Sid, Snickers, Piston, and BJ are proof that fostering a greyhound can lead to a happy ever after story for many Queensland families.
These four recently adopted greyhounds were only meant to be fostered by their families over Christmas – but their families fell in love with them and took them into their homes and hearts permanently.
Now the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), delivered by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, is looking for more foster families in their new initiative - Host a Hound for National Greyhound Adoption Month in April.
GAP’s Rehoming Manager Lisa Kohler said the program saw the highest number of foster applications to date in their Christmas initiative across December and January and can’t wait to welcome others into the March and April 2026 foster program.
“Fostering gives former racing greyhounds like Sid, Snickers, Piston and BJ more than just a short-term home,” she said.
“It’s a chance to make a real difference in their life, even if is just for a brief period.
“Often after being fostered, they soon become cherished companions and are matched to be fostered or adopted into homes that value these majestic animals with gentle and loving natures.”
Lisa called for all Queenslanders who have even briefly considered taking on a foster dog, or exploring adoption, to investigate Host a Hound for National Greyhound Adoption Month.
“Opening your home to these gentle, affectionate dogs helps them transition smoothly from racing life, giving them a headstart with settling into their forever homes,” she added.
“And foster carers enjoy an incredibly rewarding experience in return with all necessary supplies provided, including food, bedding, collar, lead, and veterinary care throughout the fostering period.
“Many foster carers discover that temporary arrangements turn into forever bonds, often choosing to adopt their greyhound for a GAP adoption fee of just $100.”
One example of a recent temporary foster turned adoption is Brad Cooper, who adopted his greyhound Sid from the recent Host a Hound for the Holidays program.
Brad said he and his family had never owned a dog before.
“We fostered with the intention of experiencing having a dog in our home while giving Sid a holiday break, then we planned to return him at the end of the Christmas holidays,” he said.
“But after seeing how chilled and settled he was, we thought that maybe this could be more of a long-term thing for us.
“After a family discussion, we put our hands up to welcome Sid into our family as our ‘foster-fail’, forever dog.”
Above: Sid with his Host a Hound for the Holidays turned forever family.
Ahead of National Greyhound Adoption Month in April, GAP are hosting events during March to encourage understanding of fostering and adopting, as well as helping Queenslanders learn more about greyhounds.
“During March, we will be hosting a special Homeward Hounds event, which will include an information session about our exciting Host a Hound for National Greyhound Adoption Month foster program, as well as opening the gates of our Churchable kennels for a GAP Open Day,” said Ms Kohler.
“The Open Day will provide the community an opportunity to visit GAP’s kennel facilities near Atkinsons Dam at Churchable, including tours of kennels, and interactive greyhound and health chats.
“There will also be ‘meet and greet’ adoptions, along with greyhound foster collections for our Host a Hound program.”
Future foster families can find out more about the ‘Host a Hound for National Greyhound Adoption Month’ fostering program, and access application forms on the GAP website: www.gapqld.com.au
ENDS
Last updated: 02 Mar 2026