Greyhounds are mostly known for racing on the track, but what happens to them after their career ends?
The answer is many people choose to adopt them as pets.
Photo: 123RF
In this documentary radio student Megan Hutt looks at the life of a greyhound post racing career.
Hayley is a greyhound trainer.
“They’re very smoochie dogs, that’s why they make such good pets. They have not a lot of endurance to do what they need to do and then they just want to sleep for the rest of the day!”
Greyhounds make surprisingly good pets she says, once they’re settled in to domestic life.
“I don’t think it’s the greyhound that has the hurdle, I think it’s the new owners making them aware that this is what they love to do and they’ve got to be very careful they can’t just go and let them off at an off leash park and expect them to run!”
John Telfer from Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) says most retired dogs find homes.
GAP takes retired greyhounds, and greyhounds that don’t make the mark as racing dogs, from racing trainers.
“We settle them down and assess them. Ideally a dog will come in and be adopted almost immediately if it’s a nice relaxed animal.”
He says if an animal is considered not safe to go into a home with a family it goes back to the trainer - occasionally a dog will have to be euthanized.
For those lucky enough to be adopted some need a little help to settle into home life.
Claire fosters greyhounds and says they can be happy in a city apartment or a lifestyle clock.
“I find them an absolutely fascinating breed and they just make perfect pets.”
