Greyhound Adoption Center

We REALLY wanted to adopt a greyhound. We live in Murrieta in a 1400 sq. ft condo/apartment. Nancy was our rep for the area. She was VERY RUDE. she basically had decided we weren't going to get a dog before she even visited us. She told us it would it would be next to impossible because we live in an apartment with kids. We are very nice people, we prepared our home for her visit and even made breakfast for her, but she didn't care. She walked into our home and said NO it won't work here. I am leaving now. She said that Greyhounds are not good apartment dogs (FALSE). She said Greyhounds will not be good for our 9 and 11 year old or with any kids (FALSE). She didn't like that we had stairs and said a greyhound will never be able to go up the Stairs (FALSE). we are willing to work with it for as long as it takes. but she does not care about getting a good home for a greyhound. She was VERY NASTY to us both on the phone and at our home inspection. I do not understand why you would allow such a nasty person to represent your company and dictate who can and can't get a dog from you. We will be going to Operation Greyhound because we are SERIOUS about adopting a dog. And it is obvious to us that your business model is one that does not care about putting dogs in loving homes. So SAD and I am so sorry for you and all of your dogs there and for anyone else who has to deal with such nasty people such as your volunteer, Nancy. TERRIBLE. I will be leaving this bad review on as many sites as possible to steer people away from you. Terrible.

I have volunteered with Greyhound Adoption Center for many years and never tire of being out with the dogs. I met a couple of greyhounds in Coronado and after talking with the owners I knew I needed to check out this organization. Within a couple of weeks of this encounter I found this place and started volunteering. The kennel is spacious and very well maintained. It has great amenities for the hounds such as nice quiet lane to walk the dogs and two large grassy fields (fenced) for them to run.

My spouse and I initially became acquainted with GAC when visiting a Petco store in 1993, at which time we had the opportunity to experience greyhounds' mellow temperaments first-hand. Soon thereafter, we adopted our first two greyhounds from GAC and began volunteering at Show & Tell events, then graduated to transporting dogs heading to adoptive homes in Central & Northern California. I developed a high respect for the organization’s professional approach to matching each dog’s needs to a perfect-fit home, which evolved into becoming a Board member about 15 years ago. Working with 200+ dedicated volunteers who possess a high level of commitment to GAC and the dogs, we’ve been able to grow the organization and provide the very best level of medical care and socialization for the dogs, in addition to transitioning from a rented and dilapidated 30-dog kennel space to a mortgage-free, ultra-clean, state-of-the-art facility that houses nearly 60 dogs in climate-controlled comfort.

I adopted my first greyhound in 2001 - it was a life changing event for me and my family. I started volunteering almost immediately and am still an active volunteer today, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. Over the years eight of these magnificent dogs have graced our home and we currently have three, Sophie, Sasha, and Odie. They ask very little of us yet return so much! I cannot imagine our lives without a greyhound. These are wonderful, pure bred dogs but once their racing careers are over, they become throw-aways, doomed but for the efforts of the rescue organizations that come forth to shelter, heal, rehabilitate, and love them until we find their forever homes. The rescue organizations depend on the generosity of donations from their membership base and other fund raisers and generally operate on a shoestring budget. We look forward to the day when greyhound racing becomes illegal in each and every state but that day is still far in the future. The racing industry intentionally overbreeds to find a few good money-makers, leaving behind a surplus of greyhounds needing homes. We are a wonderful non-profit organization and very deserving of the public's support. Thank you so much for considering my comments and review.

My family member is a devoted volunteer for the Greyhound Adoption Center. She helps take care of these wonderful dogs until a permanent home is found for them. This is an exceptional group of people and dogs.

I have family members that are volunteers at the Greyhound adoption center. I hear the wonderful stories about the dogs and how they are cared for. I hear about the forever families that are found and I even got to join in on an event. It was wonderful. Keep up the great work!

I have been a volunteer for only one month, however I am very impresed with the organization and cleanliness of the facility and the running of it. The hounds are very well taken care of and there are people on campus all day and night hounds re never alone. The quality of care the dogs are given is exceptional. The volunteer organizational staff are very organized and clear.
This a wonderful facility that saves the lives of many many hounds.

