Volunteer Foster Carers provide temporary in-home care for greyhounds who have entered GAP, but are not yet ready for adoption.

The work of our Foster Carers is essential and supports GAP to achieve higher rates of adoption of greyhounds into suitable homes.

A period of foster care may be recommended for reasons including respite following surgery; adjustment from life as a racing dog to a family pet; further socialisation or a period of supervised behavioural rehabilitation.

Volunteer Foster Carers provide essential care for greyhounds, as well as enrichment activities such as walking, and interaction with new objects and experiences not necessarily encountered in racing life.

Please note: we have an application process which includes an application form and induction. The link to start the application process can be found on GAP's website.

Requirements

• Foster Care assignments are generally for a period of three weeks at a time, however can be shorter or longer as required.
• GAP provide food, a muzzle, coat, and lead. Carers provide bedding, toys and a lot of love.
• Volunteers need to agree and sign our Volunteer and Foster Care Agreements, which are available to view and download on the application page.
• Volunteers are required to provide all immediate needs of a greyhound under their care including feeding, socialising, grooming, training, and administering of any required medications or care.
• Volunteers are required to collect and return greyhounds to our kennel locations at either Seymour or Tullamarine or Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.
• Volunteers are required to have at least a small outside space, with secure fencing, and a shaded area.
• We require a variety of family situations for different foster dogs – carers with children of different ages; carers with other dogs of different sexes and breeds; and plenty of carers with no other pets or children. We match each dog to the most appropriate care home.
• Volunteers are required to provide 1-2 short walks a day of up to 20 minutes, preferably in an area where dogs of other breeds can be observed by the greyhound at a distance, then gradually closer if the dog is calm.
• A passion and commitment to animal welfare and greyhounds as pets is essential.
• Detailed induction and specific training will be provided.