Are you considering adopting a Greyhound in Australia? Either from a shelter or ex-racing Greyhound.
This guide will offer you information to help you decide if adopting a greyhound is right for you, plus where to find a reputable source in various states of Australia.
The plight of Greyhounds
If you ask anyone who’s owned a Greyhound you’ll learn how loving these dogs are. Contrary to popular belief, they’re also very relaxed most of the time, preferring to cuddle up in their bed, your bed, or your sofa for most of the day.
Greyhound racing, sadly, leads to many of these beautiful dogs searching for forever homes. The Greyhound Racing industry has claimed up to 17,000 healthy Greyhounds are euthanised every year. I
f that’s not sad enough, an estimated 7,000 Greyhounds deemed unfit to race or retired, being a combination of puppies, young Greyhounds, and ex-racing Greyhounds, are euthanised – simply because they’re not quick enough to race.
For anyone choosing to adopt a Greyhound in Australia, you must also understand the life and training they have had until the point of being re-homed. Any ex-racing Greyhound may prove very well-mannered until the point they see a child in a park with a toy bear (or any toy which looks like a lure).
That said, almost all owners of adopted Greyhounds speak very highly of the family-member they have come to adore, and I’m sure you will too.
Where to adopt a Greyhound in Australia (by State)
Please don’t adopt a greyhound unless you are committed to it for life.
If your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to be fully committed to a dog, you can still help greyhounds by becoming a foster carer for one of the groups listed below.
Australia-Wide
Every Greyhound
Every Greyhound is a national directory of greyhounds needing a home. Listings include greyhounds available from dozens of adoption groups, as well as private re-homing by trainers and members of the public.
Gumtree Greys (Eastern States)
Named after the online classified site, Gumtree Greys rescues and re-homes greyhounds from a variety of sources throughout eastern Australia, with a primary focus on Gumtree online classifieds, regional pounds and directly from trainers.
website | email | 0402 616 964 | facebook
New South Wales
Claws’n’Paws
Claws’n’Paws Rescue is a large non-profit rescue organisation based on the Central Coast (NSW). They have a dedicated Greyhound Rescue program whereby dogs are rescued directly from pounds, classifieds, RSPCA as well as directly from trainers. Much care is taken to rehabilitate and place them in suitable, loving forever homes, whilst educating the new owners responsibly.
website | email | 0481 326 467 | facebook | donate
Friends of the Hound
The Friends of the Hound Greyhound Adoption Group is dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds. They create public awareness of the Greyhound as a gentle, affectionate dog and excellent family pet and aim to rescue and re-home as many as possible.
website | email | facebook | donate
Greyhound Adoption Program NSW
The Greyhound Adoption Program (NSW) is a non-profit organisation (non-industry) dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds. Their primary purpose is to educate the public on the benefits and care of Greyhounds as companion animals, and to find permanent loving homes for them.
Greyhound Rescue
Greyhound Rescue was set up to find homes for the many greyhounds surplus to requirements of the racing industry. Greyhound Rescue is run by Peter and Janet, a retired couple, who have worked in dog rescue for many years and now devote their attention to greyhounds.
Greyhound Re-homing
Founded by Jodi Green, Greyhound Re-homing works mostly within the Tamworth area to rescue and/or re-home greyhounds from the Tamworth pound & trainers.
website | email | 0488 43 43 78 | facebook
GRNSW Greyhounds as Pets*
The Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program is the Greyhound Racing NSW adoption initiative.
website | email | 1800 696 377 (freecall)
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
Northern Territory
GRANT – Greyhound Rehoming Association NT
GRANT rehabilitate and re-homes ex-racing greyhounds that have been surrendered by owners and trainers.
website | email | 0455 460 477 | facebook
PAWS Darwin
PAWS is an animal shelter in Darwin that usually have ex-racing greyhounds in their care who are looking for forever homes.
website | email | 0488 666 722 or 08 8947 1272 | facebook
Queensland
Animals in Need
Animals in Need rescue, rehabilitate and re-home a variety of animals, including greyhounds.
