Fostering a Retired Greyhound: A First Step to Forever

Many greyhound homing centres offer the option to foster a greyhound that is looking for a home. It is a rewarding and meaningful way to help these gentle dogs transition from racing life to home life. Whether you're considering adoption but not quite ready to commit, or simply want to lend a hand, fostering could be the perfect fit. 

What is Greyhound Fostering?  

Fostering is the temporary care of a greyhound in a home environment before they are permanently adopted into another home. It allows the dog to get a taste of home life for many beneficial reasons. Fostering may suit people who cannot afford a dog full time, want to be helpful to the homing centres or want to try the breed out first before committing. There are many bonuses to fostering for both the humans and the hounds. 

Why Some Homing Centres Foster Dogs Out 

Not every greyhound is ready to go straight from the track to a forever home. Fostering helps ease that transition by giving dogs a chance to experience home life, while giving the homing centre an insight into their personality and needs. This information helps match them with the best possible permanent home. So, when potential adopters express their requirements in a dog, the team will know about a dog's personality via a foster home. 

Homing centres often choose to foster certain greyhounds if they need extra support adjusting to home life, recovering from medical treatment, or just aren’t thriving in a kennel setting. Especially when a kennel has a long stayer that has been searching for a home for a while, they often benefit from going to a foster home. This allows the dogs to experience essential aspects of home life- such as learning basic toilet training, enjoying spacious environments beyond kennels, and participating in everyday activities. These experiences help them become more adaptable and appealing to potential adopters. 

Some dogs may need to learn about the sounds and routines of home life. It could range from stairs and TVs to the concept of windows or patio doors (yes, really!), while others just need a quiet place to build confidence or get used to living with other pets and people. 

Also, if a greyhound is recovering from a serious operation or needs extra TLC then most homing centres will foster out so they can get full time one on one care. Furthermore, if a greyhound is being returned due to a home issue with the owners, sometimes they go into a foster home, so the process doesn’t need to be scarier than it already is.   

The Perks of Fostering 

Fostering comes with plenty of rewards: 

• It’s short-term but impactful – You help a greyhound adjust, recover, or prepare for adoption without a long-term commitment. 
• You’re never on your own – Homing centres provide support, cover vet costs and some supply essentials like food and bedding. 
• You learn a lot – Whether you’re new to greyhounds or experienced, fostering gives you a deeper understanding of the breed. 
• It’s perfect for first time dog owners – If you would like to “test” out the breed and see if they’re right for you then this is a perfect way of trying before you commit to an animal. 
• It might become forever – Many fosterers become what’s lovingly called “failed fosters” … because they end up falling in love and adopting their “foster” dog! 

How To Foster 

The process is usually straightforward: 

1. Apply through a homing centre – you'll fill out a form and chat about your lifestyle, home setup and experience. 
2. Home check – A quick visit from the homing team to make sure it’s a safe and suitable environment. 
3. Matchmaking – The homing centre will pair you with a greyhound suited to your situation. 
4. Support throughout – You’ll get guidance and help as your foster greyhound settles in. Most homing centres will pay for costs, but this will vary between homing centres. Please check with your local branch before committing to fostering. 

However, this is not to be confused with a ‘Foster to Adopt’ scheme. Some homing centres, like Home Run Hounds, run this scheme, in which you take a greyhound home on foster for, usually, two weeks, with the view to permanent adoption when that period is successfully completed. It’s the perfect way to settle a dog into a new home with zero pressure and full support. 

Fostering gives the greyhounds a head start on their next chapter and it just might open the door to yours too. Whether you're wanting to find out more about the breed or help the homing centre out, you're making a real difference. 

Thinking of fostering? Reach out to your local greyhound homing centre today and your couch (and your heart) might just be the perfect fit!