QRIC Media Release: Retired greyhound racers feel the love with adoption spike
Monday 6 November 2023
130 former racing dogs have found their FUR-ever homes in the first four months of this financial year, thanks to the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) Queensland.
GAP Queensland is on a mission to match as many retired racing greyhounds as possible with the perfect retirement home and has recorded a large uptake in adoption numbers compared to the same period last financial year.
In the first four months of the 2022-23 financial year, GAP Queensland rehomed 68 greyhounds.
62 more greyhounds have been adopted so far in the 2023-24 financial year.
GAP Queensland’s expert staff get to know each greyhound individually to match them to the right family home environment.
Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner credits the increased number of adoptions to new initiatives that make it easier for dog lovers to take home their PAWfect pal.
“Our monthly Homeward Hounds events are bringing GAP greyhounds into Brisbane city and eliminating the barriers of time and distance for inner-city residents who want to adopt from us,” she said.
“We also throw open the doors of our North Queensland facility in Townsville every month so that the community can tour our kennels and learn more about the great work that we do.”
GAP Queensland is now on a mission to find loving homes for even more of its greyhounds by Christmas and is calling on dog-lovers who can’t adopt to join its Foster for Christmas initiative.
Ms Conner said that it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the love of a furry friend for the festive season.
“We know there are a lot of people who love dogs but aren’t in a position to adopt, and fostering is the perfect way for them to still enjoy having a pet in their life,” she said.
“GAP provides its foster carers with dog food, leads, collars and veterinary support, so all they need to do is shower their dog with love.”
Applications are now open for the Foster for Christmas initiative, and foster carers can pick up their dog at GAP’s Homeward Hounds Brisbane and Townsville events on Saturday 18 November, or schedule a pick-up with the GAP team.
GAP Queensland is also looking for potential adopters who have room under their Christmas tree for a retired racer this year.
Just apply on the GAP website at GAPQLD.com.au and the team will make you a pet owner quick smart.
Those interested in adopting a greyhound are invited to visit GAP Queensland’s final events of the year.
Events list:
Homeward Hounds November
Date: Saturday 18 November
Time: 10am – 1pm
Brisbane location: Albion Park, Yulestar St, Albion
Townsville location: 49 Texas Rd, Jensen
Christmas on Main Street Markets
Date: Saturday 2 December
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Main St, Samford, Brisbane
Homeward Hounds December
Date: Saturday 16 December
Time: 10am – 1pm
Brisbane location: Albion Park, Yulestar St, Albion
Townsville location: 49 Texas Rd, Jensen
ENDS.
Media Contact Nicole Rowles 0467 955 412