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!
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 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.