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.
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:
These are some of the criteria potential foster families must meet to ensure the best care and transition for our retired greyhounds:
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
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
GCA-NC remains the owner of foster dogs until adoption is finalized, offering support and guidance to our foster families.
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
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.