Please note that due to the current situation we have been inundated with requests to foster a greyhound, and are currently uncertain how many dogs we can continue to bring in.
We will still accept your applications, but cannot guarantee you a dog at this time.
Every greyhound taken into foster care is a dog saved, and every greyhound adopted makes room to save another.
Maggie
Would you love to have the wonderful companionship of a dog, but due to work, travel or other factors, feel that you can’t make a long term commitment?
Fostering a dog is usually a rewarding experience that requires few previous skills. All you require is a love of these very friendly, laid-back dogs, and time to take them for an on-leash 20-30 minute walk each day, as well as a desire to help them transition to pet life. Greyhounds are generally calm indoor dogs, so you don’t need a large yard, even units are fine provided there is somewhere sheltered in your courtyard for the dog to stay when you go out.
Our private Facebook group for foster carers gives you easy access to support and training guidance and we are always on the end of the phone if you need us. It is incredibly rewarding to watch your foster greyhound blossom as they explore and discover all the joys of pet-life. Watching them play and show their affection for you is such a delight.
Concerned you wouldn’t be able to part with the greyhound?
It might seem like a difficult task to part with your foster dog, but with GSN you get to meet the adopting family and once you see their adoring looks and cuddles given to your greyhound - you realise this is the ideal loving home for your greyhound. (We also take on board any feedback you provide, if you consider that this is not a good fit). There is naturally a small twinge of sadness on the day the family return with great excitement to collect their new greyhound, but you know GSN has done a home inspection and these people are a great match for your foster dog, who will bring so much happiness into their new family. You know you have saved this dog’s life and by continuing to foster you can save the lives of more greyhounds.
Many of our Adopters keep in touch with our foster carers and proudly send them photos and updates, which is very heart-warming.
What happens if I have to go away?
Our greyhounds are usually 2 years or older and will live in foster homes until we find them a suitable family to adopt them permanently. Fostering gives the greyhounds the best chance of being “pet-ready” when the right adopter comes along. On average our greyhounds are fostered for 6 to 8 weeks, but if the dog has not found a suitable home and you are no longer in a position to continue fostering, GSN will readily move the greyhound to a new foster-carer. We will also organise accommodation for your greyhound if it is just a weekend away.
There is more information about the fostering process on the bottom of our 'Journey from Kennel to Couch' page, under the section ‘Into Foster Care’.
Each foster-carer is provided with dry dog food, a collar and lead, and a warm coat for their dog, as well as any veterinary bills being paid.
Can I 'foster with intent to adopt'? Many people have thought about adopting a Greyhound, but are unsure how it would fit into their lives. Fostering one of our Greyhounds while it is waiting for its forever home is one way of being sure that a Greyhound is the right dog for your lifestyle. However, you need to be aware that if you are 'fostering with intent to adopt', then the Greyhound we place with you will normally be straight from kennels and will need general training on how to behave as a pet, as well as toilet training.
If you would like to discuss helping Greyhound Safety Net by fostering one of these wonderful dogs, please complete our On-line Application
If you cannot foster - how about downloading GSN's Foster Poster and putting it up at your workplace or other community notice board in the Melbourne area. We encourage you to put your name on the poster so that interested people can also chat to you about greyhounds.