Ready to lend a paw?

Volunteering with GAP is a rewarding way to make a real difference in the lives of retired greyhounds. Whether you’re helping out at events, providing enrichment at our facilities, or opening your home as a foster carer, your time and care mean the world.

If you’re ready to join our passionate community of volunteers, simply complete the form below to get started - we can’t wait to welcome you to the GAP family.

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Frequently asked questions

Adopting a greyhound is an exciting journey and it’s only natural to have a few questions along the way. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from future adopters and the answers that’ll help you feel confident every step of the way.

1

What is the process of adopting a greyhound?

The process of adopting a greyhound typically involves several steps. First, you will need to fill out an application form that provides information about your living situation, experience with pets, and your preferences for a dog. After your application is reviewed, you may be contacted for an interview to discuss your application in more detail. Once approved, you will be invited to meet the greyhounds available for adoption. This is a crucial step as it allows you to find a dog that matches your lifestyle and personality. After selecting a greyhound, you will complete the adoption paperwork and pay any associated fees.

Finally, you will receive guidance on how to transition your new pet into your home, including tips on training and care.

2

What should I consider before adopting a greyhound?

Before adopting a greyhound, it's important to consider several factors. Greyhounds are known for their gentle and calm demeanor, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Ensure you have a safe space for them to run and play. Additionally, consider your lifestyle and how much time you can dedicate to a new pet. Greyhounds can adapt to various living situations, but they thrive in homes where they receive love and attention. It's also essential to think about any other pets you may have and how they will interact with a new greyhound.

Lastly, be prepared for the financial responsibilities of pet ownership, including food, veterinary care, and other supplies.

3

Are greyhounds good with children?

Retired racing greyhounds are very tolerant with children. If a child becomes overbearing, the dog will usually walk away rather than snap or growl. As with all breeds of dogs, small children should never be left unsupervised with your greyhound. It’s also vitally important that you teach your children to respect the dog. Children poking dogs, falling on them or pulling tails should NEVER be allowed. Children should also be taught to respect the dog’s space around food and bedding. Homes with young children should also provide the greyhound with a “time out” area – this is a quiet space where the greyhound can get away from the children for a rest. Children should be taught that this area is off limits.

4

What is the average lifespan of a greyhound?

The average lifespan of a greyhound is typically between 10 to 14 years. Like all breeds, their lifespan can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health care. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can contribute to a longer, healthier life for your greyhound. It's essential to be aware of common health issues that may affect the breed, such as bloat and hip dysplasia, and to take preventive measures.

By providing a loving and supportive environment, you can help ensure your greyhound lives a full and happy life.

5

Do retired greyhounds require a lot of exercise?

No. Greyhounds are sprinters and as such, tire very quickly. They enjoy, but are not dependent on, moderate exercise. In most homes, the shared experience of a short brisk walk once a day is enough to keep both the adopter and the adoptee in good physical health. They can make good jogging companions, but only after they are properly conditioned for long distances.

6

Are greyhounds good with other animals?

It depends on the dog. While some greyhounds are not suitable for homes with small animals such as cats and rabbits, a lot are. At GAP we behaviourally assess our greyhounds very thoroughly to ensure that a correct match between greyhound and adopter is achieved. Care should be taken when introducing your new greyhound to your other animals and they should never be left alone together until you are sure there are no problems.

7

What is the average size of a greyhound?

Male greyhounds are larger than females, weighing from 30 to 45kg and standing from 65 to 75cm at the shoulder. The females can weigh from 25 to 35kg and stand from 60 to 70cm at the shoulder.

8

Do females make better pets than males?

No. There is little difference between males and females, except that the males are larger. Female greyhounds tend to be more independent and stubborn, while males are generally more affectionate and easy going.

9

Why do greyhounds make good pets?

Greyhounds are quiet, well mannered, and very easy to live with. They are friendly, affectionate, lazy, calm, clean, loving, trusting and good-natured.

10

What happens if things don't work out?

All adoptions should be undertaken with the expectation that your new pet will be with you for life. However, GAP will always reclaim greyhounds should your situation change or in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the dog.

11

What colour are greyhounds?

The most common colours are black, brindle and fawn. Other colours include blue and white, and a combination of these colours (e.g. black and white). It is important to note that GAP does not select dogs by colour.

12

Are the greyhounds for adoption house-trained?

Most of our dogs are house-trained before being adopted. Greyhounds are intelligent, clean animals who learn very quickly. As they are already kennel trained, house-training is usually quickly learnt. You should, however, expect some accidents until a routine has been established.

13

Can greyhounds be let off lead?

In public places, absolutely not! It is both illegal and extremely dangerous to allow a greyhound to run off lead. This includes off leash dog parks. Greyhounds are one of the fastest land mammals, with speeds reaching 67 kph. Horses, by comparison, have been known to reach 70 kph. If you think that you will simply run and catch your greyhound if he bolts, consider this: a sprinting man can run only 44 kph. Therefore, catching a running greyhound is only slightly less difficult than catching a running horse – impossible. Greyhounds have been bred for thousands of years for one thing: speed. In the case of retired racers, the situation is more acute because they have had the speed and chase mentality reinforced in them from the moment they were born. Once a greyhound spots something in the distance, they will be off to investigate and more times than not they won’t come back. Greyhounds also have no road sense and can easily run out on the road and get hit by a car. Due to the speed at which they run, greyhounds can quickly get lost or seriously injured or killed should they step in a pot hole, hit a stick or fence or slip on uneven ground.

14

Do greyhounds make good guard dogs?