I have done volunteer work with animal rescue groups for many years. GAC is the most outstanding organization I have ever been involved with. I find that the guiding principles and mission statement of this non-kill group resonant completely with my own values and beliefs. The extraordinary care and love that is given to each and every Greyhound is truly amazing. No matter what the win/loss record of the particular Grey may have been at the track -- there are no losers at GAC! Time is taken to get to know and appreciate the unique qualities of each and every Grey that comes to GAC. Loving attention is given to each dog while the search for the just right "forever home" is found for them. It doesn't matter how long this process might take ... no Grey is ever given up on until the right match is found. I believe so much in GAC that it is a blessing and honor to be able to spend so much time each week caring for these wonderful dogs! The dedication and commitment of all individuals connected to GAC is beyond description. I am so very fortunate to have found this life changing rescue group to be a part of.

It is very rewarding working with these wonderful animals and knowing you are helping them to have a better life. Seeing the condition of some when they come in and how shy some are and then seeing the transformation this wonderful organization makes in lives of these animals. It's bittersweet when they get adopted because you come to love them, but you know it is so important for them to go home with a family and to get out of the life they are forced to live. Please help this organization in any way you can, no help is too little.

The Greyhound Adoption Center offers a loving environment to greyhounds that can't be beat! The dogs all seem happy, healthy and well cared for.

GAC is a full-on rescue center for the greyhound in need. The majority are rescues from the race track, and GAC will go out of their way to rescue any greyhound and will take greys that are not as easy to place, such as mama broods and black greyhounds. The dogs receive stellar care until they are placed in their adoptive home. All receive full veterinary care, including parasite treatment, a teeth-cleaning, a spaying or neutering, and any other treatment that is needed including mending of broken legs. The greyest asset of GAC is their volunteers. A few are true and faithful veterans who have dedicated their free time (and then some) for the care and feeding of these dogs and numerous others give their time because it makes them happy to be with the greyhounds. Their hearts are giant and the dogs surely know this. It is the first place where many or all of these dogs have received love. And it's always bittersweet when any dog leaves GAC to live in their new home.

My Sister and her husband volunteer for GAC, and they have adopted one greyhound through them and hope to adopt another since they recently had to euthanize their beloved Gilligan due to age related issues. I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful and extremely clean and well run facility on my last visit to So Cal last October, and was very impressed with the caring, efficient, and loving folks I observed working around there and with the dogs. God Bless this Organization!

After adopting two greyhounds, I felt compelled to volunteer at GAC and have done so for several years. The greyhounds that we rescue in many cases would not have a life without GAC. They sometimes come to us with serious health issues that require great care. The organization does whatever is required to nurse the greyhounds back to full health in order for them to be adopted to their new homes. Additionally, there is no greyhound too difficult to handle, nor is there a limit to how long GAC will care for a dog until it is adopted. The GAC facility is clean and well-run. The GAC staff has a heart of gold for the greyhounds and providing them the best life after they are rescued. It has been a pleasure to be affiliated with GAC for several years both as a volunteer and supporter.

I have been a volunteer at GAC for 4 or 5 years, now. It was through my teenage daughter that I learned of the organization and we have enjoyed our time with the hounds ever since! It is the most amazing thing to see a dog come straight up from the track, often with a major injury, and see them trust us to bathe, inspect and tend them - they 'get ' that we are bringing them to a new life and they are excited for that. GAC takes in any grey that needs taking in, period, whether from the track, a breeder, another greyhound organization, a shelter or someone whose circumstances no longer let them keep their grey at home... all are welcomed, evaluated for temperment and tolerances and then loved up to the max while they await adoption to their, hopefully, forever homes. I have learned so much from the staff and other volunteers in the care and handling of these beautiful dogs but, mostly, it comes down to looking forward each week to getting my full share of wiggles and kisses, greyhound style!

GAC is an exceptional organization that offers the best care possible for rescued Greyhounds (from across the USA and Mexico). The facilities are spotless, comfortable, well appointed and safe for staff and 'residents.' Meals, recreation, medication, and loving care are all taken seriously at GAC and each is provided to every hound that is housed there.

It's a privilege to be associated with such a caring, dedicated, loving group of people (and HOUNDS!).

