Greyhounds Standing Side By Side

Greyhounds have been around for a long time, and while they may be known for their sheer speed, did you know that they make great pets? A greyhound in your home is a dog that alerts you to potential danger, plays with you and your family, and loves to cuddle up after a long day.

Plus, if you’re someone who loves to explore Illinois’ vast parks and hiking trails, greyhounds are fast and nimble enough to walk, run, and climb with you. Still, greyhounds do require a lot of room to stretch their legs, so make sure you have enough space in Illinois before you get started. In other words, Chicago and Illinois City may be a little on the small side because greyhounds benefit from a home with a backyard.

While there’s still more to learn, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we take you through how to adopt a greyhound in Illinois.

Greyhound Adoption in Illinois

When it comes to adopting a greyhound, the process is the same for most breeds. The factors that you have to consider are where you’re located and the animal adoption organization. You’ll find most greyhounds to adopt are available through animal shelters, rescues, and foster programs, so these are the best places to start.

Unlike breeders in Illinois, shelters, rescues, and foster programs have unique requirements for adopting a greyhound. Typically, you need to fill out an application and provide information about your occupation, family, and home.

Moreover, most organizations will verify this information to ensure that you’re being open and truthful. This includes scheduling a meet-and-greet with your family, visiting your home, and even verifying details with veterinarians and references.

Once you pass through this quick background check process, you’ll know if you’re approved. Then, you can pay the adoption fee and bring the greyhound home with you.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Greyhounds Racing On Sand Track

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Greyhound in Illinois?

Adoption fees for greyhounds in Illinois tend to be around $250 to $600. However, you also have to factor in some other costs associated with adopting a greyhound in Illinois. Examples include registering your dog with the city or county, which is something the City of Chicago requires for adult dogs.

You also need to consider the cost of food, trips to the vet, and general care. While costs are on the low side for greyhounds, vet trips may be expensive if your greyhound is a retired racing or hunting hound, so keep that in mind.

How Should I Train a Greyhound?

At the end of the day, how you train your greyhound depends on your goals. Are you someone who lives near Chicago, and do you plan on bringing them with you to events in the city? If so, you’ll need to focus on socialization, obedience, and even commands. If you’re someone who plans on hiking, however, agility training may be more useful.

The good news is that it doesn’t matter what your training goals for a greyhound are in Chicago, because DogAcademy has your back. Plenty of online dog training courses are available, and you’ll find options for all skill levels, budgets, and time commitments. The best part? All of our programs allow you to train your greyhound at your own pace.

That said, for the best results, always leverage reward-based training. Greyhounds respond well to it, and if you train them in short bursts (10 to 20 minutes) every day, you’ll find that your greyhound will know when it’s time to enjoy their next session.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Greyhounds Sprinting Down The Track

Find the Right Greyhound in Illinois for You

Finding a greyhound to adopt in Illinois has never been easier. Whether you’re in Chicago or another city, plenty of opportunities are available. That said, it all comes down to knowing where to look, and the good news is that our online adoption resources can help you get started. We offer specific resources for greyhounds, which will help you learn more about the breed and how to find them.

Still, make sure you don’t rush, and always focus on bonding with a greyhound before you bring them home. This ensures that you’re getting the right fit, and not just bringing home the first dog you’ve found. After all, what’s the point of rushing through the process for a dog that doesn’t get along with your family?