Greyhounds as Pets
Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) is a registered charity established by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) to find pet homes for retired racing greyhounds. GAP aims to find loving homes for as many ex-racers as possible and is working to inform the public about the true and wonderful nature of greyhounds. Certainly, in the past greyhounds may not have been considered when choosing a pet and while many racing owners tried to rehome their dogs there had been a lack of good homes. Since the programme was launched in 2006 there has been a marked change in attitudes, and with almost 2000 greyhounds now settled into family homes throughout New Zealand, many people are now far more familiar with their endearing nature.
The charity has expanded rapidly and now has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. The programme operates through three boarding kennels – near Auckland and Christchurch, and more recently through a dedicated GRNZ welfare property near Levin. As well as the National Coordinator who manages the business side of the charity there is also administration, an online shop and 6 part time Co-ordinators who look after volunteers and manage events, home checking and fostering in the regions. GAP’s staff team depend on the GAP Community of wonderful volunteers who actively manage the many events we participate in to showcase the hounds.
Each greyhound goes through a comprehensive programme before going to live with their new family. While at the kennel base they undergo a temperament assessment to ensure their suitability for rehoming and determine the type of home that will suit them best. While greyhounds have been trained to chase, their desire to please means that many can be retrained to live very contentedly with small animals. The programme specifically likes to identify cat-friendly greyhounds for those adoptive families who love both. GAP also ensures each greyhound is in good shape health wise so after the assessment each dog is health-checked, de-sexed and microchipped.
The dogs are then ready to leave for their new life as a pet. Depending on each dog's need and the homes available they may then go either direct to their new home or to foster care where they will learn about pet life with an experienced carer before going to their permanent home.
Once their greyhound is settled in new owners invariably get involved in the GAP community and help in whatever way they can to find more homes for greyhounds leaving racing. The success of the programme is largely due to the passion and commitment the greyhounds inspire in their new owners.
For more information please visit - www.greyhoundsaspets.org.nz or get in touch with us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GAPNZ
Contact Details:
[email protected]
Address
2 Ascot Street
Hokowhitu
Palmerston North 4410
FEATURED EVENT
Pat & Chat/Foster Drive at Animates Grey Lynn
The amazing folks at Animates Grey Lynn (Richmond Road) have invited us in store for a lovely morning/afternoon of greyhound cuddles!
Find out about all upcoming events - HERE
