How to adopt a greyhound
by Metropol | July 22, 2026 8:35 am
With 1600 former racing greyhounds needing a home, now seems like a good time to answer the biggest questions people have about adopting a great hound.
Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision for you and for the dog. It is not something to take lightly, but if you are ready to open your home and heart to a four-legged family member, there is no shortage of dogs of all breeds who need somewhere to call home. When it comes to adopting a greyhound, there are some great reasons.
Affectionate, gentle and intelligent, greyhounds make great pets for most households, including those who live in smaller homes. Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) is a registered charity rehoming greyhounds that are no longer suitable for racing. The team take care to match you to the hound that is perfect for your family circumstances. What is it like living with a greyhound? Basically, they are essentially couch potatoes, that don’t require a high amount of exercise and are great for apartment living.
They’re gentle temperament means they’re also ideal for families and the extra bonus is that when you adopt a greyhound you’re joining a strong community here in Christchurch. If you are ready to talk to someone about adopting a greyhound, reach out to Greyhounds As Pets. You can fill out a form on the website or email adoptions@gap.co.nz.
Be patient as the team is small and they’re fielding a lot of enquiries right now.
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Great Mates Rehoming Programme
The history of rehoming former racing greyhounds
In 2017, a New Zealand high court judge assessed the state of the racing industry and recommended that a stronger emphasis on rehoming was needed as well as better tracking of deregistered (retired) greyhounds. So in 2018, Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) launched the Great Mates Rehoming Programme. Rehoming preparation begins at one of four Great Mates kennel bases in Cambridge, Levin, Rangiora or Christchurch. Each dog has its own indoor-outdoor kennel where they are assessed. Once they get the green light for rehoming, the onus moves to adoption partners like GAP to find a forever family.
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Top six FAQs about greyhounds
Do greyhounds need tons of exercise?
No! They’re fast, but they’re usually just fast asleep. A couple of short walks and plenty of chill time is all they need to be happy.
Are greyhounds good with cats and small pets?
Some are, some not so much!
We do an initial assessment, and from there it’s about knowing your dog and using common sense. We will help guide you with this.
Do I need a big backyard?
Nope! Greyhounds are super low key and perfectly happy in small outdoor spaces or even apartments.
Are greyhounds good with kids?
Yes! They’re gentle, friendly and usually adore being part of the family. A little supervision and good manners all around go a long way.
Are greyhounds good inside the house?
Definitely! They love being indoors, but they may need a little time to learn the basics like stairs, shiny floors and general “what’s what.”
What’s the deal with greyhounds and coats?
Greyhounds have thin skin and low body fat, so if you’re cold, they’re cold!
They look awesome in warm coats and often wear cool, special martingale collars. Honestly, they end up with the best wardrobe of any breed!
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WIN!
The Grand Wagg gift box for dogs
Win a paw-fectly curated premium gift box for your dog. Worth $145, the Grand Wagg gift box for dogs from Wagg & Purr is packed full of New Zealand-made treats, food, and handpicked toys.
To win a Grand Wagg for your four-legged bestie, send an email to deputy.editor@metros.co.nz, tell us your dog’s name and breed. Photo not necessary but appreciated (and might be put on our socials). A winner from Canterbury will be picked on 5 August.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/how-to-adopt-a-greyhound/