PREPARATION AND ARRIVAL

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flight information stipulates that GPAC is dedicated to keeping flight costs to a minimal given the high costs associated with sending a dog air cargo. GPAC, through our fundraising efforts, subsidizes the cost of air cargo, and we will take care of all the flight arrangements.

There is an additional cost associated with getting your dog to this province, and is dependant upon current airline rates. There is also an additional cost of $165 for an airline approved crate in which your dog must travel. These crates are available through GPAC and are already located at the kennel so do not need to be shipped there.

** Your Support ... with transportation **
all new greyhounds arrive in NL by flying cargo. Given the expensive cost associated with this, the NL branch subsidies all costs with each adopter paying a portion of the cost. If you would like to help with the transportation of a greyhound to NL and Labrador, please feel free to make a donation.

In addition, many greyhounds retire due to medical reasons such as a broken leg, etc. GPAC will often pay additional veterinary costs to ensure a greyhound gets a new leash on life. Any donations can be used toward our Sparkle Fund which directly pays for the medical needs of retiring greyhounds.


Before you bring your new pet home

  • A GPAC tag will be on your greyhound. You will need a dog tag and owner identification tag with the dog's name, your address, and phone number
  • Purchase other supplies such as food and water dishes, grooming brush, toothbrush, blanket, collar, and play toys. You may also want a squirt bottle full of water on hand for discipline purposes. Greyhounds hate to be squirted in the face and it doesn't hurt them
  • You may also want to purchase a crate to help with housebreaking and make your new pet feel more at ease
  • Clear your kitchen counter of any tempting treats and cover your waste container with a secure lid or place it inside a cabinet
  • Select his sleeping place and arrange your dog's blanket. Our usual suggestion is in the master bedroom with the door closed. Place his bed next to yours. This serves several purposes. If the dogs needs to go out, you'll know. It reassures the dog, who after all, has never slept alone in his entire life. It also continues the plan of making good habits, not bad. If he had the run of the house, he could get into all kinds of trouble; sleeping in your room means you know what's going on
  • A Greyhound safety collar called a martingale collar, muzzle, and I.D. tag will accompany your Greyhound. This sight hound collar is the only type of collar that can be used on your dog. If you need a replacement, please speak with your local Greyhound representative
  • Scout for nearby full-fenced baseball or soccer fields for suitable areas to exercise your new dog.
  • Contact your veterinarian to alert him/her about your new family member and set an appointment to review the medical information form and discuss ongoing health care programs
  • Discuss Greyhound pet rules with all family members, particularly children, to ensure an easy transition period
  • Review background information ADOPT A GREYHOUND and don't hesitate to call GPAC at (902) 889-2214 if you have any questions
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Bringing home a new pet is an exciting and rewarding experience. For the Greyhound, adjusting to the life of a pet from that of an ex-racer can take a few days. The following are a few suggestions to make the transition easier.

The Ride Home

Greyhounds are good travelers. While they have never ridden in a car, they have been transported in specially designed trucks. Normally they settle right down once the drive is under way. Following are a few tips to make the drive an easy one:

  • You may bring a six-foot-long leather or nylon leash with you
  • Plan on two adults to bring your pet home. A friendly Greyhound that decides to help the driver could cause an accident!
  • Prepare your car by putting an old blanket over your back seat. Not only will the seat be more comfortable for the Greyhound, but the blanket will protect your upholstery as well. If you have a station wagon or van, an old comforter, blanket, or similar soft item will provide a comfortable spot for your new pet
  • Unless your trip is longer than four hours, you will not need to bring water or stop to walk your dog
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Bringing your new pet home

  • Once you get home, you should first offer your Greyhound a chance to relieve itself. Walk your dog back and forth in a small area until it does so
  • Allow the dog to explore its new home at its own speed but for the first day on a lead and always under your supervision. It will be much easier to establish good habits early than to correct bad ones later
  • Although your dog is used to living indoors, everything is new to him in your home. As he sniffs his way through the house, you can offer words of encouragement or discouragement
  • Your dog will not know stairs when you first bring him home. Start slowly at first taking him up and down two to three steps. On the way down, he may try to take all the steps at once, so stay in front of him so he can only take one at a time. With some patience your dog will learn quickly and soon will be climbing stairs like an old pro
  • Sliding glass doors and plate glass windows are new to your dog. They may not realize they can't get through. Take care to introduce your dog to these obstacles by tapping on the glass to let them know it's there. You can also put tape or stickers on the glass at eye level
  • Mirrors are also a new experience for your dog. He may think his reflection is another dog and try to play with it
  • Take precautions when cooking. Your stove and counters are at eye level and your dog will be curious about the food smells. When cooking or baking your stove will become hot and your dog does not realize he will get burned
  • The patterns you set in the first few days are the ones you will live with the rest of your pet's life. If you do not want your pet on the furniture, do not break down at three A.M. and cuddle him on the couch!
  • Verbal commands are generally enough to train your Greyhound. They will know by the tone of your voice what is acceptable and what is not
  • This will be a very stressful few days for your Greyhound. It is best to keep things quiet-delay the welcome home party for a week or two
  • It is not unusual for a new pet to refuse to eat for a day or two. He will probably drink more water than normal and consequently need to go out more often. Also, he will need more rest than normal
  • The change of diet and excitement of his new home may cause your new pet to have diarrhea. Should this occur, give your dog two teaspoons of kaopectate every hour for four hours or until the diarrhea stops. If unsure, give the same dosage as recommended for a small child. If it continues for more than a day, consult your veterinarian
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