Written by
30 July 2026
1
min read
Meet the Team: Matt
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For Matt, no two days at GAP are ever the same, and that's exactly how he likes it.
As a Behaviour Assessor, Matt works with greyhounds at every stage of their journey through the program, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and prepare for life as much loved family pets. Whether he's assessing newly arrived greyhounds, working one on one with dogs in GAP's behavioural rehabilitation program, supporting the Prison Foster Program or collecting welfare dogs, every day brings something different.
Before joining GAP five years ago, Matt spent 15 years working with the Australian Border Force Detector Dog Program, where he developed extensive experience in canine behaviour and training. After exploring a few different career paths, he knew he wanted to return to working with dogs, and GAP was the perfect fit.
While most of his career had been spent with Labradors, it didn't take long for greyhounds to win him over. Their affectionate personalities, gentle nature and unmistakably soft ears have made him a firm fan of the breed.
We caught up with Matt to learn more about his role, the greyhounds who have left a lasting impression and the unforgettable zoomies that earned him one very impressive bruise!
What's your name and what's your role at GAP?
My name is Matt. I'm a Behaviour Assessor at GAP and I've been here for five years.
What does a typical day (or week) look like for you?
There really isn't a typical day, which is one of the things I love most about this job. I could be assessing greyhounds, training dogs in our behavioural rehabilitation program, visiting a prison as part of our Prison Foster Program or collecting welfare dogs.
What first brought you to GAP?
I worked for the Australian Border Force Detector Dog Program for 15 years. After I left, I had a few different jobs but really wanted to get back to working with dogs in a behavioural capacity.
Did you know much about greyhounds before working here? Has that changed?
Not a lot. I'd spent most of my working life around Labradors, so greyhounds were quite a change!
What's your favourite thing about greyhounds as a breed?
They can be incredibly affectionate, they love to lean on people and they have such soft ears.
Do you have a greyhound (or other pet) of your own?
I don't have a greyhound, but I do have five dogs, three working line English Springer Spaniels, a Pugalier and a Maltese cross Chihuahua.
I also have two cats, two blue tongue lizards, four geckoes, seven chooks, two ducks and some fish.
And two teenage kids, who are much more complicated than pets!
Is there a particular greyhound, past or present, who's left a mark on you?
Lucy Loo was a sweet, puppy like little girl with eye issues. I generally prefer the not so typical greyhounds. I like them to have a lot more personality.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing dogs successfully complete our behavioural rehabilitation program and become ready to find loving homes.
What's a funny, surprising or heartwarming moment you've had on the job?
We were assessing a particularly playful greyhound and I made the mistake of hyping him up. He got the zoomies, raced around the yard a few times and then slammed straight into my shin. I had the biggest bruise for about a week afterwards!
What's one thing you wish more people knew about greyhounds or the adoption process?
Greyhounds can be incredibly sweet and easygoing dogs, but it's also important not to underestimate prey drive. Understanding each dog's individual needs helps set them up for success in their new home.
Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?
Red Bull! It depends on the day.
If you were a greyhound, what would your name be and why?
Roy Boy. Go the mighty Lions!
Anything else you'd love to share with the GAP community?
The true heroes of this organisation are our helper dogs and cats. Without them, it would be impossible to assess the greyhounds.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Whippa
Peanut
Florida ARP
Its always sunny in Florida right!? This boy will certainly bring the sunshine into your life with his sweet, gentle, affection but puppy ways. He is just a young guy who is still very new to the world so he may take some time getting use to the big wide world but once he grows in your home he will shine! We think he may suit children 10 and over and may find his confidence with another canine companion of any size.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
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Jeanie ARP
Jeanie is a playful, happy, social girl that loves treats and toy time and will fill her new home with so much joy! She is the beam of sunshine you have been looking for in your new companion! We think Jeanie may suit living with children 10 and over and another medium or larger male canine companion. She would love an outside area to play in in her new home!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Princess ARP
We all might think that the little girls in our life are Princesses, but this girl truly is one, in the best kind of way! She is graceful, gentle, softly spoken, friendly, affectionate and boy does she have the best smile! She just wants to love and be loved! Princess may suit a home with children 10 and over and another medium or larger Prince in the palace. She may be ok for full-time workers too!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Mandy ARP
Mandy is as sweet, affectionate and gentle as they come. Whilst she might not be the life of the party, Mandy has the best qualities that everyone would want in a Greyhound. We think that Mandy may suit living in many homes and even ones with children 5 and over and another male canine companion to snooze the day away with or join her sniffari's in the neighborhood. We think she may also suit living with full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back intoGAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Thorn ARP
Looking for a tall, handsome, friendly and affectionate young man in your life? Well, we have just the guy for you! Thorn wont be the prick you are expecting, he will sweep you off your feet with the most charming eyes and willingness to please. He just asks for the best ear scratches in return as these are his favourite. We think he may suit many homes including those with children 5 and over and maybe even with some fellow roommates of any size. Thorn may even be ok if you let him be a stay at home couch potato whilst you are out earning more treato money!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Sylvie
Pearl Jam
Henry ARP
Henry might look like a mini horse but he is one of the most gentle giants you will meet. Henry is a quiet and polite young man who is theright height to nuzzle your hand for a pat, keep an eye on your pockets thoughbecause if there is something delicious in there he might just sniff it out! Wethink Henry may suit living with children 5 and over and with or withoutanother canine friend of any size (just no old or frail friends as he likes tohave a play!). Henry may be ok for full time workers.