Overcoming the Greyhound Rescue Bottleneck
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania’s Greyhound rescue program needs YOUR help - find out more below.
Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle dogs with a surprising ability to adapt to life as family companions. But right now, more of these rescue dogs are waiting in shelters than ever before, caught in a growing bottleneck that’s slowing the path to adoption.
Across Australia, Greyhound adoption rates have declined, leaving many ex-racing dogs in limbo. Shelters, including Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, are facing increased demand, with waitlists stretching out for months. While we’ve been able to place some long-term residents into loving homes recently, the number of incoming dogs continues to rise.
We’re doing everything we can to keep up, but space and resources are limited. To give every rescue Greyhound the fresh start they deserve, we urgently need more foster carers.
The Growing Adoption Crisis
The current Greyhound adoption bottleneck is the result of several overlapping factors:
- Slower adoption rates – Nationally, fewer people are adopting Greyhounds compared to previous years. This trend is stretching waitlists and delaying rehoming efforts.
- Limited capacity – Many adoption programs, including GAP, have reached their limits, leaving fewer options for Greyhound rescue Tasmania.
- An increase in surrendered dogs – Breeding cycles in the Greyhound racing industry have resulted in more dogs being retired and surrendered. With fewer adoptions happening, the backlog keeps growing.
For Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, the situation is particularly challenging because Greyhound welfare needs are unique. These dogs require larger kennels, more time to transition from track life, and dedicated foster carers to help them adjust to home environments.
With more Greyhounds coming into care and limited kennel availability, we are unable to take in additional dogs until early January. That’s why we’re calling on compassionate Tasmanians to help us by fostering a Greyhound.
Why Foster a Greyhound?
Fostering plays a crucial role in helping Greyhounds transition from track life to a loving home. Unlike other dogs, Greyhounds often need extra support as they adjust to domestic environments. Many have never encountered stairs, televisions, or even soft bedding, so they require time and patience to learn how to be animal companions.
By opening your home to a foster Greyhound, you provide a safe and loving space for a dog that has only ever known kennel life. You help them build confidence, navigate new experiences, and become comfortable in a home setting before they find their forever family. Fostering also makes a difference on a larger scale by freeing up shelter space, allowing more Greyhounds to be rescued and cared for.
Beyond the impact on the dogs, fostering offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of Greyhound companionship, even if you’re not ready for permanent adoption. Whether for a few weeks or a few months, fostering truly saves lives.
The Unique Needs of Greyhounds in Foster Care
Because ex-racing Greyhounds have only known track life, their transition to a home environment requires extra patience and understanding. They thrive in a quiet, predictable setting, as they are accustomed to routine and may initially feel overwhelmed by too much activity.
Training and socialisation also need to be introduced gradually. Many Greyhounds have never walked on a lead in a suburban setting or encountered other dog breeds, so they require time to build confidence. Additionally, separation anxiety can be a challenge. Racing Greyhounds are used to constant company, meaning they may struggle with being left alone and need support in adjusting to independent time.
Despite these unique needs, rescue Greyhounds make fantastic animal companions. They are affectionate, low-maintenance, and love to lounge around. With a little patience, foster carers quickly discover why Greyhounds are such wonderful companions.
Learn more about Greyhound welfare issues:
FAQs About Greyhound Fostering & Adoption
No! Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance runners. While they love short bursts of exercise, they are also couch potatoes who enjoy lounging around. A small yard or regular walks are all they need.
Yes, but careful introductions are necessary. Some Greyhounds may have a high prey drive, so they need time to learn how to live alongside smaller animals. Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania provides guidance on how to manage introductions safely.
It varies depending on the dog. Some foster placements are only a few weeks, while others may take a few months. The goal is to prepare the Greyhound for their fresh start for Greyhounds.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania provides everything you need, including food, bedding, and vet care. Our team is always available to offer guidance and answer any questions.
If you fall in love with your foster Greyhound (which happens often!), you can apply to adopt. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure the match is right for both you and the dog.
Be Part of the Solution
Every Greyhound deserves a second chance. Whether through fostering or adoption, you can help give these gentle dogs the fresh start they need.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania is committed to improving Greyhound welfare and ensuring every dog finds a loving home. If you’re interested in fostering, please reach out to us today. By opening your home to a rescue Greyhound, you’re making a life-changing difference.
For those who want to see real change in the industry, you can also take action by signing one of the many Greyhound petitions calling for better protections and policy changes.
Additionally, efforts are being made to push for Greyhound reforms to ensure a better future for these dogs. Your voice and support matter in shaping the future of Greyhound welfare in Tasmania.