Sighthound Rescues: Adopt Your Next Canine Companion
By Molly Weinfurter
There’s so much to love about sighthounds. They’re often friendly, healthy, and athletic. So, if you have your heart set on getting one of these incredible breeds, it makes sense. Yet, during your search for a new companion, it’s important to remember that a breeder isn’t the only option. There are lots of sighthound rescues across the United States, which is always a great place to start.
Benefits of Adopting a Rescue Sighthound
You’re sure to adore a sighthound no matter where they come from, but there’s something special about adopting from a rescue. Below are a few of the many great reasons to adopt.
Saving a Life
Shelters across the United States are overcrowded, which unfortunately means some organizations are forced to put dogs down for space. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2024, and about 607,000 of them were euthanized. Even if the sighthound you’re interested in isn’t directly at risk, adopting them opens up space for another dog to be saved.
Choosing from a Variety of Sighthounds
Shelters often have dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments, so if you’re unsure exactly what you want, you can meet several adoptable sighthounds and decide which is the best fit. When you go to a breeder, you only get young puppies to choose from, but that’s not ideal for everyone. Puppies can be a lot of work, so adult sighthounds in shelters may be better for your lifestyle because they’re often trained, laidback, and gentle.
Giving Money to a Good Cause
Dogs at rescues and shelters are usually cheaper than going to a breeder, but they still have adoption fees. Luckily, that money goes directly towards helping more dogs in need, so you can feel good knowing you made an impact.
How to Find Sighthound Rescues Near You
Once you have your heart set on a sighthound, what’s next? Try the following to find wonderful sighthounds for adoption near you.
Search on Google
It might not seem like much, but a quick search for “sighthound rescue near me” is a great place to start. You might find a local rescue that specializes in sighthound breeds that you’ve never heard of before.
Check out Popular Sighthound Rescues in the USA
If you have your heart set on a sighthound, whether it’s a tiny Italian greyhound or a majestic Saluki, look for breed-specific rescues. There are lots of organizations that specialize in rescuing sighthound breeds. Search for options near you or check out nationwide organizations that connect people with rescue sighthounds.
Here are a few great nationwide sighthound organizations:
- Greyhound Pets of America
- Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation
- National Greyhound Adoption Program
- The Sighthound Underground
- Whippet Rescue and Placement
Browse PetFinder
Rescue sites like PetFinder are a great resource because they list dogs from many rescues and shelters all in one place. You can sort your search by various factors, such as breed, size, age, and distance to help you find a rescue dog that matches what you’re looking for.
Visit Your Local Shelters
Not all shelters and rescues actively post on sites like PetFinder, so it’s a good idea to check out the websites of local organizations from time to time. You never know what dogs might end up in the shelter, so keep an eye out for sighthounds.
Attend Meet and Greet Events
Rescues and shelters often host events where potential adopters can meet some of the dogs. This is a great way to meet a variety of dogs at once, especially if the organization hosting the event focuses on sighthounds. As you meet many wonderful dogs, the organization can answer any questions you have.
Get Recommendations from Sighthound Owners
If you know someone who has adopted a sighthound, ask them what organization they went through. They might be able to help you find a great rescue that specializes in the breed you want.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Rescue Sighthound
When you adopt a sighthound, you’re adding a member to your family. It’s a big decision, so take your time when choosing a dog and helping them adjust to your routine.
Find a Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle
It’s easy to fall in love with a cute photo on an adoption website. However, don’t make any decisions until you meet the dogs you’re interested in. Get to know their individual personalities and make sure their needs fit with your lifestyle. For example, if someone loves to relax at home, a laidback senior dog may be a great fit. Those with an active lifestyle may prefer an energetic puppy instead.
Meeting several adoptable dogs is always a good idea so you can see a variety of different temperaments and behaviors. Sometimes, the best dog for you ends up being a different dog than you expected.
Be Patient
Once you adopt a sighthound, patience is key. Most dogs need some time to get used to a new environment, so if everything doesn’t fit into place on day one, that’s okay. Most organizations emphasize the 3-3-3 rule: three days for the dog to decompress and acclimate to new surroundings, three weeks to get used to a new routine, and three months to feel fully at home.
Every dog is different, so some dogs may take more or less time depending on their history. A sighthound that came from a racing track may be more wary of people than one that grew up in a home.
Get a Vet Checkup
Even if your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations, it’s still a good idea to visit the vet not long after adopting them. That way, your vet will get to know your dog, and they can double-check that everything looks great.
Focus on Consistent Training
Regardless of your new dog’s previous training, it’s always a good idea to work on some commands with them. For puppies who have never trained before, it’ll teach them good behaviors. For well-behaved adult dogs, it can reinforce skills they already know.
In all cases, training helps form a stronger bond between you and your dog. Practicing simple cues for a few minutes each day can help a rescue dog get comfortable around you faster, especially when you focus on positive reinforcement.
Start Your Search for the Perfect Sighthound Rescue
Now that you know the benefits of adopting a rescue dog, it’s time to decide if that’s the right path for you. Adopting a sighthound can save lives while supporting a good cause, so it’s always a great place to start when searching for a furry friend.
During your search, browse dogs from local organizations and sighthound-specific rescues. Once you find your new canine companion, be patient and give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. With your love and support, a rescued sighthound will thrive in your home.
(About the Author: Molly Weinfurter is a writer with a passion for animals. She has a BFA in Creative Writing and has worked as a freelance writer since 2018. In her free time, she does a lot of dog-related volunteering, such as fostering dogs, helping out at adoption events, and educating about puppy mills.)