Business Details
43 Years
experience
Adopt a Greyhound or Sighthound in Massachusetts
Greyhound Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming greyhounds and other sighthounds since 1983. Our mission focuses on placing dogs in responsible homes, educating the public about animal welfare, and expanding adoption efforts locally, nationally, and internationally. With over 40 years of experience, we operate a state-compliant adoption kennel featuring isolation facilities for dogs arriving from high-need areas. Our team collaborates with rescue partners to address overbreeding crises, having successfully rehomed more than 10,000 dogs.We maintain transparency in operations, relying on donations and community support to cover transport and care costs exceeding adoption fees. Our programs include public education initiatives, volunteer-driven events, and memorialization opportunities that directly fund our lifesaving work. We prioritize equal opportunity employment and foster inclusive environments for both staff and adopters. Through strategic partnerships and donor contributions, we address systemic animal welfare challenges while maintaining operational accountability.
Services
Dog Adoption
Public Education
International Rescue
Volunteer Programs
Memorial Donations
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialized sighthound rescue experience
- State-mandated isolation facilities for safe dog transport
- Community of 10,000+ successfully rehomed dogs
- Transparent cost breakdown for adoption services
- International rescue partnerships in high-need regions
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- MA DAR Lic. #0127
Services
Dog Adoption
We provide comprehensive dog adoption services for greyhounds and sighthounds. Our process includes pre-adoption applications, meet-and-greet appointments, and post-adoption support. Dogs undergo health checks and isolation periods before adoption.
Public Education
Our educational programs promote responsible pet ownership and address sighthound overbreeding issues. We conduct outreach through community events, social media campaigns, and informational resources about dog welfare.
International Rescue
We coordinate international rescue operations for sighthounds in high-risk regions. This includes transport logistics, veterinary care, and temporary housing for dogs arriving from countries with inadequate animal protection laws.
Volunteer Programs
Our volunteer opportunities include event coordination, social media management, and kennel support. Volunteers receive training and work directly with our staff to advance our rescue mission.
Memorial Donations
We offer memorialization options including engraved bricks and tree leaves. These donations directly fund our adoption programs while creating lasting tributes to loved ones and pets.
People
Terri Shepard
Director
Terri Shepard leads our rescue operations and community outreach initiatives. With extensive experience in animal welfare, she coordinates international rescue efforts and manages volunteer programs.
Questions
What types of dogs do you adopt out?
We specialize in greyhounds and sighthounds but also adopt mixed breed dogs. Our focus includes dogs rescued from high-kill situations and international overbreeding crises.
How much does adoption cost?
Our $1,000 adoption fee covers transport, veterinary care, and isolation costs. This represents about 40% of our actual expenses, with donations covering the remaining costs.
Can I volunteer if I live outside Massachusetts?
Yes! While some roles require local presence, we have remote volunteer opportunities for social media support, fundraising, and virtual event coordination across the country.
How do international rescue operations work?
We partner with global rescue organizations to identify at-risk sighthounds. Our process includes arranging transport, providing temporary housing, and coordinating veterinary care before adoption.
What adoption preparation resources do you provide?
We offer pre-adoption counseling, meet-and-greet appointments, and post-adoption support. Our resources include breed-specific information and guidance for integrating rescue dogs into new homes.
How can I donate specifically to international rescues?
When donating through our website, add 'China dogs' in the comment line to direct funds to specific international rescue efforts. We provide detailed updates on how donations are utilized.
Reviews (6)
Pamela P.
May 15, 2021
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I have called to adopt a dog. Called twice now. Left a message. Emailed also. I don't know how these rescues adopt dog out if they don't get back to you. All of these places. They want all your info before you even meet the dogs. The owner makes tons of money off the backs of the volunteers working, caring for the animals. One of them wanted a copy of our mortgage and said they were going to do a background check.
I have always been warned about protecting my personal info. I even went in person to one of these places. They wouldn't let me even see the dogs, they said I had to fill out an app even before seeing them. Then I could only pick out a dog from a photo album. Then after I filled out the app she still wouldn't let me see the dogs. NEWS FLASH! These groups are making money left and right. I've seen some outrageous prices, for pound puppies. Someone should be looking into the non profit status of these places.
I have always been warned about protecting my personal info. I even went in person to one of these places. They wouldn't let me even see the dogs, they said I had to fill out an app even before seeing them. Then I could only pick out a dog from a photo album. Then after I filled out the app she still wouldn't let me see the dogs. NEWS FLASH! These groups are making money left and right. I've seen some outrageous prices, for pound puppies. Someone should be looking into the non profit status of these places.
Stephen B.
Feb 08, 2018
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Pulled a very sick dog out of here. She sat there two months hw positive and no treatment. Shut down by the State. State inspectors called this place "an inhumane place for the detention for animals." **update Aug 14th 2018 the former director has been forced to pay back $40,000.00 because she used donations meant for the dogs on personal items. Talk about a breach in trust to all those who donated thinking it was going to help the dogs.
Craig W.
Mar 27, 2017
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My wife and I adopted our beautiful boy Smarty a little over a year ago from Greyhound Friends. Records for our dog were perfect, we had all of the information we needed to know that we had adopted a dog who had been well cared for during his stay at Greyhound Friends. Our vet even told us when we brought him in for his first exam that he was surprised at the detail that had been provided as most rescues he's seen come into the office with untreated health issues, not our Smarty!
The staff are very attentive and caring with all of the dogs when we went to visit, the evaluation process for us as potential adopters was very stringent and showed how much the staff care about the dogs. The kennel has been in excellent condition every time we have visited over the past year. There are beautiful fenced in spaces for the dogs to run and play, we bring Smarty back every few months to play with the other dogs and enjoy the large open play space to run around. You won't find a better place to adopt a greyhound than Greyhound Friends!
The staff are very attentive and caring with all of the dogs when we went to visit, the evaluation process for us as potential adopters was very stringent and showed how much the staff care about the dogs. The kennel has been in excellent condition every time we have visited over the past year. There are beautiful fenced in spaces for the dogs to run and play, we bring Smarty back every few months to play with the other dogs and enjoy the large open play space to run around. You won't find a better place to adopt a greyhound than Greyhound Friends!
Elizabeth D.
Mar 19, 2017
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I adopted a wonderful greyhound from Greyhound Friends. The director Louise was very thoughtful and helpful in finding a good match for our family. We gave "Betty" a forever home and have enjoyed her so much each and every day. A few medical issues arose with my dog and I immediately called Louise for advice. She guided me through and one time advised I seek a second vet's opinion. I've been to nearly every Open House GHF holds 2x/year. It's a wonderful organization that I've stayed closely connected to for years. Very knowledgeable people, very caring of it's hounds. Louise is especially helpful.
Heidi B.
Mar 17, 2017
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Great facility, amazing employees and volunteers. Every dog is walked multiple times per day individually in a grassy field and they are let out in groups daily to run and play in the large fenced-in areas. Best shelter I've seen in the area (I've been to seven in the Metrowest area).
Charles D.
Mar 16, 2017
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I've adopted 3 greyhounds from Greyhound Friends in Hopkinton. Louise was careful to place greyhounds that were compatible with my other dogs as there was always a dog at home while adopting another one. It's always a pleasure to go back for an occasional visit. My two current greys are both 12 and still going strong! "Greyt" organization doing "greyt" work!