No. Greyhounds are placid, friendly animals who are not protective about their property or people. They tend not to bark, and rarely alert owners to the arrival of strangers at their home.

15

Do greyhounds have to be muzzled in public?

The Victorian Government approved changes to the greyhound muzzling laws and effective 1 January 2019, retired greyhound owners can choose to have their greyhounds muzzle free in public. Note: Greyhounds who successfully pass the GAP program will continue to undergo a thorough temperament assessment to ensure they are safe around small dogs and okay to be muzzle free in public.

16

Do retired racing greyhounds adjust quickly to life as a pet?

Yes. Greyhounds are fostered by GAP for around one month to expose them to as many new things as possible, and the dogs are quite settled in a family environment well before the foster time is through. Greyhounds thrive on human companionship and bond very quickly. Bonding usually only takes a matter of days, and becoming accustomed to a new routine and environment generally only takes a few weeks. The older greyhounds tend to be better mannered from the start while the younger dogs are generally more curious and active.

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

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

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Lee

2 years old

How handsome is this young chap! Mr Lee here is a stunning, sleek, shiny boy that is just as sweet as he is handsome. Lee is still a young one getting to know the ropes so he can be a bit silly and on the go but he does sometimes step back and take it all in. He can be a little shy in new situations but soon forgets what he was worried about and is back to his usual playful self. We think Lee may suit living with children 10+ and maybe another medium or larger companion. He has requested a backyard though please as he wants to show you his epic zoomies and play till its nap time!

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Available

Empire

3 years old

Well they all say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but perhaps you want to bring an Empire into your home and make it a kingdom of fun, laughter, cuddles and play time. Empire may suit many homes and living with children 10+ or maybe even another medium or larger canine buddy.

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Available

Magpie

5 years old

Magpie is a lovely boy with a puppyish and playful nature. He's confident, social and outgoing, and loves to be the life of the party! This charming boy would likely be ok in a home with full time workers, and children aged 10 or older. He is looking for a backyard he can run and play in. Come meet this cool dude today!
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Emily

3 years old

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Meet Emily, a sweet and personable greyhound who's sure to capture your heart! This affectionate girl loves being around people and will shower her owners with love and attention. With her gentle nature, Emily's a perfect companion for families or individuals looking for a loyal friend. Emily's got a unique charm - one of her adorable ears flops forward, making her all the more lovable! She's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog. If you're looking for a loving and laid-back companion to bring joy to your life, Emily might be the perfect fit!
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Chonk ARP

2 years old

Don’t be fooled by his name, he isn’t a “Chonky Boy” but we think the name still suits him. Mr Chonk does however love a little treat or two so this should make training a breeze, as long as he doesn’t give you those puppy dog eyes for too many! Chonk is a confident and enthusiastic boy and we think that he may suit homes with children 10 and over and possibly another dog of any size.
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Ronnie

4 years old

Meet Ronnie, a charismatic and outgoing greyhound who's the life of the party! This confident and enthusiastic boy is an extrovert who loves being the centre of attention and making new friends. With his bold and adventurous nature, Ronnie's perfect for an active family who loves the outdoors. Ronnie's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where he can thrive in an active home with a backyard to run around in. He's happy to be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog, but he's not suited for apartment living or elderly owners who can't keep up with his energetic personality. If you're looking for a lively and adventurous companion to join your active lifestyle, Ronnie might be the perfect match! Ronnie has an old hock fracture prior to entering GAP
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Scarlett

4 years old

Meet Scarlett, a sweet and pretty greyhound who's a total sweetheart! This affectionate girl loves being around people and adores a good scratch behind the ears - she's a total pampering princess! With her gentle nature, Scarlett's a perfect companion for families or individuals looking for a loving friend. Scarlett's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog. She'll need a backyard to stretch her legs and get some exercise. If you're looking for a beautiful and loving companion to bring joy to your life, Scarlett might be the perfect fit! Scarlett has a low-grade heart murmur and an old hock fracture. Neither of these affect her day-to-day life.
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Bronte

5 years old

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Meet Bronte, a gentle soul with a heart of gold! This quiet and calm girl is a sweet and personable companion who'll bring serenity to her forever home. Bronte loves human interaction and will shower her owners with affection, but she's a bit particular about her personal space. Bronte's looking for a household with no kids, where she can relax and be herself. She's also sensitive about having her belly touched, so her new owners will need to respect her boundaries. As the only dog or living with a male greyhound, Bronte will thrive in a peaceful environment. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Bronte's ready to find her perfect match - if you're looking for a loving and laid-back companion, Bronte might be the one! Bronte has a low-grade heart murmur that doesn't affect her day-to-day life.
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Sophie

4 years old

Meet Sophie, a stunning and sweet greyhound who's sure to capture your heart! This pretty and outgoing girl is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and making friends. With her affectionate nature, Sophie's always looking for someone to shower with love and attention. Sophie's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can thrive as the only dog or live harmoniously with a medium to large dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Sophie's gained valuable skills and confidence, but she's not suited to homes with small dogs or cats. If you're looking for a beautiful and loving companion to bring joy to your life, Sophie might be the perfect fit! Sophie has an old Hock fracture with some arthritis in it. This doesnt affect her day-to-day life.
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Kara

7 years old

Doesn't Kara have the cutest face? She is a friendly girl with a puppyish and playful nature. Kara has been living as a pet for a few years now and returned due to no fault of her own. She has previously lived with greyhounds but we think she may be ok with another medium or larger breed as well. She can jump up, so no small children or frail owners for this girl. Kara is lovely to walk on lead and still very much an active girly. We also think she may be ok with children 10 years an over.
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