GAC is a wonderful rescue organization that gets to know the dogs and pairs them with the appropriate adopter. They are very committed to the care and well-being of these amazing, beautiful dogs. The faciities are top-notch. I adopted my second Greyhound from them. I adopted my first one from another rescue center and the difference in the quality of organizations is great. I have recently started volunteering for GAC and look forward to my days there with all the sweet hounds.
Shelly King

GAC is a great organization! They really care about the dogs and go over and beyond to help all the animals that are awaiting their forever homes. You can tell they are passionate about what they do.

I am an active volunteer and an adopter of Greyhound Adoption Center. This is a wonderful organization and I absolutely love being apart of it! When I just started volunteering there was a greyhound at the rescue with Epilepsy. Meaning he has frequent seizures, they were often, severe and out of control. They did their best to keep him as comfortable as possible and did what they could. They never gave up on him and gave him never ending love. After about a month of volunteering, I adopted this seizure boy (GAC's Beetee, now Baron). I did a foster to adopt with him, they did more than I could ask for with helping me with Baron. And since I adopted him, they still care about him so much and have been amazing support. Volunteering here, I love getting to work with such kind and caring people in a happy atmosphere. This is a special rescue, not only do they save so much greyhound lives, but they would never give up on a greyhound. I love this place immensely and hope to be involved with GAC as long as I can.

I discovered this rescue group 7 years ago thru a friend who has volunteered for over 20 years.
This is a rewarding and fascinating group to be associated with and my life is better for it.
I have a whole new set of friends with similar interests and love for animals especially greyhounds
who need all the care and love they can get.
We have great leadership and respect for anything we can do for our dogs.
There are many levels of activity for whatever one is able to do and every bit enriches a dogs life.
I am committed for life. I only wish I had discovered this group earlier in my life.

I have been volunteering at Greyhound Adoption Center since 2004 off and on. My husband now helps out also after he was coaxed into helping one day a few years ago! The center is the most fastidious and thorough kennel I have been around. The dedication to each and every dog amazes me every day. The rescue is extremely kind in taking so many badly injured dogs as well. I had a dog that I adopted from the rescue who lived to be 14 and was the sweetest boy. We are about to adopt another and continue to help this organization which has helped so many dogs that are in desperate need. I deeply respect each and every person who is involved with Greyhound Adoption Center.

One of my greatest friends in life works at this Adoption Center (and has a rescue herself). If you knew her and her mate personally, you would know that they both have the deepest passion and devotion to animals. (If reincarnation is true, I hope to come back as one their dogs!) The fact that they are a young couple that VOLUNTEERS their time at this rescue for more than a year now, should speak volumes as to how well the facility is ran. Each week I look forward to hearing about a new adventure or a new "pup"! From what I have been told, the facility is incredibly clean and organized and the administration of the center have an obvious love for the animals. They are treated with kindness, love, respect and as part of the family. The world needs more adoption centers like this!

Greyhound Adoption Center (GAC) is second to none in the housing, cleanliness and caring of greyhounds. GAC takes these lovable dogs from the race tracks in any condition. No greyhound is ever turned away because of any type of injury or illness. The scores of volunteers who run GAC 24/7 are caring individuals who give the very best of care to these dogs that, by being rescued from the racetracks, have escaped a death sentence. To see the joy in the faces of the hounds as they gain trust, weight and happiness is the reward the volunteers receive each and every day. While there are many wonderful organizations that help dogs, none are finer than Greyhound Adoption Center.

If I had to sum up in just a few words this organization, I would say "No dog left behind". I have been volunteering with GAC since 1995 when I adopted my first greyhound from them and continue to be touched and inspired by the dedication, compassion and devotion of the staff and volunteers. GAC rescues, rehabilitates and places greyhounds in permanent, loving homes. They take the dogs that many other greyhound rescue groups cannot or will not take for various reasons. The older dog, the broken legs, the shy dogs, the ones with behavior "issues", and the ones that just aren't all that pretty.- GAC takes them all and keeps them for as long as it takes to find their forever home. Sometimes it takes years, like with Carson. Carson didn't come from the racetrack - he came from a horrible situation with an animal hoarder. In the 4 years he spent at the GAC facility, he changed from the dog that scared all of us to one of the volunteer's and staff's favorites. It was bittersweet for everyone when Carson finally went to his forever home earlier this year, but we get regular updates from his adopters and it seems that big ole tough Carson now thinks he's a lap dog! GAC never gives up on a dog. That is the reason I volunteer . ( and the fact that the dogs are just so darn sweet!)

