GAL’s incoming greyhounds or lurchers can be received either from trainers direct or as welfare cases usually as a result of a call to our Helpline. We will assess whether we’re able to accept the dog/dogs, which fosterers are available, and arrange transport and foster dog’s gear.

We try to find out as much information as possible about the dog and form an initial assessment, including whether they’ve been neutered, chipped, their medical history and any known behaviours such as toilet training, reactivity, etc. However, it’s important to remember that some of our dogs have been abandoned and we don’t have much information about them at this stage. We will always discuss the details carefully with you before going ahead with a placement.

GAL will provide the fosterer with all the necessary equipment for your foster dog, from beds to bowls, including an initial supply of food. Once that food has run out, GAL can continue to supply food if transport can be arranged. Some fosterers pay for food themselves and then claim the costs from GAL, and we can discuss the best arrangements for you when you get your foster dog. We will never leave a foster out of pocket, and we will cover all medical, food and equipment costs for every hound. All you need is a supply of love and patience!

You will be given contact names and numbers for the GAL team for any issues or emergencies. We will also start up a communications channel for your new foster (currently these are on Slack). The channel is confidential and will only include the fosterer and members of the GAL team.

You’ll be asked to provide regular updates and photos, and you can also raise any issues or concerns you have here if they’re not urgent. This gives the us information as to whether our fosterer and/or dog need additional support or indeed when the dog is ready for homing. Most of our fosters find that recording their journey is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process.

We’ll agree on a vet practice as part of your onboarding. This could be the vet you’re already registered with if you have your own pets, or GAL can help you find a local vet that’s conveniently located near you.

Once the foster dog is ready to find a forever home, we’ll discuss this with you and determine what sort of home/family would best suit that particular dog. At this stage we’ll speak to you about arranging meet and greets and sleepovers with potential adopters. You’ll be kept fully informed throughout this process.

When a potential home is flagged, you’ll be sent a copy of the details for your input – your opinions are extremely important to us as you’ve been living with the dog and know their personality, quirks and likes and dislikes. Any objections or concerns you have will be considered seriously by GAL when deciding where to rehome your foster. 

Once the dog has been rehomed, GAL will do follow ups with the adopters to ensure that the dog is settling in and no concerns or issues have come up.

We aren't able to place our hounds in homes where young children under the age of 8 live or visit frequently.

This is to protect everyone involved in the rehoming process. Greyhounds and lurchers are generally large, bouncy dogs. Although many are great with children, they don't always know their own strength and size, and small children can easily be knocked over or hurt by accident.

We also often take in dogs who haven’t been fully assessed. Part of our fosterer’s job is to introduce their foster hounds to new situations. Some ex-racing greys may have never met children, and some of the lurchers we take in are strays and we don’t have very much information at all about their temperament.

We are happy to discuss fostering in homes with older children over the age of 8.

We don't have any way to test if our hounds are cat/small animal friendly, and so we aren't able to place them in a home where small animals are free to run about.

Sighthounds commonly have a high prey drive, it's one of their characteristics.

Greyhounds in particular are bred and trained to chase small fluffy lures and having a small bird flying about, or a small animal running about can, sadly, lead to tragedy and the loss of a loved pet.

Yes. GAL places dogs in many types of homes. Living in a flat may prevent you from fostering a dog that’s bit unsteady, but most of our hounds are young and fit.

Yes. Your work routine may affect which dog you foster but is not a barrier to fostering altogether. GAL may also be able to offer support finding a dog walker.

From a few weeks to several months. This depends on the dog’s temperament and getting applications that are a good match.

Yes. GAL will cover all the dog’s necessary expenses including food and vet fees.

Yes. We will provide you with a dedicated channel (currently Slack) for your dog which is private and confidential. We will be in regular contact to see how you’re getting on and help you with concerns and questions, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our regular fosterer support calls with our team.

No - not expected. We do ask our fosterers to attend as many of our events as possible or allow a volunteer to take them on your behalf. Many potential adopters come to our events, so it gives the hounds a much better chance of meeting their future family.

That’s not a problem. We appreciate your taking the time to read through all our information and that you’ve carefully considered your decision. We completely understand that fostering isn’t for everyone, and if you feel you’re in a better position to foster for us in the future we’ll be delighted to revisit this with you at that time.

That’s great! There are many ways that you can support us, from becoming a member of GAL to volunteering and helping us with fundraising events.

 Visit our support hub page to find out more ways you can help us find homes for our hounds.