Greyhound Pets of Arizona

- Glendale, AZ 85301

For Arizona residents seeking a unique, loyal, and loving companion, Greyhound Pets of Arizona (GPA-AZ) represents far more than a typical pet store. Located with operations centered in the Glendale and Maricopa County area, GPA-AZ is a dedicated, non-profit, all-volunteer organization committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible placement of former racing Greyhounds into loving 'forever homes.'

Greyhounds are often misjudged as high-energy dogs due to their speed on the track, but they are affectionately known as "45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes." They are gentle, quiet, affectionate, and surprisingly low-maintenance companions once they transition to home life. GPA-AZ’s core mission is to facilitate this transition, ensuring that every adopted Greyhound is healthy, well-adjusted, and perfectly matched with a family whose lifestyle suits the dog's unique personality.

This organization is a cornerstone of the Arizona sighthound community, relying on the dedication of volunteers and foster families to make a life-changing difference for these majestic dogs. If you are considering adding a dog to your family in the Valley, adopting a retired racer through GPA-AZ offers an incredibly rewarding experience while supporting a vital local cause.

Greyhound Pets of Arizona (GPA-AZ) stands out in the Arizona pet landscape as a specialized, non-profit 501(c)(3) entity. Their primary focus is twofold: first, to successfully adopt retired racing Greyhounds into responsible, loving homes where they can live long, happy lives; and second, to educate the public about the wonderful nature of Greyhounds as companion animals. The organization’s operations, centered in Glendale, AZ, primarily serve the Maricopa County area, with a separate Northern Arizona operation dedicated to the Prescott/Verde Valley regions.

GPA-AZ is entirely volunteer-supported, meaning all financial contributions and donations go directly to the dogs' care, including crucial medical procedures. They are not a commercial 'pet store' in the retail sense, but rather a compassionate adoption agency that provides a comprehensive, structured adoption process to ensure a successful match between the dog and its new family. This commitment to quality placement, rather than quantity, is a hallmark of their work.

While the organization’s main operational base is in Glendale, their adoption efforts cover a wide area within Arizona, utilizing a network of foster homes and public event locations, known as "Meet & Greets," to showcase their available dogs.

The organization’s central mailing and primary area of operation is referenced by:

• **Primary Operational Area:** Glendale, AZ 85301, USA (Maricopa County)
• **Main Contact Information:** The organization is best reached through its dedicated phone line and email, as physical operations are decentralized through foster homes rather than a single, permanent kennel facility.

For events and administrative interaction, the organization ensures convenience and accommodation for the community:

• **Accessibility:** The public events and meeting locations utilized by GPA-AZ, where prospective adopters interact with the dogs, generally offer the required features, including a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**. This ensures inclusivity for all community members interested in adoption.
• **Service Options:** The nature of their work is focused on placement, and service options are managed primarily through applications, interviews, and scheduled home visits, reflecting an adoption-centered model.

Greyhound Pets of Arizona offers comprehensive services focused entirely on the health, rehabilitation, and successful placement of ex-racing Greyhounds.

• **Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation:** Accepting Greyhounds primarily from racetracks and local shelters, providing them with a path to a non-racing life.
• **Comprehensive Veterinary Care:** Before any adoption, the organization ensures each dog is in optimal health, which includes:
  • Full veterinary examinations and required tests.
  • **Spay or neuter surgery.**
  • **Full dental care** and teeth cleaning.
  • All necessary **current vaccinations** (including Rabies).
  • **Microchipping** for permanent identification.
• **Foster Home Program:** Utilizing a network of "Greyhound-savvy families" in Maricopa County to provide temporary foster homes. This crucial step allows ex-racers to begin the transition to home life, learn basic house manners, and enables foster parents to provide detailed insights into the dog's true personality.
• **Adopter Education and Matching:** Providing in-depth guidance to prospective owners, including:
  • Screening processes (applications, phone interviews, home visits) to determine the best dog for a family’s lifestyle.
  • Requiring new adopters to attend a virtual or in-person **New Adopter Orientation** to prepare them for the unique needs of a retired racer.
  • Careful matching of a dog's personality to the family's situation (e.g., compatibility with children, cats, or small animals).
• **Ongoing Support and Resources:** Providing continuous support to adopted families and hosting public **Meet & Greets** and events where people can interact with the dogs.

For pet lovers in Arizona, choosing GPA-AZ offers unique benefits rooted in its specialization and non-profit commitment.

• **Specialized Breed Expertise:** As a Greyhound-focused organization, the volunteers and coordinators possess deep knowledge of the breed's temperament, history, and transition needs, which is invaluable for new owners.
• **All-Inclusive Adoption Package:** The adoption fee is a flat rate that covers significant pre-adoption medical expenses—including surgery, dental, microchipping, and vaccines—representing exceptional value compared to paying for these services separately.
• **Commitment to Matching Success:** The multi-step adoption process, which includes applications, interviews, and home visits, is solely focused on creating a successful, lifelong pairing, ensuring the happiness of both the dog and the human family.
• **Community Focus and Volunteerism:** The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, driven by volunteers. This means the community is directly supporting the rescue and welfare of these animals, making every adoption and donation a true act of charity.
• **Support Network:** Adopting from GPA-AZ means gaining access to a dedicated network of experienced Greyhound owners and support personnel who can assist with training, behavioral questions, and general care for the life of the dog.

As a volunteer-run organization that does not have a single retail location, the best way for interested Arizona residents to begin the adoption or volunteer process is by phone or through their official online channels.

• **Primary Contact Phone:** (877) 454-3647 (This number is likely routed to an adoption coordinator or answering service.)
• **Alternate/Mobile Phone:** +1 877-454-3647
• **Primary Operational Area:** Glendale, AZ 85301, USA

Choosing Greyhound Pets of Arizona is a powerful decision for those in the Arizona community looking to adopt a dog that has already been thoroughly vetted, medically cleared, and partially acclimated to home life. If you live in Maricopa County or the surrounding areas and are drawn to the quiet, gentle nature of the Greyhound, GPA-AZ provides an unparalleled service.

The true value lies in the organization’s thoroughness. You are not simply buying a dog; you are adopting a pet that comes with a full medical history, all necessary preventative care completed, and a support system ready to ensure the transition is smooth. Their commitment to the welfare of the dogs is evident in the included services—a healthy, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped companion, all managed by compassionate, dedicated volunteers.

While the adoption process is understandably rigorous and may take time due to the demand and the careful matching procedures, the result is a stable, well-matched relationship. For Arizona families ready to open their homes to a retired athlete turned family pet, GPA-AZ is the premier local resource, making a profound difference in the lives of these noble hounds.

Greyhound Pets of Arizona

Glendale, AZ 85301, USA