Open your home, change a life
Fostering a greyhound is one of the kindest (and most rewarding) things you can do. Whether it’s for a few weeks or a little longer, your home becomes a stepping stone on their journey from racetrack to couch life.
Help a greyhound take their first steps into pet life
Retirement can be a big adjustment for a greyhound - everything from household sounds to soft beds and slippery floors is brand new. Many greyhounds need a little extra time and support in a home environment before they’re ready for adoption, and that’s where our incredible foster carers come in.
GAP’s Foster Care Program is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers across Victoria who open their homes for a few weeks to help greyhounds learn the ropes of pet life. By fostering, you're helping to fill the gap between racing and finding their forever home.
We offer two types of foster care:
- General foster care — helping greyhounds adjust to everyday home life.
- Medical foster care — supporting greyhounds recovering from surgery or managing short-term health needs.
We’re currently looking for foster carers who:
- Have no other pets at home, or
- Have a medium to large breed dog, and
- Have a courtyard, backyard, or outdoor space suitable for a greyhound.
At this time, we’re not accepting new foster applications for homes with cats, small dogs, or apartments, as these needs are currently met — but thank you for checking!
Please note: Foster carers must be 18 years or older. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian will need to complete the application and attend the info session with you.
Top reasons to foster a greyhound with GAP
Every foster experience is unique, but these are some of the wonderful things all our foster carers enjoy along the way:
Help a greyhound find their forever home
Fostering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You’re helping a retired racer learn the ropes of pet life - like navigating stairs, enjoying cuddles, or mastering the couch snooze. Your time, patience and kindness set them up for a happy, confident future with their forever family.
All the support, no cost to you
When you foster through GAP, you're never doing it alone. We provide everything your greyhound needs while in your care including food, bedding, toys, lead, and vet care. Plus, our friendly team is just a phone call away if you need tips, reassurance, or even just a chat about how it’s going. You give them comfort and love, we’ll handle the rest.
Try before you adopt
Curious about what life with a greyhound is like? Fostering offers the perfect way to find out—no long-term commitment needed. It’s a chance to bond, learn their quirks, and see how a greyhound fits into your routine. Many of our foster carers fall in love and become adopters themselves (we call it a “foster fail”—and we secretly love them!).
Frequently asked questions
Thinking about fostering but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone! We’ve put together answers to the most common questions about becoming a foster carer - from what's involved to how we support you along the way. It’s all here to help you feel confident and ready to take the first step.
1
What’s in it for me?!
Foster Caring can sometimes be a challenge but it is also hugely rewarding, especially when you find out a dog you have fostered has been adopted into their new family! At GAP, we know how to treasure our volunteers. We hold fun, free events throughout the year for all our volunteers!
2
What if something goes wrong?
Carers have access to a 24-hour after hours phone number in the case of any accidents or vet care required, which is covered by GAP. A dog may be returned if they prove unsuitable for your home – this is why we foster, so don’t worry! Carers also have support from peers on our Facebook group and experienced carers who offer mentorship to new volunteers.
3
How do I get my foster dogs?
GAP currently hold bi-montly Foster Care swaps at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club (Springvale) on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s by appointment. Fosters may also be collected from GAP Seymour and GAP Tullamarine by appointment.
4
Do I receive any training?
New volunteers need to attend an online induction and training session at GAP where you learn about the basics of foster caring. These sessions are 3 hours long and volunteers can sign up for the next session that suits their availability. You also receive a copy of our foster care manual, and we hold some skills sessions throughout the year on different topics relating to greyhound behaviour and care.
5
How many dogs do I need to foster?
Foster Carers are volunteers who work with multiple greyhounds for short periods at a time. Whilst there is no specific number you’re required to foster, it’s a great support to GAP if you can care for 3-4 greyhounds in a year (each for four weeks). Some of the greyhounds our carers work with may already have a permanent home waiting, so if you think you’re looking to adopt, fill in an adoption application and our team will contact you. All GAP adoptions begin with a trial period to ensure your Greyhounds fits into your home and family.
Start your foster journey
Curious about fostering but not sure where to begin? We've got you covered! The process is simple, supported, and incredibly rewarding. From your first hello to those first zoomies on the couch, we’ll guide you every step of the way - and cheer you on as you help a greyhound find their rhythm in pet life.