General Foster Carer

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 and a resident of Victoria, Australia

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.
• We ask that our carers be available to foster at least two dogs per year.
• Applicants to be a carer must have access to a car at all times. Either personally owned or the family car.

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!

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