Written by

14 March 2024

1

min read

Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program – 28 years; thousands of love stories.

It feels like the greatest dating agency in the world sometimes.

Since 1997, the Greyhound Adoption Program has been matching hounds and humans, creating some of the sort of love stories that would make Mills and Boon swoon.The Greyhound – ‘the regal breed’ – is a breed like no other. They’re not good guard dogs, you’ll be hard-pressed to take them for a long run, and they take up a fair bit of space. Just getting them to sit like a ‘normal’ dog is like watching canine origami, with strange looks and legs akimbo. And lazy? Don’t get me started.

They are, however, great company. They have a seemingly endless supply of love and friendship for their humans. And will – perhaps unwittingly – provide many laughs and invoke your love. Kings and Queens, philosophers and great writers have all lauded their qualities for centuries.

Back in March 1997, two veterinary nurses from Sandown Park – Mel Tochner and Anita Smith – saw the need to find retirement homes for the dogs they cared for at the track. Racing greyhounds are usually ready for retirement by about four or five years of age, which still gives them up to ten years of retirement time, so the ‘dating agency’ was formed in the shape of GAP.

Now, it’s the most successful greyhound adoption agency in the world. More than 1000 long-dogs find their ‘forever homes’ every year; even more when you include the other adoption programs supported by GAP and GRV.

The breed is now ubiquitous throughout the suburbs of Melbourne and just about every regional town. Last year they were named one of the top ten most popular dogs as pets.

Thousands of people have found out what Mel and Anita already knew. The greyhound makes a wonderful addition to your home.
A big shout-out also to the many volunteers and staff that have made GAP’s success possible. Without you all, we simply would not have made it to this point.

In the need for your own love story? See more of the regal breed by clicking here.

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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0 Years Old

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0 Years Old

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Available

Jett

4 years old

This boy is ready to Jett his way into your heart and onto your couch! Sweet Jett is an incredibly friendly and outgoing boy with a puppy like nature and loves nothing more than a cuddle and play! Due to his excitement towards life Jett would be best in a home with a family who is experienced with large breed dogs! He may suit a home with another medium or large canine companion who likes to play as much as he does. He may be best suited to a home with children 10+ who can also keep up with him!
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Available

Sheila

3 years old

Meet Sheila, a bubbly and affectionate greyhound who's full of life and energy! This puppyish girl is excitable and impulsive, always ready to burst into action and bring a smile to her owners' faces. With her loving nature, Sheila's sure to form strong bonds with her family. Sheila's looking for a household with or without kids aged 15+, where she can be the centre of attention as the only dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Sheila's gained valuable skills and confidence. If you're an experienced owner looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion who'll bring excitement and joy to your life, Sheila might be the perfect match!
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Available

Clancy

6 years old

Isn't Clancy handsome? We certainly think so! He is a gentle boy who can be very worried in new situations. Clancy has lived in home for 3 years and came back to us through no fault of his, He's very much a home body. Once he comes out of his shell he adores playing and would love a home with a backyard he can run around in. He is fine with fulltime workers and would be ok in a home with older kids 15+
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Ducky

5 years old

Lovely Ducky has been living as a pet for the last three years and has been returned to our care through no fault of her own. Ducky has a sensitive throat, so needs to be walked with a harness. She is fine living with full time workers, and would be ok with children aged 15 or older.
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Available

River

3 years old

River is a quiet lady with a bit of an introverted nature. She is friendly but is more than happy doing her own thing and seems quite independent. River may suit living with or without a canine companion of medium or large in size and due to her gentle nature, she may suit living with children as young as 5 years old.
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Barty

3 years old

Meet Barty, a sweet and social ace who's ready to serve up love and affection in her forever home! This puppyish girl is a ball of energy, always seeking eye contact and enthusiastic about meeting new people. With her charming personality, Barty's sure to charm her way into your heart. Barty's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can be the star player as the only dog or paired with a medium to large dog. She'll need a backyard to run around in and burn off her excess energy. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Barty's not suited to homes with small dogs or cats, but she's ready to ace her way into your life with love and enthusiasm. If you're looking for a lively and loving companion, Barty might be the perfect match!
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Conrad

4 years old

Meet the handsome Conrad! He is very friendly and thinks he is a big puppy at times. He is very affectionate and if he could he would climb on to your lap for cuddles. Conrad would best suit living with a canine companion of any size and due to his OTT love of people he would likely do better in a home with children in their teenage years.
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Chase

4 years old

Meet our tall, dark and handsome, Chase! If you don't fall in love with his lovable personality, you will surely fall in love with him once you look into his beautiful lighted coloured eyes. Chase adores everyone and anyone! In fact, his two favourite things are people and treats! He may suit living with or without a canine pal of medium/large in size and children aged 10 years and older. This playful pup is likely not suitable to live in an apartment. Chase has an old Hock fracture which has mild Arthritis. This doesn't affect his day-to-day life.
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Available

Harriet

2 years old

Harriet is a lovely young girl who has the most beautiful soft ebony coat. She is so sweet, polite, and affectionate, and she should fit into most households with ease! She may be happy to live with school aged children and full-time workers. Due to her lovely nature, she may be happy living with or without another canine companion of any size. 

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Available

Liquorice

1 years old

Meet Liquorice, a sweet treat with a spicy personality! This puppyish and playful girl is full of enthusiasm and energy, always ready to brighten up your day. With her impulsive nature, Liquorice needs an experienced owner who's ready to work on her manners and help her become the best version of herself. Liquorice is looking for a household with or without kids aged 15+, where she can be the centre of attention or share the spotlight with a medium to large dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Liquorice has made great progress, but she's not suitable for small dogs or cats. If you're a seasoned dog owner looking for a fun and feisty companion, Liquorice might be the perfect fit - just be prepared for a life full of laughter, excitement, and maybe a few sticky situations! Liquorice is currently in foster care learning about pet life and will be available soon.
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