There are two ways you can adopt a greyhound from Greyhounds as Pets WA (GAP). One option is a straight adoption. In this model, you are adopting a greyhound that has passed its green collar assessment and spent a minimum of four weeks in foster care. This option is suitable for people who want their greyhound to have some experience in home life, such as being exposed to other animals, household appliances, and everyday routines.
The other path to adoption is to foster with the view to adopt. In the foster-to-adopt model, your greyhound will have passed its green collar assessment but will have spent little or no time in a home environment. In this option, you act as the foster carer for a period of four weeks, helping your greyhound transition to home life. After four weeks, we process the adoption.
The foster-to-adopt model is a great option for people new to greyhounds and wanting to see if a greyhound will suit their family. It is almost a ‘try before you buy’ option and during the foster period we supply everything you need for your greyhound. We only process the adoption fee after the foster period. Foster-to-adopt is also a great option for people wanting to start training their greyhound from day dot.
Note: While your greyhound is in foster and until you have physically received your green collar from GAP your greyhound will be required to wear a muzzle when in public.
If you have decided you are interested in fostering, we would love to have you on board as one of our valued foster carers. Fostering is a great way of spending more of a temporary time period with a hound and help them in the transition towards life as a pet. We have a very supportive foster network and appreciate the importance of these carers in enriching greyhounds’ lives.
You are able to download a copy of the comprehensive manual all adoptees receive as part of the adoption process here.
Please follow the links below to the information pages and applications of which option you think is the most relevant for you.
- Don’t overwhelm your new dog by trying to be with them all the time. Go about your usual routine in a calm manner and allow your greyhound time to watch, see, and investigate on their own terms so they can settle in comfortably.
- Retired racers typically don’t have experience with fridges, washing machines or other appliances. While your greyhound is getting used to their new home, be conscious of the noises that household appliances make and understand that this may frighten, confuse or upset some greyhounds. With a bit of reassurance your greyhound will soon understand that these appliances are neither threatening nor frightening.
- Most retired greyhounds also have limited exposure to glass doors and windows, so make a point of showing them to your greyhound so they know they can’t barge through them.
- While in a kennel environment your greyhound has not had to learn food manners, this means they are likely to steal food from tables or benches. Be patient and consistent with your greyhound as you teach them what is and isn’t acceptable.
- Decide on the house rules including where your greyhound is allowed, what the greyhound’s walking and feeding routine will be and who in the family is responsible for what. Include the children by giving them ‘doggy responsibilities’. This should be done before your dog arrives as it is best to start out how you mean to finish.
- Set up your greyhound’s sleeping area before they arrive. This should be in a quiet area, away from drafts and the main thoroughfare of the house but should also be in an area where they are part of the family – they like to see what is going on around them.
- Remember your greyhound has spent their life in a kennel situation. They may not feel comfortable with having the run of the house when they first come home. Once your greyhound is feeling more settled and is house trained you can give them access to other areas of the house. Initially it is advisable to put barriers at doors to confine your greyhound to certain areas of the house. Perhaps they are permitted in the kitchen, laundry and family areas but restricted from the lounge, office or bedrooms. By confining your greyhound in the initial stages, you will make them feel more secure and it will also make house training easier.
- Try to put your greyhound on lead and take them out for a toilet break several times a day. Remember to lavish praise on your greyhound when they go to the toilet in the correct place. Over successive days the time between toilet breaks can be increased and by following these steps, confining, attending to and praising your greyhound, your dog will become house trained in no time. If your dog has an accident in the house, be patient and persevere – this is as new to them as it is to you.
- Dogs flourish on routine, so try to keep things consistent. If possible feed and walk your dog at roughly the same time every day. This helps your dog feel secure. Every dog, family and situation is different. What works for one may not work for another. Try not to set your expectations too high. Although some greyhounds will fit in straight away, others may take a little more time. Please be patient and allow your greyhound to settle in at their own pace, they will learn your house rules as they settle in.
- Although your greyhound is used to being handled, initially they may not feel comfortable being hugged and cuddled as you may expect from pet dogs. Be aware of your greyhound’s reaction to being touched and if they back off or appear uncomfortable, stop what you are doing.
