General Foster Carer

Foster care is a rewarding way to help greyhounds begin their journey towards finding a forever home. It’s a short term commitment and you’ll receive all the essentials and support you need from GAP.

It can be a very daunting time for a Greyhound when they first enter retirement life and many of the dogs which come into our care need some extra help in a home environment before they’re ready for their fur-ever homes. This is where our Foster Care team come in! We have a dedicated group of volunteers all over the state who regularly foster a greyhound in their home for a few weeks, helping to Fill the GAP between racing and pet life.

Please note: We require volunteers to be at least 18 years old.

What’s required?

GAP provide food, muzzle, snuggly coat, martingale collar, and lead. Carers provide a cosy bed for sleeping, and some toys to play with (even empty soft drink bottles or cardboard boxes). Volunteers need to agree and sign our Volunteer and Foster Care Agreements, which are available to view and download on the application page.

We prefer carers to have at least a small outside space, with secure fencing, and a shaded area. Some carers in apartments are appropriate if someone is home during the day to toilet the dog. Otherwise, it is not necessary to be home all day to be a foster carer.

Other points to note:

  • Foster Care assignments are generally for a period of four weeks. GAP provide food, muzzle, martingale collar, snuggly coat, and lead. Carers provide a cosy bed for sleeping, and some toys to play with (even empty soft drink bottles or cardboard boxes).
  • General foster carers will foster a range of dogs from those needing a break from kennels to dogs needing some additional behaviour work with other dogs or within the home.
  • Volunteers need to agree and sign our Volunteer and Foster Care Agreements, which are available to view and download on the application page.
  • We prefer carers to have at least a small outside space, with secure fencing, and a shaded area. Some carers in apartments are appropriate if someone is home during the day to toilet the dog. Otherwise, it is not necessary to be home all day to be a foster carer.
  • We require a variety of family situations for different foster dogs – carers with children of different ages; carers with cats; carers with other dogs of different sexes and breeds; and plenty of carers with no other pets or children. We match each dog to the most appropriate care home.
  • Carers are asked to provide 1-2 short walks a day of up to 20 minutes, preferably in an area where dogs of other breeds (with leads on) can be observed by the Greyhound at a distance, then gradually closer if the dog behaves calmly. Some basic grooming and dog massage or cuddles, and practice on stairs, is always appreciated.
  • Every Greyhound is completely different – it’s not unusual for some foster dogs to seem a bit aloof or unsocial at first. Remember – this is all new to them: stairs, laminate floors, carpets, other pets, and kids. Once they adjust their personalities will start to emerge!
  • Foster dogs must always be muzzled and on leash when off your private property.

Why Foster

Fostering a greyhound is a rewarding experience that helps newly retired greyhounds adjust to family life and families adjust to being pet owners. If you’re unsure whether a greyhound is the right fit for you, fostering is the perfect way to find out!

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!

Apply to become a

General Foster Carer

Apply now
A tan coloured greyhound looking to the right of screen

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

Available

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Available

Harris

3 years old

Talk about a big softie! This lovely boy is such a sweetheart, he leans into you pats and looks up to you with his big eyes. He can be a little shy in new environments but soon bounces back to his joyful self! We think he may suit many households as long as there is a nice yard for him to relax and explore in.

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Available

Bobby

3 years old

Bobby is a lovely young man, just look at his beautiful light-coloured eyes, they seem to stare into your soul. Bobby is a social, friendly and affectionate boy who is keen to move into his furever home. He may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10years and older.

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Available

Willow ARP

3 years old

Meet Willow, the charming and affectionate greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This sweet girl has a strong desire to please and loves people, but she's still working on her manners - she can get a bit excited and jump up on people. With patience and training, Willow will thrive and become a loving companion. Willow may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ and active adults who will appreciate her playful and loving nature. She's looking for a household where she's the only dog, and due to her energy levels, Willow requires a home with a secure yard and no apartments, please. She's also looking for a home with no old or frail people. Willow may be suited to live with a cat if introduced properly. If you're an active and patient family who can provide the right environment, Willow might be the perfect fit!
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Diesel

3 years old

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Meet Diesel, the handsome and charming greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This friendly boy has a bit of an independent streak, but loves treats and will warm up to you in no time. Diesel is a big boy with some rough edges, and he's looking for an experienced owner who can help him polish up his manners. Diesel may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly and independent nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog friend. Due to his size and energy, Diesel requires a home with a secure yard and active owners who can provide the right environment - no apartment dwellers or elderly individuals, please. If you're an experienced owner looking for a loyal companion with a bit of character, Diesel might be the perfect fit!
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Shiny

4 years old

Meet Shiny, the sparkling gem of a greyhound who's sure to brighten up your life! This quiet and gentle soul is a sweet and affectionate girl who loves people and adores treats. Shiny's a laid-back companion who'll fit right into your daily routine, bringing joy and calm to your home. Shiny may be suited to a household with kids aged 5+ and for a home with either no other dogs or a male canine companion that gets along with her gentle nature. She also might be a great fit for elderly owners or apartment living,as she's low-maintenance and doesn't require a lot of space. And, surprisingly, Shiny might even live harmoniously with a cat! If you're ready for a loving and gentle companion, Shiny might be the perfect fit for your family.

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Trixie

3 years old

Trixie is full of tricks! Well not yet but we know she is a smart cookie that will pick up on things very quickly, maybe even get up to some mischief if she catches you napping on the job of Greyhound Servant! We think this beautiful, affectionate and sweet little girl may be ok for families with children 10 and over and another male canine companion of any size, she may even suit living with a feline friend! Go Trixie!

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Ravioli

2 years old

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This delicious girl has her eyeliner on and is ready to hit the streets and show off her glamourous looks! Maybe even stopping for a bite to eat at your favourite Italian spot! Miss Ravioli is not only beautiful, she is sweet, kind and affectionate. She can be a little reserved at first but soon warms up and leans in for a cuddle. We think she may suit living with children10 and over and maybe even another medium or larger male canine for company. We also think she would be best off in a home that has a yard as she is still only young and can take her time to adjust to new environments.

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Shell

2 years old

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This sweet little girl is Shell, and she is one that will need to come out of her “shell” a little when she goes into her forever home. But she will blossom as a sweet, puppyish girl that is excitable and bubbly when she is comfortable. We think she may suit living as an only dog or with another medium to large male canine companion and somewhere

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Harriet

6 years old

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Meet the gorgeous Harriet, or affectionately known as "Harry" for short. She has a beautiful soft and healthy coat; you'll want to pat and cuddle her all day long. We think she may have the softest belly we've ever come across here at GAP - it's like velvet! She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, she loves people more than anything! Harriet is a placid girl once she gets her 5 minutes of energy out, and she says that a daily walk is a must! Harriet may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and will need a home without children. Harry really is such an affectionate little girl who can't wait to shower you with love. Harry would also love to show you her awesome abilities to sit!
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Bort

5 years old

Bort is one of our not so brave soldiers here at GAP. He is still finding his feet and things are a bit scary at the moment. Dont let that fool you though, he loves people and will come and lean on you for pats and cuddles and really wants to be the bravest boy he can be. We think a nice quite home that has the patience to let him explore the world at his pace will be the perfect match for him and one without children as loud noises are a bit overwhelming. We also think he may suit living with another dog of any size that can show him that the world isnt so scary! Will you be Bort's home in shining armour? We know the best is yet to come with his handsome man.
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