets you have when applying for adoption.
DO THEY MAKE GOOD JOGGING COMPANIONS?
Yes! However, their track experience prepares them for sprinting on dirt tracks only. Exposure to asphalt may hurt the pads of the feet unless they are allowed to acclimate gradually. You will also have to build them up slowly to your pace and distance.
DO THEY MAKE GOOD WATCHDOGS?
No! They are far too gentle. Many owners joke that the only pose a danger to a prowler is if he trips over the dog. Still the psychological impact of a large dog (or a black one) can be a deterrent to troublemakers.
WHY DO GREYHOUNDS WEAR MUZZLES ON THE TRACK?
Greyhounds wear muzzles to aid in determining photo finish winners and reducing the opportunities for a fight that could occur on the turn by one dog bumping shoulders with another due to the centrifugal force of the turn.