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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Stella

3 years old

Such a pretty, sweet, polite young girl is Stella! She can be a little on the shy side at times, but we feel that she grows in confidence pretty quickly, especially is there is another dog around to show her the way. Stella may suit living with children 10+ and medium or larger male dogs. Stella would be best in a home with a nice yard to relax in and might also suit living with full time workers if there is a doggy friend around to hang out with.

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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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Toby

4 years old

Toby knows how to use his ear antenna's very well to listen out for any treat packets being opened! Toby is a quiet, gentle and sensitive boy that loves having his butt scratched and will show you by throwing his legs around in joy as you do it. Toby can be a little gusto on the lead at times but this will settle as he gets into a regular walking routine with his new family. We think Toby may suit a home without another dog but if there is another doggo he would prefer that they are also quiet, calm and respectful of him as he can find them a bit too much and scary at times. We also think he may suit children 10+ and maybe even a home with a cat! Make sure to "ear" mark Toby as your favourite and give GAP a call!
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Conn

3 years old

Beware! Conn WILL steal your heart and maybe a slipper but he also may "Conn" you into giving him an extra treat, claiming that he hasn't had one in days when really its only been hours.. Our Conn is a handsome, laidback and chill guy that would love nothing more than a family to call his own. You may become his accomplices in taking too many naps during the day but who doesn't love a good midday nap? Conn may suit living with another dog of any size and also a cat! He also may suit living with children 5+. So let us 'Conn' you into adopting the love of your life (although he will do that all on his own!).
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Viper

4 years old

Meet Viper, the stealthy greyhound with a cool and mysterious vibe! This quiet and laidback boy is a friendly and personable companion who'll slither his way into your affections. Viper's got a chill demeanour and a relaxed nature that'll make him a great addition to any family. Viper may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can appreciate his calm nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and respectful dog that won't ruffle his feathers. In a perfect strike of luck, Viper might even live harmoniously with a cat! If you're ready for a low-key but loving companion, Viper might be the perfect fit. Strike while the iron is hot and get to know this cool canine!
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Savvy

3 years old

Meet the sweet Savvy! She is a little bit of an introvert who likes the quiet life, however once she feels comfortable and her true colours shine through, she is puppyish and playful and loves to do zoomies. She wants nothing more than to please her people and will have you in fits of laughter too! Savvy may suit living with or without a canine friend of any size, she may even be OK to live with a feline friend! Due to her submissive nature, we feel she will do best in a quiet home with children 10 years and older and will likely do best in a home with a backyard.
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Javin

5 years old

Meet Javin, the charming and charismatic greyhound who's ready to steal the show! This handsome and social boy is an affectionate and boisterous bundle of energy, always looking for his next playmate. Javin loves people and loves to play, but he's still working on his manners - a little patience and training will go a long way with this eager-to-please pup. Javin may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can keep up with his energetic antics and appreciate his playful personality. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a robust canine companion that can match his energy levels. A backyard is a must for Javin, where he can run around and play to his heart's content. No old or frail dogs or people, please - this guy's got a lot of enthusiasm to share! If you're ready for a lively and loving companion, Javin might be the perfect fit!
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Tommy

3 years old

Meet Tommy! Tommy's favourite thing in the whole wide world is treats! He is an independent chap until it comes to treats then he won't leave you alone. We think he will be likely be easily trained due to his food motivation. Tommy may suit living with or without a robust canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older. We believe that Tommy wouldn't be suited to live in an apartment. Tommy is blind in the Left eye. This requires no treatment or medication and is suspected to be from an old injury.
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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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Arlo

4 years old

Power up those ears Arlo and listen in for your new family! One way to describe Arlo is he is a bit "quirky". You think you've met most personalities of greyhound then you meet Arlo and find more things to love about the breed! Arlo is a sleek, shiny boy that is friendly and outgoing, quiet but also will get up and burst out in dance all of a sudden! He has a knack for getting his coat off and will most willingly show you how he does it and expect you to clap and cheer when he succeeds. He tends not to really care about other dogs around him but has spent time doing some socialising at GAP with the Behaviour Team so he understands how to when he does want to say hi. Arlo is a secret cuddle bug and whilst he tends to act like he is totally fine chillin by himself, he does love to have a good cuddle and scratch and be told what a good boy he is. Arlo does has a low-grade heart murmur which doesn't require medication or affect his day-to-day life. We think he may suit living with children 10+ and another medium or larger dog that doesn't need to Arlo to be their "bestie".
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