Friends of the Hound
The Friends of the Hound Greyhound Adoption Group is dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds. They create public awareness of the Greyhound as a gentle, affectionate dog and excellent family pet and aim to rescue and re-home as many as possible.
website | email | facebook | Donate
Greys4Pets
Greys4Pets are a private animal shelter who re-home surrendered and retired Greyhounds, along with all other breeds of dogs.
website | email | 07 5426 4567
Greyhound Adoption Program Qld*
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is the Racing Queensland adoption initiative.
website | 07 3869 9769 or 07 3869 9795
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
Greyhounds New Beginnings
Greyhounds New Beginnings is a Brisbane based group who rescue ex-racing greyhounds and provide them with a second chance at life in a loving forever home.
website | email | 0421 495 220 or 0437 685 239 | facebook
South Australia
Greyhound Adoption Program of SA*
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is the Greyhound Racing SA adoption initiative.
website | email | (08) 8243 7124
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
SA Greyhound Adoption
SA Greyhound Adoption rescues and finds loving homes for ex-racing greyhounds.
Kennel2Couch Greyhound Rehoming
Kennel2Couch we co-ordinate with trainers to rescue and re-home their retired greyhounds.
facebook | email
Tasmania
Brightside farm sanctuary
Brightside have a range of animals for adoption, including greyhounds and other dogs who have come from council pounds and would otherwise be killed. Many of the animals at Brightside have suffered from neglect or cruel treatment.
Greyhound Adoption Program Tasmania*
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is the TasRacing adoption initiative.
website | email | 0427 045 433
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
Greyhound Haven Tasmania
Greyhound Haven is a privately run (non-industry funded) sanctuary for greyhounds, operating in northern Tasmania. They aim to re-home greyhounds where possible as well as provide information on the care of greyhounds as pets.
website | email | 0429 508 341 | facebook
Victoria
Amazing Greys
Amazing Greys were founded out of compassion and love for greyhounds exploited by the racing industry. They rescue and re-home surrendered greyhounds and greyhounds from local shelters.
Greyhound Haven
Greyhound Haven is a self funded greyhound rescue and rehoming service in Mildura.
email | 0450 170 860
Greyhound Rescue Victoria
Greyhound Rescue Victoria are a group in South East Victoria, Australia who rehabilitate and re-home surrendered ex-racing greyhounds.
email | 0432 58 7421 | facebook
Greyhound Safety Net
Greyhound Safety Net endeavour to provide a safety net for retired Greyhounds who may not otherwise be saved. Their mission is to find homes for as many greyhounds as they can.
website | email | 0431 747 130 | facebook
Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP)*
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is the Greyhound Racing Victoria adoption initiative.
website | gap@grv.org.au | (03) 5799 0166
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
Gippsland Greyhounds
Gippsland Greyhounds rescue, socialise and re-home retired racing greyhounds in the Gippsland area.
website | 0408 201 107 | facebook
Western Australia
Busselton Greyhound Awareness
Busselton Greyhound Awareness aims to raise awareness about the plight of ex-racing greyhounds and to provide information regarding fostering and adoption.
Greyhound Adoptions WA
Greyhound Adoptions WA rescue greyhounds which have not made the grade on the track or no longer wish to race, and place them into homes where the love and affection they offer can be returned.
website | email | 0438 601 492 | facebook
Greyhounds Angels of WA
Greyhound Angels are dedicated to finding responsible homes for greyhounds that are no longer required for racing or simply were not fast enough.
website | email | 0439 556 000 | facebook
Greyhounds as Pets*
Greyhounds As Pets is a the Greyhounds WA adoption initiative.
website | email | (08) 9458 4600
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
New Zealand
ARAN Animal Rescue NZ
ARAN Animal Rescue NZ is one of a few dog rescue groups in New Zealand who specialise almost exclusively in rescuing death row pound dogs. They also rescue greyhounds when possible.
website | 021 0261 5533 | email | facebook
Greyhounds as Pets NZ*
Greyhounds as pets is the Greyhound Racing NZ adoption initiative.
website | (04) 528 0460
*This group is affiliated with the racing and gambling industries which kill thousands of greyhounds every year.
Hounds4Homes
Hounds4Homes work to increase the number of greyhounds re-homed after racing. They encourage prospective adopters and ensure that they understand greyhounds and their needs. Located in Canterbury.
website | email | +64-3-312-1699
HUHA (Helping You Help Animals NZ)
HUHA actively works everyday to find homes and foster care for a multitude of homeless, abandoned, seized and abused animals – including many greyhounds. Located in Wellington.
website | email | +64-4-392-3232 | facebook
Southern Cross Greyhound Adoptions
Southern Cross Greyhound Adoptions is dedicated to finding ‘forever homes and families’ for greyhounds in need throughout New Zealand.
Southland Greyhound Adoption
Southland Greyhound Adoption is a charity dedicated to finding forever homes for ex-racing greyhounds and believe that every dog deserves a life after racing.
Have you had experience adopting a Greyhound in Australia? What advice can you give new Greyhound owners?
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