 |
Welcome to the |
|
|
About GAP NSW
What is GAPNSW?
The Greyhound Adoption Program (NSW), Inc. is a non-profit charity, incorporated with the NSW Department of Fair Trading, which is dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds. Our primary purpose is to educate the public on the benefits and care of Greyhounds as companion animals, and to find permanent loving homes for these beautiful hounds.
When a dog enters our Program, it is placed in a temporary (foster) home for a minimum period of 3 - 4 weeks, often longer. This is in order to expose them to as many different experiences within and outside the home as possible. The progress of each dog is monitored carefully and their suitability for rehousing assessed. Once the Greyhound has passed through this 'training' and evaluation period, he / she will be desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and tested for heartworm. When the dog has fully recovered from the surgery, the dog is ready to be adopted into his / her new home.
GAP (NSW) attends promotional displays and events throughout the year as part of our educational role. Volunteers are welcome to assist by attending such displays with their dog.
GAP (NSW) is co-ordinated by an eight member Management Committee, elected annually from our membership. We have three main categories of membership - Full Members, who are generally owners of adopted Greyhounds; Associate Members, who are individuals who support the work of GAP; and Corporate Members. Membership fees help to cover some of our administrative costs. Benefits of membership include receipt of our quarterly journal "Homeward Bound" and discounts on merchandise (calendars, collars, dog coats etc). We also hold an annual Picnic Day / Greyhound Reunion where our adoptive families and their Greyhounds get together to exchange stories and renew friendships.
How does the adoption process work?
With this information package, we have enclosed an adoption application form, which asks for basic information on your family's lifestyle, yard and fencing and other pets. Upon receipt of your completed questionnaire, an adoption representative will be in contact with you as soon as possible, to answer any questions you may have and to arrange a visit to your home. This visit allows us an opportunity to meet the whole family, including children and pets, so that we can best assess your requirements in a new dog.
Once your application has been approved, you will be placed on a waiting list for a Greyhound. In some cases a suitable dog (or dogs) may be available to meet almost immediately. At times, the wait may be as long as six months, particularly if you require a cat-safe Greyhound or have other special needs.
At the time of acquiring your Greyhound, you will be asked to sign an adoption contract with GAP (NSW), Inc. Should you wish to discuss your application in more detail, please phone GAP on (02) 9452 3446.
What does it cost to adopt a Greyhound?
GAP (NSW), Inc. is a non-profit association. The adoption fee of $200 is a donation that only partly defrays our veterinary and other expenses.
Pre-adoption services include the following:
- veterinary examination
- desexing
- microchipping
- vaccination
- heartworm testing
- worming
- nail clipping
- temperament assessment
In addition, all dogs adopted through GAP are supplied with the following items:
- gentle collar (martingale)
- 6' cotton webbing lead
- identification tag
- muzzle
- warm coat
Other costs that an adoptive family must meet include supply of appropriate bedding, good quality food and continuing veterinary care.
The role of GAP does not cease once you acquire your Greyhound. In fact, our post-adoption follow-up and support service is a most important part of our work.