Key Takeaways
- Greyhounds as Pets is preparing for a surge in adoptable dogs after New Zealand’s commercial greyhound racing ban takes effect on 1 August 2026.
- Volunteers, foster homes, and regular adoption events are urgently needed to move dogs quickly from kennels to permanent homes.
- Greyhounds are low‑maintenance companions: they typically require only a short daily walk, thrive on companionship, and suit retirees, young families, and anyone able to offer steady presence.
- Newly retired racers often need patience during the first few weeks as they adjust to urban life, noises, and new routines, but they quickly become loyal, gentle, and affectionate pets.
- Personal stories from adopters highlight the deep bond that forms when a greyhound is given time, love, and a stable environment, revealing the breed’s endearing “zoomies” and affectionate habits.
Overview of the Greyhounds as Pets Initiative
Greyhounds as Pets, the organisation responsible for rehoming retired racing greyhounds in New Zealand, is gearing up for a significant increase in adoption demand. Manager Lisa Philp explained that the service will continue its existing work but on a larger scale, anticipating that the waiting list could swell from the usual 200‑300 dogs to between 1,000 and 1,500 once the racing ban is fully implemented. The organisation is calling for more volunteers and foster families to help bridge the gap between kennel life and permanent homes, noting that each additional foster placement speeds up the matching process for eager adopters.
Lauren Kramer and Marcel: Advocating for Greyhound Adoption
Volunteer Lauren Kramer, accompanied by her greyhound Marcel, encouraged anyone interested in learning more about the breed to attend upcoming adoption events. She highlighted that Marcel thrives on just a half‑hour walk each day and enjoys accompanying her to family gatherings, cafés, and lunch dates, where she brings a travel mat for him to relax on. Kramer emphasized that greyhounds are “low‑maintenance” dogs that are unfazed by new experiences; Marcel greets every dog he meets on walks and has been a steady presence in her life for nearly four years, having fallen in love with him at first meet‑and‑greet despite having no prior knowledge of the breed.
Sandy Henderson and Merc: Overcoming Early Challenges
Fellow volunteer Sandy Henderson shared her experience with Merc, a greyhound she adopted on 23 January 2026. She admitted that Merc was “quite hard work in the beginning,” a common reaction for dogs transitioning straight from kennels or racetracks to urban life. Merc had spent a year in kennels after leaving the racetrack, and Henderson credited her partnership with another local greyhound owner for helping build his confidence. She advised prospective adopters to be patient, explaining that greyhounds need time to adjust because they have never experienced life outside the racing circuit. Once settled, Merc became deeply attached to her, illustrating the breed’s strong need for companionship—a trait that makes retired individuals particularly well‑suited as owners.
Lisa Philp on the Racing Ban, Waiting Lists, and Foster Needs
Lisa Philp detailed the legislative backdrop: the greyhound racing ban passed its third reading in New Zealand Parliament on 2 April 2026 with a 112‑11 vote, formally ending commercial racing on 1 August 2026. With the ban imminent, Philp forecasted a waiting list of 1,000‑1,500 dogs at any given time. She stressed that the organisation’s capacity to place dogs quickly hinges on the number of foster homes available, as dogs typically need two to three weeks after leaving kennels before they are ready for matching. However, if a suitable dog is already in foster and an applicant is prepared, the match can be immediate. Philp noted that greyhounds’ gentle temperament and modest exercise needs make them ideal for young families and retirees in the Bay of Plenty, and she plans to schedule regular adoption events in the region to meet the anticipated demand.
Bijou Johnson’s Personal Adoption Story: Art’s Journey Home
Multimedia journalist Bijou Johnson recounted her family’s adoption of a brindle greyhound named Art in early 2022, after losing their previous family dog. Upon seeing Art’s photo on the Greyhounds as Pets website, Johnson’s mother felt an instant connection. At his first foster‑home meeting, Art was nervous, keeping his distance with tail tucked, but grew comfortable after spending time with the family, eventually allowing her mother to pet him. Since then, Art and the family have become inseparable. Johnson described typical greyhound traits: while Art does not chase balls, he indulges in sudden “zoomies”—brief sprints around the house before dinner—and enjoys inspecting every piece of furniture and eagerly watching his meals be served. She also noted the endearing habit of Art resting his head on her hand nine times out of ten when she relaxes, underscoring the breed’s affectionate nature.
Why Greyhounds Make Excellent Pets
Beyond individual anecdotes, the article highlights why greyhounds are well‑suited as domestic companions. Having spent their formative years in kennels and on racetracks, they arrive in new homes with little exposure to everyday sights, sounds, and smells, which can initially cause anxiety. However, with patience and consistent care, they reveal a loyal, gentle, and affectionate disposition. Their exercise requirements are modest—generally a single short walk suffices—yet they retain bursts of playful energy (“zoomies”) that delight owners. Greyhounds thrive on companionship, often forming deep bonds with their humans, and they adapt well to households where someone is present for much of the day, making them particularly appealing to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a calm yet loving pet.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As New Zealand moves toward the cessation of commercial greyhound racing, the urgency to find permanent homes for thousands of retired racers intensifies. Greyhounds as Pets is relying on community volunteers, foster families, and regular adoption events to transition dogs from kennels to loving households. The shared experiences of Lauren Kramer, Sandy Henderson, Lisa Philp, and Bijou Johnson illustrate both the challenges and the profound rewards of adopting a greyhound. For anyone considering a new canine companion, the message is clear: with a little patience, a short daily walk, and plenty of affection, a greyhound can become a loyal friend who quietly enriches everyday life. Interested readers are encouraged to attend upcoming events, volunteer, or open their homes as foster caregivers to help these gentle dogs embark on their next chapter.