My husband and I adopted our first retired, rescued greyhound in 1991. Mirranda was a great dog and introduced us to a dedicated, hard-working organization that treated dogs and people with respect. We've been very active with this group for 22 years as volunteers, wearing many hats over the years. GAC has grown over the years from a back yard rescue to a first class operation that has rescued many greyhounds from various situations over the years. All dogs get proper medical treatment and we spend time getting to know them so they can be placed in appropriate homes. The dogs stay with us for as long as necessary to find the right home.

The GAC is the most well organized and clean animal shelter I have visited and volunteered at. All of the dogs are happy and calm and they are there until they get adopted or fostered.

When I came to the Greyhound Adoption Center, I expected to see the typical rescue environment- Boy was I wrong! The staff and volunteers truly care about every single one of the hounds that comes through their doors. Every hound is evaluated, treated, and housed for as long as necessary! Each dog is truly cared about by each member involved. Not only do they care about the hounds while they're at the rescue, they care about all parties involved in the adoptions by finding the dog that best fits into a potential adopters family. I am truly amazed by the amount of love and patience this rescue has for their hounds.

As a new volunteer I was greeted politely and welcomed in immediately. I have been taught how the day runs and the cycle and flow of it all. I've never felt like I was asking a "stupid" question, or that I was holding anyone, or any dog, back from completing the daily tasks at hand. Everyone I have worked with is very understanding and eager to help me learn and get the hang of all the new things I'm encountering.

I'm so glad to have found a volunteer opportunity that truly does all they can to help these gorgeous greyhounds.

Everyone who I've worked with or volunteered with at the GAC has such a huge love for the greyhounds they rescue. GAC takes in ANY greyhound that they can, even those that are old or sick or mixed breeds. Such a wonderful and caring organization!

I first became affiliated with Greyhound Adoption Center when I adopted an ex-racer in 2009. That initial experience has been life changing for me! This organization does an outstanding job with rescuing and rehabilitating retired racers, including the provision of exemplary medical care for dogs that are ill and injured.

Being a member has been an affordable way for me to support the ongoing work of this great organization. The sponsorship program is another really neat way to help, I enjoy getting a picture of my "sponsor dog" each month and a letter from one of the volunteers who writes about how my special needs hound is doing.

June 29, 2013 we adopted our seventh greyhound Pyp (Pyppee Three Stockings). This was not a decision we took lightly in terms of the decision to adopt a greyhound or the group from which to adopt. For you see, we had been without a greyhound for nearly three years since our last greyhound, Elizabeth passed away. We founded and ran an anti-racing greyhound adoption group back in the Chicago area from 1992-97. We placed over 500 greyhounds into loving homes and in the process adopted 6 ourselves. By the time we relocated to California in 1999, two had passed, leaving us with four. And between 2001 and 2010, we lost them too.

We met a friend out here in SoCal at a tiki carving event, and lo and behold he had 2 greyhounds, Ana and Bul, and told us of GAC. We did a little research on GAC and found them on Facebook. Watching them recieve shipment after shipment of greyhounds was definitely tugging at our heartstrings, but we still were not ready.

Then on March 16, 2013, GAC got in a shipment of 11 dogs from Kansas. In that group was a very special 8 month old boy they named Pyp. Pyp had had his rear, left leg amputated at the hip. While the wound was newly healed, it was still missing fur from being shaved. We fell in love with his face in a photo on Facebook. Then we saw the full photo of him showing that he was a tripawd.

While doing greyhound adoption back in the 90's, not only did we never get an amputee, but we did not know of any adoption group that had one go through their program. The fact the Pyp was not euthanized was extraordinary, but also the fact that GAC willingly took him along with a few girls with badly broken legs and crushed pelvises was equally extraordinary. As we later found out, this is just what GAC does...they routinely take greyhounds that would be considered "hard to place." And not only do they fix them, or allow them to mend, but they so lovingly care for them and give them a comfortable, caring place to stay and become socialized until their family comes along. And if that means a couple of months...a year...or more, that is what they do!

