Foster Greyhounds |

Greyhound Fostering Information

What is your role in a greyhound's journey home?

Welcoming a retired racing greyhound into your home as a foster family is a deeply rewarding experience.

By fostering, you play a vital role in helping a greyhound adjust to pet life, bridging the gap between the track and a loving forever home. Most of our foster greyhounds come straight from the racing track, and fostering prepares them to thrive as pets.

The journey from professional to retirement life may last from just a few days to a few months, depending on the dog’s individual needs and adoption readiness.

What to expect as a GCA-NC foster

Even though adoption-ready greyhounds are adults, their experience is limited to the track environment. Your guidance helps them learn to live as cherished pets. Foster families often assist with:

Housebreaking (greyhounds are typically crate trained)

Leash walking and adjusting to neighborhood strolls

Meeting other pets (since they have primarily been around fellow greyhounds)

Navigating stairs for the first time

Acclimating to common household sounds like vacuum cleaners, doorbells, TVs, etc.

Understanding household features such as mirrors, glass doors, different floor types, and toys

Learning pet manners indoors and outdoors

Grooming needs (bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing)

Offering love, encouragement, and lots of praise for positive behavior

What do we look for in potential fosters?

These are some of the criteria potential foster families must meet to ensure the best care and transition for our retired greyhounds:

Basic Requirements

You are an adult

All adults in your household must agree to fostering

You are willing and able to provide a stable and consistent home environment for your foster dogs

You are willing and able to commit to leash walking your foster if you do not have a securely fenced yard

Proof there are no contractual barriers to having a large dog, such as HOA regulations or lease restrictions

All other pets in the household should be up-to-date on vaccinations and heartworm prevention and be spayed/neutered (some exceptions may be considered)

Ability and desire to communicate regularly via email or phone and provide updates on the foster’s progress.

All adults in your household must agree to fostering

Preferred Requirements:

Do you have previous greyhound experience? That’s a plus!

A securely fenced yard at least 5’ high (Invisible or electric fences are not appropriate for greyhounds!)

Note: Homes with young or highly active children are reviewed individually

Support and Supplies from GCA-NC

We stay connected every step of the way!

GCA-NC remains the owner of foster dogs until adoption is finalized, offering support and guidance to our foster families.

We also provide supplies (as needed):

A muzzle

Pre-approved veterinary care

Crates, leashes, and martingale collars with ID tags

Heartworm, flea/tick, and worming treatments

Encouragement and assistance whenever needed

What exactly is a foster family expected to do?

Our approved foster families help create a safe, nurturing environment. Here’s how they do that:

Offering a secure, indoor home environment

Gradually introducing the greyhound to other animals and using muzzles until all pets are comfortable

Regular communication with the foster coordinator to share progress and assist in matching the greyhound with a permanent family

Providing food, water, and a consistent feeding routine

Using a crate when leaving the foster unattended

Ensuring the foster is properly cared for with medications and vet visits as needed

Helping with adoption meetings and paperwork once a match is found

Thank you for considering this special role!

By fostering, you give a retired racer the gift of home life, making
their transition to adoption smooth and enriching for both the greyhound and their future family.