Ready to welcome a Greyhound into your home?

The next step is to fill out the adoption application form to provide us with as much detail as possible. Please understand that finding the right Greyhound can take some time to ensure the perfect match.

You’ve applied - what’s next?

Our team will review your application and we will make initial contact via email or phone to ask any further questions that we may have. Otherwise we will arrange for a home check to be carried out by one of our amazing Greyhound community support members. This will entail a suitable time for them to pop around with their Greyhound to check your property and ensure suitability for your new Greyhound. This is also a perfect time to ask any questions that you may have, and be able to picture a Greyhound in your space.

Upon the completion of a home check, our team will work with the collection of Greyhounds we have circulating through our foster network to find the perfect match for you. Once a suitable Greyhound comes available you will have the chance to do a 'meet and greet' prior to the official adoption taking place.

Now that you've fallen in love at the meet and greet, we will carry out any final preparations needed and get in touch to arrange a time for you to collect the newest addition to your family. We will endeavour to support you throughout this journey, and with any issues you may have while settling in your new Greyhound.

Remember, it doesn't happen overnight. Your Greyhound will need 3 days to decompress. They may not eat or drink and may appear scared or unsure. We recommend you choose a quiet spot in your home to place your Greyhounds bed. This could be behind the couch or in a quiet corner. Your Greyhound will need a soft bed, such as a folded duvet inner, thick minky, cot mattress or something similar. Don't worry if your dog doesn't quite get the whole bed thing right away, it’s very common for them to "noodle" off the bed. Keep their world small for the first week or so, this could mean confining them to a part of your home (one or two rooms at first). This will minimize stress and lowers the chance of a toilet accident while you set the house rules. The use of a crate will act as a 'safe space' for your Greyhound, especially if you have children. Greyhounds are used to being in a crate due to their kennel environment, and by placing the crate in or near the family area, your Greyhound can observe the family life without being directly involved in it.

Your Greyhound is house trained, but will require guidance in their new home to avoid a toilet accident. They are unlikely to bark or whine when they need to toilet, so keep an eye out for pacing behaviour or repetitive movements towards the outside door. We do recommend taking your Greyhound toilet before/after meals, first thing in the morning or after a nap. Create a toilet routine for your Greyhound that works within your own routine.

After 3 weeks, your Greyhound will start to understand and learn routine. They may express behavioural issues or test boundaries while figuring out their environment. Remember to never bother your dog while they are on their bed or in their crate. We all need a place to be undisturbed and your Greyhound is no exception. If your Greyhound is sleeping either in their crate or on their bed, they must be left alone and not patted or hugged. Doing so you can stress your Greyhound and this may lead to an incident where they could growl or sleep startle. Keep in mind a Greyhounds smile can also look very much like a snarl, and some Greyhounds may sleep while grinning, with all their teeth on display. Greyhounds can and some do sleep with their eyes open, so never assume your dog is awake. Remember, their bed/crate is their 'safe space'. If you wish to offer affection, sit on the couch or nearby and call their name. Once they come to you, you can give them as much affection and cuddles as you like. Make sure to teach your children this also.

No matter what the situation may be, no matter how stressed/scared or upsetting things may get - dogs do not understand that emotion. They instead see it as your weakness, which will stress your Greyhound. You are their provider they look to you - so remember to be calm and confident. After 3 months your Greyhound will start to feel relaxed in their forever home. They should have a routine set and their personality and quirks will start to show.

Have any questions? Our resources page may be able to offer you some insight, otherwise please feel free to get in touch with one of our team members - we will endeavour to support you throughout this journey, and with any issues you may have while settling in your new Greyhound.

First time Greyhound owner?

Please familiarise yourself with the following New Zealand laws with regards to being a responsible dog owner/guardian. Please also check out your local Council Bylaws - laws pertaining to your specific area of residence.

Exciting times are ahead - so what do you need to know?