So, we obsessively watched GAC's Facebook page for updates on Pyp, and in the process became aware of a fundraising event at their adoption facility in June. Being only 2 hours from our house, we planned a weekend around it, figuring we could donate and possibly meet Pyp.

The event was wonderful, a reggae music festival attended by tons of people, most with their dogs in tow. It was absolutely wonderfully run by a staff of volunteers, without a single incident. We did indeed meet Pyp, and fell in love. We also met our tiki friend Erik at the event, who took us into the adoption facilty for a tour.

This adoption center is exactly what we dreamt of when doing our adoptions through vet clinics back in the day. It is absolutely immaculate (we were told that the drainage system to keep it this way is mind boggling). No smells whatsoever! The day was really hot, and the facility was so comfortable with AC. The cages that the dogs are kept in are very spacious, each with a bed/blanket and stuffies for the hounds that love them. The "condos" are absolutely fantastic, and allow a couple/few dogs to bunk together. The "socializing" pen areas are wonderful for perspective families to meet and interact with the greyhounds off-lead in a secure area. And the secure green spaces for the dogs to exercise in are just literally perfect.

We left the event deciding to submit our application and request a chance to adopt Pyp.

Once we submitted our app, we were promptly contacted and told that our local rep would be in touch for a home visit and interview. Gail, our local rep, and her greyhound Poppy came for a visit. She was very thorough in covering the process of adoption and what adopting a greyhound entales. She also inspected our property to ensure that our greyhound had a proper place to live.

We passed the interview! Now we were to be brought up at the board meeting as a possible family for Pyp. The GAC meets on Tuesdays, reviews the approved families and discuss good greyhound candidates for each adopter. This is such a wonderful way to go about adopting dogs. The volunteer staff gets to know these dogs intimately, and in most cases can choose a dog or group of dogs for familes to meet that will suit their situation best. GAC's mission really is to find the very best home they can for each and every greyhound!

So, we got the call that we were chosen for Pyp.

We drove down to the adoption center on Saturday morning. There to meet us was the GAC founder Dennis and placement extraordinare, Marilyn. Not only did we get to spend time with Pyp again, but Dennis brought him into the agility area and let us see him run. It was glorious! And of course we adopted him.

In adopting him, we received his full medical records, a GAC tag on a collar, an information pack, and the food he had been eating with feeding instructions. Again, GAC's care for these dogs is so evident with each and every thing they do to make sure that they have every chance to go to a good home and make it as a perfect pet.

And GAC's care didn't stop there. In the coming weeks we received follow-up from the board, our local rep, and even a hand-written thank you note.

Obviously being social media users, we created a Facebook account for Pyppee ThreeStockings. And of course, friended all sorts of GAC adopters and volunteers in the process. We are continually blown away by the network that GAC has to transport dogs out of farms/kennels and to their facilty and other adoption groups as well as to adoptive families in far parts of CA and NV. It is truly like a greyhound underground railroad. And though Pyp was special because of his amputation, GAC routinely takes injured and ill dogs that need costly care and take extra time to find a home for (broken legs, epilepsy, etc.). And we have not even mentioned all of the senior dogs that they take and find homes for. The older dogs and special dogs really benefit from the wonderful, nurturing Permanent Foster Program that GAC has to give everyone they take in chance at a wonderful retirement.

Our life with Pyppee is wonderful. He is functioning well on three legs and thriving in our home. We go on regular walks in the neighborhood and take him routinely on adventures. He even has his own business card to let folks know where to adopt a greyhound (as well as follow him on Facebook of course)!

We are so thankful to the Greyhound Adoption Center for all that they did for our precious boy, and all that the do for all of the hounds and the families that love them. We really cannot say enough about this group and the facility.

I have volunteered for the Greyhound Adoption Center for 12 years and adopted four greyhounds of my own. I have been a placement representative for the Central Coast area and one of four writers for the Sponsor Program where people across the Nation sponsor one of our greyhounds and received a letter and photo each month. When their dog is adopted, they are assigned a new dog. We are the only rescue organization in CA that has a kennel. We house 40 greyhounds at a time and initially attend to their medical needs and then work with them to match each dog very carefully to each family who has filled out adoption forms. We do home visits for every dog. We have a robust web site, houndsavers.org, and online and newsletter publications. We are active with show and tell events so people can be introduced to greyhounds. Our kennel has an Open House every month.