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Our Adoption Process

Our primary obligation is to the dogs entrusted to our care. We've developed an effective matching process over 35+ years to ensure successful, life-long adoptions.

From Application to Adoption Day

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Step 1. Learn About Greyhounds

Research the greyhound breed and meet some greyhounds in person.

  • Read about greyhound temperament, exercise needs, and care requirements
  • Attend a Meet & Greet event to meet adoptable dogs and talk with experienced owners
  • Discuss with your family whether a greyhound is the right fit for your household
  • Consider your living situation, other pets, and daily schedule
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Step 2. Submit Your Application

Complete our online adoption application and participate in an interview with our Adoption Coordinator.

  • Fill out the online adoption application with details about your home and lifestyle
  • An Adoption Coordinator will contact you for an initial phone or in-person interview
  • We do require a veterinary reference if you have other pets
  • An Adoption Representative will be assigned to guide you through the rest of the process
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Step 3. The Match

Our experienced Matching Team will identify the greyhound that best fits your family, lifestyle, and preferences.

  • Our Matching Team considers your home environment, activity level, and other pets
  • We carefully match each dog based on temperament and your specific needs
  • Your Adoption Representative will discuss potential matches with you
  • We prioritize finding the RIGHT match — not just any match
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Step 4. Welcome Home

Meet your new greyhound, sign the adoption contract, and welcome your new family member home!

  • Meet your matched greyhound at a scheduled home visit
  • Sign the adoption contract and pay the non-refundable adoption fee
  • Receive a starter kit with a transitional amount of food, collar, leash, muzzle, and care information
  • Join the GPA‑MN Social Media community for ongoing support, advice, dog-sitting, and more!

Required Reading

Books we recommend every prospective adopter read to better understand greyhounds and their needs. Prospective adopters are required to read one of the first two books below. If you have children between the ages of 5 and 8, we also require one of the second two books.

Adopting the Racing Greyhound

by Cynthia Branigan

These gentle, lovable dogs have special physical and emotional needs, and no other guide is more authoritative or complete in preparing potential Greyhound owners for the responsibilities involved than Adopting the Racing Greyhound.

Buy on Amazon

Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies

by Lee Livingood

Thinking about adopting a retired racing Greyhound? Or maybe you’re already sharing your life with one of these charming animals. Either way, this friendly guide tells you everything you need to know.

Buy on Amazon

Living with Kids and Dogs without Losing Your Mind

by Colleen Pelar

Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar, CPDT, covers more than introducing a baby to the family dog. It has chapters devoted to each stage of a child's life with parental pointers for setting their family up for success while raising kids and dogs together.

Buy on Amazon

Happy Kids, Happy Dogs

by Barbara Shumannfang

Help your dog and your baby become friends. Happy Kids, Happy Dogs offers easy to follow exercises and practical dog training tips presented according to your child's developmental stages.

Buy on Amazon

Before You Apply

  • We cannot adopt to homes with 4 or more resident pets, and will adhere to any additional requirements by the adopter's city ordinances and landlord or HOA policies.
  • Adopters expecting a baby or who have toddlers, are asked to postpone adopting a retired racer until after children turn five years old
  • There is additional required reading for families with children ages five to eight years.
  • Our geographic service area covers all of Minnesota, and parts of western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and eastern Dakotas.
  • A veterinary reference is required if you have existing pets.
  • The adoption fee is non-refundable and partly covers veterinary care, spay/neuter, and dental cleaning.
  • All adopters are invited to join our Facebook community for ongoing support.

Ready?

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Fill out an application form. If you need more time, you can start your application now and come back to it later.

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