Foster Homes Needed: You Can Help Greyhounds Start Their New Lives
Every greyhound we welcome into our program starts their journey in someone's home. This home is a foster home.
Due to US track shutdowns, we began importing hounds from Australia and Ireland in 2021. We control how many dogs we bring in at a time. Before scheduling a transport, we carefully review our adoption applications and only request the number of dogs we believe we can place.
But there's one thing we can't predict or create ourselves: Foster homes.
Each group of dogs needs two stages of foster care:
Intake Foster (typically less than one week)
When the dogs first arrive, they stay with an intake foster while they settle in for a few days. Once they have had a chance to decompress we evaluate them for cat and small dog tolerance. Because they have not yet been tested, intake foster homes cannot have cats or small dogs.
Regular Foster (typically 1–3 weeks)
Once the dogs have been evaluated, they move to a regular foster home while we match them with their forever family. Most stays are one to three weeks, though occasionally they may be longer if an adoption is delayed or isn't the right match.
Our Foster Needs
We typically bring in 6–8 dogs at a time, and historically we've welcomed a new group about once each month. Occasionally, we also receive a returned dog or a greyhound that unexpectedly needs our help.
For a typical transport of 6–8 greyhounds, we need approximately 12–16 foster homes including intake and regular fosters..
Ideally, we'd have many more volunteers willing to foster at least few times each year, so no one feels they have to foster every transport. People deserve vacations, breaks, and flexibility. We also need respite foster homes that can temporarily care for a foster dog if another volunteer has to travel.
What Makes a Good Foster Home?
Prior experience with greyhounds is a plus, but not required. We offer support and training to first time fosters.
Here are our basic requirements:
Intake foster homes cannot have cats or small dogs.
Some regular foster homes can have cats or small dogs, but we also need many without them, because not every greyhound tests cat-safe or small dog-safe.
No foster home may have children under five years old. This helps keep both the child and the dog safe while the greyhound adjusts to home life.
A fenced yard is wonderful but not required. Apartments are absolutely welcome, provided common areas with small dogs can be managed appropriately.
Foster dogs must always wear an approved harness whenever they leave the house. Harnesses will be provided if needed.
We encourage foster homes that can provide plenty of time and attention, as a dog settles in.
Rugs are very helpful if you have hardwood or tile floors, since greyhounds can have difficulty getting traction on slippery surfaces.
Have access to dog-friendly transportation to pick up your foster greyhound from Oregon City (intake fosters) or the Mt. Tabor area (regular fosters).
What to expect
Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest provides the food and supplies you'll need. If veterinary care is needed, GPA covers those expenses.
Most importantly, we'll support you every step of the way.
These dogs are learning what many of us take for granted. Some have never walked through a front door, climbed stairs, or lived inside a home. Watching them discover couches, toys, and family life is one of the most rewarding experiences our volunteers describe.
Fostering is the heart of our organization. Without foster homes, we cannot continue bringing greyhounds to the Pacific Northwest.
If you've ever considered fostering, now is the time. Opening your home for just a few weeks gives a greyhound the chance to begin the next chapter of their life, and makes it possible for us to continue providing these gentle creatures with loving homes.