We're getting many of the same questions over and over again so here are some FAQs to help get out the information people are asking for:
Is SHUG still adopting during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes! SHUG is up and running. With the abrupt closure of tracks due to social distancing guidelines, there are thousands of Greyhounds in need of homes. We brought in 30 Greyhounds on March 27th and about half of them have been adopted so far. We also have Podencos, galgos, and sighthound mixes available for adoption. The only caveat to that is that we can't fly dogs currently. Most of our dogs are on the east coast or the mid west. If you're in another area and you aren't able to drive to get a dog, then you may want to hold off on adopting. As I write this, we have dogs in WY, IA, MO, OK, IN, MI, OH, PA, MD, VA, NJ, NY.
How does SHUG handle home visits and meet and greets during the pandemic?
SHUG does home visits on a case by case basis. If needed we can do home visits over skype or facebook. We have cancelled all public events and meet and greets for the foreseeable future, including--sadly--Greyhounds in Gettysburg. Once you have submitted an application and been approved to meet a specific dog, you will be invited to meet that dog in their foster home. Currently we are doing outside "backyard" meet and greets. We will respect the level of social distancing you are comfortable with during this process.
Does SHUG adopt to "xxx"?
Yes! We adopt to homes throughout the US and Canada--including Hawaii and Alaska under normal circumstances. But again, keep in mind that it is very difficult to fly dogs right now so chances are you will have to drive pretty far to meet your dog.
Can I get more information about a dog named "xxx"?
No! All of the publicly available information is on our website or facebook page. If you submit an application and are a good fit for that dog the next step is to set up a call for you to chat directly with their foster parent. But out of respect for our foster parents' time, we do not ask them to speak to or meet with potential adopters until they have been completely screened.
Is a dog named "xxx" still available?
Yes! If that dog is on our website list of available dogs (or on our petfinder list) then they are still available for adoption. If we posted about a dog two weeks ago on our facebook page but you don't see them on our website then chances are they've already been adopted. Please still consider submitting an application because there are a dozen dogs just like that one who are looking for forever homes.
Can you call me when...?
No! We can't contact you when a particular breed of dog is available. However, if you have submitted an application and been approved, we will consider you for new dogs as they come in.
Can I place a dog on hold?
No! We will accept deposits from approved applicants for dogs who aren't ready to go home yet (for medical reasons, for example) or to hold a dog while an adopter works out the logistics of transport (generally no more than 2 weeks). But other than that we will not hold a dog while you go on vacation, finish a home improvement or work project, etc.
Do I have to submit the non-refundable application fee?
Yes! Time is our most precious resource. If the $50 fee gives you pause, then it might be a good idea to save your money and our time. There are many other groups out there and you are welcome to apply to them. We understand that we aren't the right fit for everyone. We take a little more time and are a little pickier about our homes than you might think is reasonable. And that's okay. We don't have a kennel--all of our dogs are safe and warm in foster homes. We do have high standards and we are comfortable with that.
If I'm interested in fostering do I have to submit the application fee?
Yes! We screen our fosters the exact same way we screen our adopters and that really takes a while. Almost all of our fosters eventually become adopters so we hold them to the same standards.
Is the application fee a deposit?
No! The application fee is not a deposit and does not get "deducted" from your adoption fee.
What is SHUG's adoption fee?
Our adoption fee for domestic dogs is $350. For dogs that SHUG has to fly from overseas our adoption fee is $750 to cover their airfare, crate, and additional paperwork. All of our dogs go home spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Your dog will come with their medical records, a martingale collar, a tag collar, and a leash.
Does SHUG adopt to homes in apartments, townhomes, without fences, with children, cats, birds, etc.?
Yes! But...you may not be a match for the dog you're interested in and that's something we would discuss during the application process. All of the above might make you a match for fewer dogs and limit your options.
Are there homes SHUG will not adopt to?
Yes! We will not adopt to homes with electric or invisible fences. We will not adopt to homes that have fences but the fences are not secure. (So if you have no fence that's okay but if you have half a fence then that's a no. Sorry!) We will not place dogs in homes with outdoor cats, for everyone's safety. And we will not place dogs in homes that allow their dogs off lead in unfenced areas. If you are the kind of person who is sure that you can train your dog to be off lead, please pass us by.
How long does it take SHUG to process an application?
Generally it takes us about 1-2 weeks to have a volunteer available to assign to your application. Once that person receives your information, it will be dependent on their schedule and how easy it is to contact you and your references. We are busy! Many people may be home and bored but somehow we've missed that memo. We're moving dogs, doing a ton of paperwork, and making really big plans for the next two years as the sighthound world prepares to go through huge changes. Please be patient!
How long will it take my shirt or other item ordered from the website to arrive? Or how can I return it?
SHUG uses third party vendors to sell items on our website to raise money for the dogs. Our volunteers create the designs and we upload them to the printer. When you place an order the money goes to the printer. They create your shirt and send us our "profit". We don't ever handle your item. If the printer made a mistake or you ordered the wrong thing, please follow the instructions that came with your item.
Why is that lady so grumpy when I call the SHUG number?
Well, she's the director and she's pretty much always busy. Like everyone else at SHUG, the director is just a volunteer and has a "real" job, a family, and dogs of her own. The SHUG number is just for emergencies. Please send an email if you have a non-emergency question.
It is so refreshing to read thru your website. It’s clear you stick to your mission in all you do and have high standards…as it should be. As a first time applicant, I appreciate knowing as many details as possible about your adoption process and answers to FAQ’s. I salute you!
“Why is that lady so grumpy when I call the SHUG number?
Well, she’s the director and she’s pretty much always busy. Like everyone else at SHUG, the director is just a volunteer and has a “real” job, a family, and dogs of her own. The SHUG number is just for emergencies. Please send an email if you have a non-emergency question.”
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for these dogs! They are lucky to have such wonderful people watching out for their well-being. And as for the grumpy bit (i love that you put this in), I understand being busy with a “real” job, a family, dogs of our own, and life in general.
Again, thank you for your giant heart!