Greyhounds As Pets Western Australia (GAPWA)

Greyhounds As Pets Western Australia (GAPWA) is a volunteer-based greyhound rehoming group focused on finding permanent, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds across Western Australia. They run an adoption program that includes application submission, matchmaking, and meet-and-greet appointments at their Southern River facility, plus welcome-home support to help new owners and dogs settle in. GAPWA also operates a foster-care program, recruiting carers to help retired racers transition from track life to pet life while receiving training and guidance. The organization offers clear resources and information for potential adopters and fosters, including an FAQ and a downloadable GAP Greyhound Training Guide to ease the change to home life. All adopted greyhounds receive veterinary attention before placement: vaccinations, worming, desexing, and microchipping are completed so new families receive a healthy, ready-to-live-with pet. GAPWA uniquely conducts a “green collar” assessment — carried out by trained behaviourists — to identify dogs suitable for a wide range of home environments, and it is the sole provider of this assessment in WA. Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer roles and foster opportunities, and the group provides a specific adoption portal linked to the WA Police Union for processing some rehoming applications. Overall, GAPWA combines hands-on care, veterinary preparation, behaviour assessment, and education to support successful, long-term placements for retired racing greyhounds.