Greyhound Adoption of Ohio is the largest (based on number of dogs placed) and oldest (based on incorporation date) greyhound adoption organization in the state of Ohio . At the time of our inception, in 1993, greyhounds were rarely seen in Ohio . Today, you'll see greyhounds nearly everywhere you go! The word is out! Greyhounds make WONDERFUL pets!
If you're interested in adopting a former racing greyhound, please fill out the application on this site and forward it to us. You'll then be contacted to arrange your initial interview visit, to talk with us, view our video about greyhound adoption and to obtain some additional information. We ask anyone interested in adopting to read the book, Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies. This is, overall, a very good primer about adopting a greyhound. If you have children under the age of 8, we ask you to read Childproofing Your Dog, by Brian Kilcommons, in preparation for adoption.
Our goal, at GAO, is to place our greyhounds with loving, committed families where they will live safe and secure for the rest of their lives. To that end, GAO offers support to help your dog transition into his or her new life and throughout the life of your pet.
GAO's adoption fee is $175. Greyhounds have never been alone and, while they can do fine as an only dog, if you have no other dogs at home, your new greyhound will be much happier if he or she has a friend.
If you can't adopt a greyhound, there are many ways you can help. You can make a monetary donation, donate an item for our e-bay auctions, sponsor a greyhound or lend your expertise in a variety of ways. For additional information, please contact the appropriate person on our Contact Us page.
We welcome you to the wonderful world of retired racing greyhounds! May it be as rewarding for you as it is for us!
With love for greyhounds,
Linda Perko
Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, Inc.
PLEASE HELP!
If anyone is inclined to help at the kennel, we're trying to organize people to come out once a month to do a turnout. With so many dogs to care for, the days never seem to end. Several people have offered to come over to do a particular "shift" once a month, so we thought we'd ask if anyone else is interested. It could be the same day each month or different days, depending on your schedule. Turnout times are generally about 7AM, 11AM, 3PM and 9PM. Of course, things come up and we understand if you sign up for a turnout and have to cancel. It just helps us to schedule ourselves if we know someone is coming to help.
Adopting a friend:
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU ADOPT FROM
GREYHOUND ADOPTION OF OHIO (GAO)
GAO is the largest greyhound adoption group in the state of Ohio and the first group to be incorporated in Ohio. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501 (C) 3 of the IRS code. Any donation made to GAO is tax deductible. .
In no way do we purport that all, or even most, greyhounds involved in racing are abused or neglected, although abuse and neglect certainly do exist. We do believe, given the massive overpopulation of pets in this country, that adding 15,000 to 20,000 dogs annually to the pool of homeless pets is unconscionable. Therefore, we do not support greyhound racing, even if all greyhounds received optimal care and were placed in good homes after retirement (which is not the case).
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
You can apply on-line at www.greyhoundadoptionofoh.org. Don't forget to include the letter requested telling us why you think you would provide a good home for a greyhound.
Upon receipt of your application, an adoption representative will call you to set up an in-person interview. Our visits are scheduled as we are a volunteer organization and do not have open visiting hours at the kennel. The purpose of this visit is to ascertain that a greyhound is, indeed, a good choice for your family. This in not an interrogation, but a reflection of our desire to make the best match for all concerned.
Based on the interview and your family and lifestyle, we will have chosen the dogs in the kennel (usually 3 to 5) that would fit best with your family. Things we look at include: 1) Are there children in the family? 2) Do you have other pets? 3) How long would the dog be alone (some do better than others when alone). 4) Do you have a fenced yard, or will your dog be walked on a leash? 5) How much experience do you have with dogs? We ask that you allow at least an hour for this visit (some take much longer). At GAO, there are five acres for you to walk and spend time with your potential new family member (weather permitting). With 20 to 30 dogs at the kennel at any given time, it is rare that we would not have a dog that will fit beautifully into your family when you come to choose!
ABOUT YOUR GREYHOUND
Prior to adoption, your greyhound will have:
been spayed or neutered
been updated on vaccinations (DHLP / Parvo and Rabies)
been tested for heartworm
been dewormed
had a complete dental cleaning and extractions, if necessary
been evaluated for temperament and behavior
had any other medical care needed
AFTER YOU ADOPT YOUR GREYHOUND, GAO WILL PROVIDE
Follow-up and assistance during the transition period and throughout the life of your greyhound Fun events, gatherings and volunteer opportunities to participate in with your greyhound Boarding at a nominal rate if you need to leave your greyhound in a kennel Lifelong support and financial assistance in the case of emergency
been spayed or neutered 
Follow-up and assistance during the transition period and throughout the life of your greyhound