FOSTERING INFORMATION

 

 

 

Foster Application Form (NEW- GRSA/GAP LIVE LINK) FOSTER INFORMATION SHEET *IMPORTANT READING*
Foster Dog Progress Summary (Foster Carers Access) Foster Summary

 

Why foster?

Fostering is a very challenging and rewarding part of GAP. Without fosterers we would not be able to function. Many who foster already have a greyhound and are willing to ‘ready’ a dog for its new home so other people can enjoy what they already experience upon owning one or more of these beautiful dogs. We also have people fostering who do not own a greyhound, for what ever reason, but wish to be a part of saving these dogs. (Quite often it doesn’t take our non-greyhound fosterers long to want a dog of their own.)

 

What is required of a fosterer?

A general knowledge of dogs is needed as greyhounds are dogs first and greyhounds second. They require the same treatment as any other breed.

When first enquiring about fostering (if they don’t already have a greyhound) people tend to think the dog they will be fostering needs lots of room and 24 hour attention. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As with any other dog there are times when they will need to be left alone and they will often spend this time sleeping. A normal house block will do and we even have some fosterer's that live in townhouses. Greyhounds are not stamina orientated dogs and will not spend all day running around. Fostering is about teaching these dogs to accept home life. They already know how to sleep and eat. They just need to learn that they have a bit more space to do this in, (usually a kennel house is their home) and that sights and sounds they may not a experienced before are okay and not there to harm them.

Greyhounds adapt quickly and will take to domestic life quite easily after the first week. They also love routine and this can help in their learning as they come to look for that morning walk or 6 pm dinner time. They may also need to learn to play or how to get into the family car. (Many greyhounds when racing are not allowed to jump in and out of vehicles as they may injure themselves.)

They also need to learn boundaries, where they might not be allowed to go, (bedrooms, kitchen), in their new homes.

As a fosterer you will need to have love to give and a sense of humour as greyhounds can be clowns and get into mischief like any other breed or they can be a little insecure and need some assurance to teach them to be brave. In general you are helping them to change their outlook on life and to become confident and acceptable members of the family and society.

 

Veterinary care

Should the Greyhound require veterinary attention while in the care of the foster family, we ask that you advise GAP that the dog needs or has needed treatment. GAP covers all veterinary costs for the fostered Greyhound. Only a GAP approved Vet clinic may be used. If you choose to take the greyhound to another vet that is not authorized by GAP, we will not cover the costs for that particular vet unless authorization has been approved by the GAP Coordinator.

 

Feeding

GAP supplies an excellent dry food formula which is supplied to you when you begin fostering. However, you will need to add a raw or cooked meat with a combination of pasta, rice, vegetables or table scraps to the greyhounds dinner. Greyhounds have been fed this mixture most of their lives and would appreciate the variety with their kibble. Some greyhounds will refuse to eat solely dry kibble, and may lose weight quickly. So adding these extra items will be of a benefit to your foster greyhound and also prevent unneeded stress on you and the dog. If you wish to give the dog bones, RAW bones are okay; NEVER give cooked bones.

 

Muzzle laws

Under new law, GAP dogs in South Australia no longer need to wear a muzzle in public after they have passed their appropriate assessment by the Cat and Management Board. Once they have passed they will be issued with an identification number and a Green GAP collar. Fosterers are to ensure that all dogs currently in foster need to wear their muzzle while in foster care.

 

How to become a fosterer

Ring or e-mail the GAP office (See the "Contact us" page) for further information and an application form will be sent to you.

Once we receive your application arrangements will be made by phone or mail for you and your home to be visited by a GAP representative.