Greyhounds As Pets National Adoption Day Celebrates Record Success
The Greyhounds As Pets National Adoption Day at Moore Park emerged as one of the most successful events of 2024. Over the past year, an unprecedented 2,806 retired NSW racing greyhounds were transitioned to pet life through Greyhound Racing NSW's (GRNSW) rehoming initiatives.
Leading this effort, Greyhounds As Pets NSW facilitated 801 domestic adoptions through public and private events in 2023-24, marking a remarkable 31% increase from the previous year and exceeding all expectations.
Additionally, the innovative 'Aussie Mates in the States' program successfully placed 664 retired greyhounds with families in the United States.
Rob Macaulay, CEO of GRNSW, highlighted the significance of these accomplishments, stating, "We have never had so many rehoming pathways for our retired NSW greyhounds. Achieving a final number of 2,806 greyhounds rehomed is a phenomenal milestone."
"A key component of our welfare programs is GRNSW's Homing Assistance Scheme, which covers the costs of desexing, dental care, and essential treatments for retired greyhounds."
"In the past year, 2,305 greyhounds graduated through the scheme, ensuring they were healthy and ready for their new lives as pets."
"Beyond supporting our Greyhounds As Pets and US rehoming pathways, the Homing Assistance Scheme aids participants who choose to keep their retired racers as pets or rehome them through their networks. This facilitates the transition of retired racers to pet life, allowing them to enjoy the same companionship as any other beloved pet."
"These achievements underscore GRNSW's unwavering commitment to animal welfare and the cultural transformation of the industry," Macaulay added."
GRNSW also provides financial support beyond the Homing Assistance Scheme, including grants to third-party rehomers and independent greyhound adoption agencies.
The overall success, with 2,806 greyhounds rehomed, represents a collective triumph for the NSW industry, encompassing figures reported by the NSW Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC).