Adoption Process

GPA-WI does not perform on-site, on-the-fly adoptions. Our adoption process is similar to the adoption protocols of many animal welfare and humane societies.

Adoption process at a glance

  1. Adoption application.
  2. Telephone interview.
  3. Reference checks.
  4. Home visit.
  5. Meet potential greyhounds.
  6. Foster home.
  7. Formal adoption.

This thorough process helps us develop a detailed profile of applicants so we can match the right greyhound with the right home. Due to this placement procedure, not all the adoptable greyhounds featured at our website will necessarily be a good fit for your unique circumstances. Additionally, GPA-WI offers a support network available to all adopters for the life of their ex-racers, and many adopters contact GPA-WI for a second or third greyhound.

Not everyone, though, qualifies to adopt. If you are looking for a gentle, loving, family companion who will be a house dog, you’ve come to the right place. If you don’t have adequate time, or you’re looking for a backyard or doghouse-style dog, greyhounds are not the dog for you; please don’t apply.

GPA-WI application process in more detail

  1. Adoption application: All potential adopters are asked to complete an online or written application and submit an application, which gives us background information about the individual or family.  As part of the application process we ask for a non-refundable $50 fee which goes towards the adoption.
  2. Telephone interview: The application is followed up by a telephone interview conducted by a GPA-WI volunteer. During the phone interview, the volunteer answers questions and addresses the special needs of the ex-racing greyhound — those needs range from being on leash in the outside world to being a house dog to special medical requirements.
  3. Reference checks: We check the references you provided on your application, especially if you’re renting your apartment or home. It’s vital that we secure landlord permission to have a dog the size of a greyhound in your property. Likewise, if you’re already a pet owner, we’ll obtain your vet’s recommendation on adding a greyhound to your home.
  4. Home visit: The next step is an in-home visit where a GPA-WI adoption rep will visit the potential adopter’s home. The adoption rep will usually take his or her own greyhound so the adopters can envision a greyhound in their own house. We use this visit to gather information about what the family is looking for in a dog, the family’s schedule and the safety of the home environment as well as getting to know any other pets the family may have.
  5. Meet potential greyhounds: Once an adopter is approved, the adoption rep will schedule an appointment for the adopter to meet greyhounds at the GPA-WI kennel located in Burlington. The time between approval and visiting the kennel may be a few weeks, so please be patient! The wait is worth it. At the kennel, the adopter will meet currently adoptable dogs that best fit the adopter’s needs.  Once you and your greyhound “choose each other”, we’ll collect the remaining adoption fee and complete the paperwork.
  6. Foster home: After the adopter selects a greyhound at the kennel, the greyhound will spend approximately two weeks in a foster home. GPA-WI adoptions rely on greyhound-savvy families to act as foster homes for ex-racers to make the transition to home life to prepare for adoption; most retired greyhounds have never seen stairs, doors and windows.
  7. Formal adoption: A time is scheduled for the formal adoption. During this session, which lasts approximately one hour, the GPA-WI volunteer will re-introduce your new hound and answer any questions. We’ll provide a matching collar, leash and other goodies as well as reference material to help your greyhound thrive and become a treasured member of your family.  Congratulations!

Adoption time frame

The time frame from application submission to adoption can vary, depending on a variety of reasons. If you’re located farther away from one of GPA-WI’s core operating areas — Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, Eau Claire and Green Bay — it may take extra time to schedule a volunteer to visit your home.  If you’re looking for a cat-friendly greyhound, there’s typically a longer wait for a cat-friendly hound since only about one-third of greyhounds in the GPA-WI adoption program are cat-friendly. Many GPA-WI volunteers perform multiple roles within the organization on top of their personal and professional lives. While GPA-WI will process applications as expeditiously as possible, days and possibly weeks may pass. If in doubt, contact your GPA-WI adoption rep to inquire about the status on your application and expected timeline. Your patience is most appreciated!