What happens to greyhounds at the end of their career?
Approximately 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year, typically between three and four years of age. Many never make the grade or retire at a much younger age as a result of minor injury. A great many owners will adopt greyhounds into their homes or arrange for them to live out their retirement at a kennel.
The Greyhound Trust works extremely hard to encourage owners to take their responsibility for their dogs seriously, and we also encourage the public to consider taking on retired greyhounds.
Surprising, but true....
A greyhound is the original low-maintenance companion animal. Despite their well-deserved reputation as formidable athletes, they do not require large amounts of exercise: the vast majority are perfectly content with two short walks a day and they just love to relax on a comfortable bed.
They are short haired dogs and require little grooming. Many people who suffer from an allergic reaction to dogs in general may find that greyhounds do not have this effect.
Greyhounds are placid animals and therefore are particularly good with children; they also make excellent pets for the elderly because they do not require large amounts of exercise.
Older dogs, whilst perhaps not as appealing as younger dogs, still make excellent pets, and are even more grateful for your love and attention.
Adapting to a new environment
Most retired racers have lived exclusively in kennels but will adapt extremely quickly to the more physically comfortable environment of your home.
They may need house training, but if given regular opportunities to relieve themselves outside, they quickly learn appropriate behaviour - all dogs have a natural disinclination to soil their living area.
Greyhounds can and do live harmoniously with cats so don't be discouraged by those who say it is an impossibility. Contrary to popular belief, some greyhounds are 'cat-proof' and can be homed straight into a house that has cats.
Even those who show initial desire to chase can be de-schooled relatively quickly with firm, constant discouragement.
How do I find the right dog for me?
We have branches nationwide. Most of them have websites showing dogs which they are seeking to home. You should visit the kennels and get to know several dogs before making your decision. We do get to know the temperament of the greyhounds in our care, so we can find the right one for your family.
All our greyhounds homed are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and come with 4 weeks free insurance with Petplan.
You will be home-checked and then follow up checks are done after homing the greyhound to make sure things are working out for both yourself and the greyhound.
If you are unable to adopt a greyhound but would like to help in another way check out the rest of our site!