Foster carers application form

First Name *

Surname *

Name of greyhound *

Address *

Email address *

Contact number *

What are your work hours? *

Do you have any children? what are their ages? *

Do you own or rent? Are your fences high and secure? *

Do you have another dog or other pets? Please describe below. *

What is your experience with greyhounds? *

Please tell us about your lifestyle and reason for wanting a greyhound *

Please upload photos of your yard and living areas

New field

I understand I will have to sign a hard copy of our adoption form *

I understand.

I understand I will have to provide my driving licence *

I understand.

I have read the fact sheet and understand the NSW legislation for muzzle excemption *

I have read the NSW legislation, for muzzle exemption.

Send me a copy

What Makes a Great Greyhound Foster Carer?

Fostering a retired racing greyhound is one of the most generous and rewarding things you can do. It’s a vital stepping stone between kennel life and a permanent home, and for many hounds, it's their first taste of life as a beloved pet. But fostering isn’t just about offering a comfy bed—it's about guidance, patience, and setting a dog up for long-term success.

If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, here’s what makes someone truly ideal for the role.

1. A Calm, Patient Approach

Greyhounds coming into foster care are often facing their first big change. The racing world is all they’ve known—structured routines, limited socialisation, and no experience with household environments. A great foster carer understands this and creates a quiet, predictable space where the dog can slowly adjust at their own pace.

Patience is key. Some dogs may adapt quickly; others might take weeks to relax. The best foster carers allow for that variability without pressure or unrealistic expectations.

2. Time and Consistency

Newly retired greyhounds need structure and company as they settle into domestic life. The ideal foster carer is home often—whether retired, working from home, or with a flexible schedule. Fostering isn’t suited to someone who’s out for long hours each day, especially early on when the dog may experience confusion or anxiety.

Providing regular meals, walks, toilet breaks, and companionship helps build the greyhound’s confidence and teaches them what it means to live in a home.

3. A Safe and Secure Outdoor Space

Most greyhounds benefit from a secure, fully fenced garden. They need somewhere safe to stretch their legs or do zoomies. As sighthounds, they have a strong prey drive and must never be let off lead in an open area that isn’t enclosed.

If you don’t have a garden, that’s okay—some fosters manage perfectly well with multiple on-lead walks and structured toilet breaks. The most important thing is that the dog is always kept safe and secure.

4. Willingness to Teach and Guide

Fostering isn’t just about providing a place to stay—you're preparing the greyhound for a future forever home. That means introducing them to household routines, helping them learn where to sleep, what stairs are, how to walk on a lead, and even how to be alone for short periods.

A good foster carer treats every day as a learning opportunity for the dog. Whether it’s walking on laminate flooring or ignoring the television, you’re helping them adjust gently to life as a pet.

5. An Observant, Communicative Nature

One of your most important roles as a foster carer is to observe and report. Is the dog shy or confident? Do they bark when left alone? Are they good with other dogs or reactive on lead? Everything you learn helps match the dog with the right forever home.

The best foster carers keep in close contact with the rescue team—sharing updates, asking questions, and being honest if any challenges arise. You’re not expected to solve every problem, but your insight is invaluable.

6. A Flexible and Open Mindset

Every greyhound is different. Some may be outgoing cuddlebugs; others may be skittish and unsure. Some will settle immediately; others might take a while. The best foster carers embrace the uncertainty and approach every situation with kindness and flexibility.

Sometimes a foster will be with you for weeks, sometimes just a few days. Plans may change, and that's okay. A strong foster carer adapts to each dog’s pace and needs, without pressure or frustration.

7. Comfort with Letting Go

This might be the hardest part—saying goodbye. As a foster, you bond with your greyhound deeply. Watching them head off to their forever home is emotional, but it’s also the ultimate goal.

A great foster carer understands that each successful goodbye opens the door to help another dog in need. It’s not about keeping the dog—it’s about preparing them for their best possible life.

8. Basic Dog Handling and Awareness

You don’t need to be a trainer or have decades of experience, but a basic understanding of dog behavior is very helpful. If a greyhound is nervous, leash-reactive, or unsure, knowing how to respond calmly and safely is key.

Rescues will often provide support and guidance, but being comfortable with gentle redirection, positive reinforcement, and reading body language is a big plus.

9. A Pet-Friendly or Pet-Savvy Home

Some greyhounds are cat-safe or dog-social—others aren’t. If you have existing pets, that’s fine—but we’ll match you with a greyhound whose personality works for your home. If you have no pets, that can be just as beneficial, especially for dogs who need one-on-one attention.

A great foster carer is honest about their situation and open to the right match—not just the easiest one.

10. A Big Heart and a Helping Spirit

Ultimately, fostering is an act of generosity. You’re giving a retired greyhound their first taste of family life, safety, and love. You’re helping them become adoptable, healing their nerves, and showing them kindness—often for the first time.

The best foster carers are people who do it for the dogs—not for recognition, not for thanks, but because they believe every dog deserves a second chance.