About 25 greyhounds will be looking for homes at Maitland's first Greyhounds As Pets adoption day on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The adoption day will be held at Maitland Greyhound Club inside Maitland Showground.
Some of the dogs up for adoption have had competitive racing careers while some have never raced before. But Maitland Greyhounds line manager Tony Edmunds said there were some misconceptions about the racing dogs.
"People think they need a lot of exercise," he said. "But they spend a lot of time laying down. They only need 15 to 20 minutes exercise a day. They're very people friendly."
The Greyhounds As Pets website also says the pooches are gentle, clean, have few genetic health issues, are very affectionate by nature and are okay with children.
Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Tony Mestrov said greyhound welfare was a "major commitment" for the organisation, and the adoption program was part of extending that commitment beyond their racing careers.
"Just a couple of weeks ago we conducted a very successful day at Wentworth Park, where 38 of the 41 dogs available on the day found new homes," he said.
"We want to replicate that success rate through regional adoption days, and the next of these will be the one at Maitland on Saturday.
"Through our GAP program, adoption numbers have doubled in NSW in the past three years. Last year we had 415 adoptions and already we have passed 500 adoptions this year, but our goal is for many more."
People interested in adopting a greyhound can register their interest on the website to get a sneak peek at the greyhounds available.
Volunteers will be on hand on the day to answer questions and provide information about adoption. The adoption fee is $75.
The event runs 12pm-4pm. There will be activities for kids including face painting and a jumping castle, as well as a sausage sizzle and free coffee for the first 50 people.
Entry to the event is via Evans Street. For more information, visit gapnsw.com.au/events/maitland-adoption-day.