Adopt a Greyhound - Adoption Application Form

You don’t need to be perfect to adopt a greyhound—you just need to be prepared, open-hearted, and committed. Every greyhound deserves a patient, loving home, and if this sounds like you, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Ready to begin? Scroll down and fill out the application form to take the first step in changing a greyhound’s life—and your own.

First Name *

Surname *

Name of greyhound *

Address *

Email address *

Message *

Contact number *

What are your work hours? *

Do you have any children? what are their ages? *

Do you own or rent? Are your fences high and secure? *

Do you have another dog or other pets? Please describe below. *

What is your experience with greyhounds? *

Please tell us about your lifestyle and reason for wanting a greyhound *

Please upload photos of your yard and living areas

New field

I understand I will have to sign a hard copy of our adoption form *

I understand.

I understand I will have to provide my driving licence *

I understand.

I have read the fact sheet and understand the NSW legislation for muzzle excemption *

I have read the NSW legislation, for muzzle excemption.

Send me a copy

What Makes a Great Greyhound Owner?

Adopting a greyhound is more than just bringing home a pet—it’s a promise to guide a sensitive, retired athlete through a huge life transition. While greyhounds are often described as low-maintenance, they have unique personalities and needs that make them better suited to certain types of homes and people.

So what exactly makes a great greyhound owner? It’s not about having the biggest house or being an expert dog trainer—it’s about mindset, lifestyle, and willingness to understand and adapt. Here's what defines an ideal match for one of these incredible dogs.

1. Patience Above All

Greyhounds come from a racing background and are often unfamiliar with things like stairs, mirrors, vacuum cleaners, or even household noises. A great greyhound owner is patient—not expecting instant perfection or affection, but instead understanding that adjustment takes time.

Some dogs may confidently settle in within days; others need weeks or months. The best greyhound owners celebrate small wins, like the first tail wag or a peaceful nap on the couch.

2. Willingness to Learn

No one needs to be a greyhound expert from day one, but a great owner is open to learning. Greyhounds have their quirks—like sensitive skin, delicate stomachs, or the infamous “zoomies”—and learning about the breed’s needs makes all the difference.

Whether it’s reading up on nutrition, asking questions about training, or joining greyhound groups online, great owners are curious and committed to doing their best.

3. A Calm, Consistent Environment

Retired racers thrive in homes that are relatively quiet and predictable. A greyhound doesn’t need a mansion or massive yard, but they do need a calm space where they can decompress and learn to trust. Loud or chaotic environments can overwhelm these gentle dogs.

Great greyhound owners create a space with structure and security—where routines are respected and new experiences are introduced gently.

4. A Secure Garden (or Safe Walk Routine)

Greyhounds are sighthounds with lightning reflexes and a strong prey drive. This means they must never be let off-lead in unsecured areas. The ideal greyhound home includes a fully fenced garden, allowing the dog to safely explore, play, and do their business off-lead.

However, not having a garden doesn’t disqualify anyone. Many greyhounds thrive in apartments or urban settings—as long as their owners commit to on-lead walks and safe routines. What matters is the awareness and effort to keep the dog safe at all times.

5. Someone Who’s Home Often

Greyhounds love companionship. Many have never been truly “alone” before and can develop separation anxiety if left for long stretches too soon. A great owner is someone who works from home, works part-time, is retired, or has a flexible schedule.

If you do work full-time outside the home, you should have a plan in place—perhaps a dog walker, a partner with a different schedule, or the ability to gradually build up alone time.

6. Respect for Boundaries and Body Language

Greyhounds are famously gentle, but they’re also sensitive. Some may not enjoy too much touching, sudden movements, or being crowded. A great owner reads their dog’s cues and gives them space when needed.

This also applies to families with children—great greyhound parents supervise interactions, teach kids how to behave around dogs, and provide a safe zone the dog can retreat to if overwhelmed.

7. Financial Preparedness

Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all pets, they need quality food, vet care, flea/tick treatment, and sometimes dental work or medication. A good owner is financially prepared for both everyday costs and occasional emergencies.

They also invest in essentials like:

A well-fitted harness or martingale collar
A comfy bed
A coat for cold weather (greyhounds feel the chill!)

8. Lifelong Commitment

A great greyhound owner understands that adoption is forever. They don’t give up when challenges arise. Whether it's a house-training hiccup, initial anxiety, or a stubborn food preference, they work through it.

Life changes happen—but strong adopters have backup plans, stay in touch with the rescue for support, and view the dog as a lifelong companion.

9. A Heart for Rescue

Greyhound owners often say their dog “rescued them.” These dogs are deeply affectionate, loving, and loyal. The best owners see past the sleek racing history and embrace the quiet, quirky, goofy personalities that emerge in retirement.

They open their hearts to transformation and offer the safe, loving retirement these dogs have truly earned.