Adopting a greyhound in Sheffield: charities, rules and costs

The count under the short answer is live: it shows every greyhound and greyhound cross listed with us in Sheffield and within about 25 miles, and each profile links to the rescue that has the dog. It is often short. The two greyhound charities below are the main route for a retired racer, and our Sheffield greyhound page shows the greyhounds we list, nearest first.

The two greyhound charities near Sheffield set different rules, so check before you apply. These are the ones Sheffield homes meet most often:

Most come out of racing. The Greyhound Trust says most greyhounds retire between three and five years old, and its homepage puts the number retiring each year at about 8,000, of which it finds homes for about half. Sheffield Retired Greyhounds says its aim is fully vetted, loving homes for as many retired greyhounds as possible.

Sheffield Retired Greyhounds' £200 fee pays for work you would otherwise fund yourself: neutering, vaccinations, worming and flea treatment, four weeks' insurance, and the collars, lead, coat and muzzle. Greyhound Trust West Yorkshire includes microchipping and parasite treatment in its £250 donation. A puppy, by contrast, costs £400 to £3,000 to buy, says Blue Cross, before any of that.

Running costs are the same either way. PDSA puts the set-up cost of a large dog at £560, which includes first vaccinations and neutering, and the monthly cost at £116 or more. What a rescue adds is knowledge: it already knows how the adult dog walks on a lead and gets on with other dogs.

A rescue greyhound has usually had some vet care before rehoming: both charities near Sheffield neuter and vaccinate before a dog goes home. Ask what was found. UK breed sources point to these:

• A nerve disease. The Royal Kennel Club asks greyhound breeders to DNA test for greyhound neuropathy (GN).
• Stomach, gums and eyes. PDSA says greyhounds can be prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV, or "bloat", where the stomach twists), gum disease and progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition.
• Bones and blood. PDSA also names bone cancer and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder.
• Racing injuries. Ask whether the dog has any old injuries, and how it moves now.

A greyhound needs less walking than people expect. The Greyhound Trust says greyhounds are "built for speed, not stamina" and happy with two twenty-minute walks a day, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home says they generally prefer around two 30-minute walks. The thin coat feels the cold, so plan for wet, chilly walks: PDSA says greyhounds need a warm coat in cold weather and shorter outings. Sheffield Retired Greyhounds sends a walking coat home with each dog.

On muzzles, the two national charities differ. The Greyhound Trust says greyhounds "do not need to be muzzled at all times", but suggests one when out and about until you know how your dog behaves around other breeds. Battersea says ex-racers "will always need to wear one when out walking in public spaces". Both charities near Sheffield send a muzzle home with the dog, and Greyhound Trust West Yorkshire says a muzzle is essential while a dog settles in. For a run off the lead, Battersea suggests a secure dog walking field rather than a public place.

Most retired racers have lived in kennels, and Sheffield Retired Greyhounds says they may need house training but adapt quickly to a home, given regular chances to go outside.

Rescue greyhounds are adopted, not sold. You apply or phone, the charity matches you with a dog, and you pay its fee or donation. The greyhound charities rehome mostly adults, because the Greyhound Trust says most racers retire at three to five, so a puppy is unlikely.

If you decide to buy, The Royal Kennel Club runs a "Find a puppy" service, and Dogs Trust's breed guides suggest asking your vet first, as some practices offer pre-purchase consultations on likely health problems and rough costs. Report a suspected scam advert to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud.