While the Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) program has been an amazing success for Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), it is the growth and success of the regional program which has particularly delighted both organisations, with rehoming through the program up 50 percent in the past year.
Regional GAP was introduced because, with more than 70 percent of participants residing outside the city, GRNSW believed it was crucial to build a better rehoming pathway for all greyhounds in these areas - whether they race or not. The program uniquely connects regional owners and trainers, with their dogs' adopters.
With Regional GAP programs, instead of having to attend a facility, prospective new owners lodge an application, and are then matched with a greyhound to their specific needs from the greyhounds which have been listed with the Regional GAP programs.
This has proven to be incredibly successful way to operate and a unique part of the program which is working extremely well is that the adopters are able to liaise with the previous trainer or owner of the dog as well as the GAP team, to work out any likes, dislikes, or quirks that may arise with their new pet.
The Regional Program began in Southern NSW, and has since expanded into the Northern Rivers, then to the Hunter, and Western Districts of NSW in Dubbo.
Plans are in place to add another two regions, the Riverina and New England. Visit www.gapnsw.com.au/regional-program/ for more.
This article was produced as part of an ACM partnership with Greyhound Racing NSW.