Here’s what you should know if you’re searching for Greyhound rescues in Ontario. Tall, regal, and gentle greyhounds make excellent companion dogs and family pets. And despite their impeccable reputations as the Usain Bolts of the canine world, they surprisingly don’t require much exercise.
They are sprinters, not marathoners, and pet greyhounds are content to have modest amounts of exercise and will be content with a 30 to 60-minute walk each day. However, despite their gentle, loving personalities, these graceful creatures unfortunately still manage to find their way into shelters and rescue groups.
Before you scroll further down this list of Greyhound rescues in Ontario, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Boxer Rescues in Ontario and Best Poodle Rescues in Ontario.
Find a Greyhound Rescue Near Me in Ontario
If you want to adopt one of these special puppies in Ontario, you’ve come to the right place! Here are all of the places in and around Ontario where you might be able to find your new Greyhound buddy.
Greyhound Product Recommendations: Best Flea and Tick Collars For Dogs and Best Go Pro Dog Harnesses.
1. Greyhound Pets of America – Canada
Greyhound Pets of America – Canada is an all-volunteer organization based in Windsor County that provides adoptable Greyhounds in Southwestern Ontario and occasionally to the rest of Ontario and even to the United States.
They are always in need of people who can provide temporary foster care to their Greyhounds until they can find the dogs permanent homes.
The organization is committed to educating the public on the benefits of having a Greyhound as a pet. Its aims include assisting retired Greyhounds in finding responsible, loving homes so they can transition smoothly from racing to home life.
Every year, the organization hosts a variety of activities that allow you to connect with Greyhounds, making it an ideal chance for would-be new dog owners who want to get familiar with the breed before deciding to adopt or foster them.
Greyhound Pets of America – Canada Details
- Website: Greyhound Pets of America – Canada
- Address: Windsor, Ontario
- Contact Number: (519) 915-4444
- Email Address: [email protected]
2. Needle-Nose Greyhound Adoption
Located in Milton, Needle-Nose Greyhound Adoption is a non-profit volunteer-based adoption and service organization for retired racing Greyhounds. They have supported Greyhound owners and found retired dogs loving permanent homes all around southern Ontario since 1997.
All dogs brought to the organization from the racetracks are placed in foster care for one to three weeks to give them time to become used to living in a family setting before being put up for adoption. Before you can foster or adopt a Greyhound from their group, you must pay a nominal fee and become a member of their community.
Needle-Nose Greyhound Adoption Details
- Website: Needle-Nose Greyhound Adoption
- Address: Milton, Ontario
- Contact Number: (905) 659-7624
- Email Address: [email protected]
3. GLOHW – Greyhound Lovers of Hamilton-Wentworth
Greyhound Lovers of Hamilton-Wentworth has rehomed over 600 greyhounds in the last 20 years. They are a non-profit group that collaborates with many Greyhound adoption groups in the United States to provide suitable homes for retired racing Greyhounds in Ontario.
They help these dogs find their forever homes through adoption and rehoming, and they educate the public on the needs of ex-racing Greyhounds that need to be considered when the dogs transition to life as a pet. Before giving their canines to new prospective owners, they adhere to a certain protocol and rehoming program.
For around two weeks, all dogs coming from United States racetracks are housed in foster care to help them learn the basics of living with a family. In addition, foster parents will gain a better understanding of the dog and its requirements, enabling them to find a suitable adopter.
You can’t choose a specific dog, but instead Greyhound Lovers will match you with the best pup for your lifestyle. Be sure you fill out your application honestly and completely to ensure the best match. A home visit is also required; speak with the team for more details.
GLOHW – Greyhound Lovers of Hamilton-Wentworth Details
- Website: Greyhound Lovers of Hamilton-Wentworth
- Address: Hamilton, Ontario
- Contact Number: (289) 440-0261
- Email Address: [email protected]
4. After The Track Greyhound Adoption
After the Track Greyhound Adoption is recognized as one of the responsible adoption partners by the National Greyhound Association, Canada. All of the former racing Greyhounds arriving from the United States to this shelter are given foster care before they’re placed in permanent homes.
Dogs are rehomed around the greater Toronto area and beyond. They’re a volunteer-run organization, and those volunteers work hard to organize fundraisers and activities for the community. Of course, the team also uses their skills to care for the dogs’ needs and to find the perfect placement for each of these dogs.
After The Track Greyhound Adoption Details
- Website: After The Track Greyhound Adoption
- Address: Durham, Ontario
- Social Media: After The Track Greyhound Adoption’s Facebook
- Email Address: [email protected]
5. Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption – GGA
A pro-racing adoption organization in Orillia, Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption is a National Greyhound Association partner. They specialize in behavioral referrals and private adoptions.
Most of their Greyhounds were born, raised, trained, and raced in kennels run by their friends, and when they are retired, they only place their dogs with adopters who are not against the Greyhound racing industry.
The organization looks at the dog’s personality, temperament, likes, and dislikes to match it with a suitable adopter.
The group is selective about who is allowed to adopt its Greyhounds, and before being eligible for adoption, the adopter must meet some requirements:
- Must be responsible, mature adults (and, when applicable, children must be over 8 years of age).
- Prior dog or Greyhound experience is preferred.
- Having prior experience training dogs or Greyhounds is advantageous.
- Excellent communication skills and the capacity to adhere to GGA’s going-home protocol for Greyhounds.
- Willing to cooperate with GGA if aftercare is necessary.
- There must be no cats in the house.
- Preferably a home without canines of mixed breeds. If other dogs are living there, they must be large and well-balanced, not small or medium-sized.
- Pro-Greyhound racing, including knowledge of and support for the US NGA racing circuit.
- Must be residing in the Canadian province of Ontario.
Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption Details
- Website: Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption
- Address: Orillia, Ontario
- Social Media: Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption’s Facebook
- Email Address: [email protected]
6. Ottawa Dog Rescue
Although not a Greyhound-specific rescue group, Ottawa Dog Rescue has a network with access to all kinds of dogs, including Greyhounds. Founded in 2013, the group is entirely volunteer-based and is comprised of experienced rescuers and committed dog lovers.
They rescue dogs, regardless of breed type, in the Ottawa region that are abused or neglected or that are at risk of getting euthanized at area shelters.
The shelter also cares for dogs whose owners can’t take care of them anymore through an owner-surrender program. This is done through a network of foster families until they find them a permanent home.
The Ottowa Dog Rescue adoption process includes veterinary and personal reference checks, home visits, and adoption contracts. The organization also educates the public and adopters about canine health, the need for spaying and neutering, and the importance of preventing animal cruelty.
Ottawa Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Ottawa Dog Rescue
- Address: Ottawa, Ontario
- Social Media: Ottawa Dog Rescue’s Facebook
- Email Address: [email protected]
7. Dog Tales Rescue
An animal-loving couple based in King City, Ontario, runs Dog Tales Rescue. It is both a dog rescue and a horse sanctuary situated on 50 acres of lush pastures. They take in dogs from throughout Canada and beyond that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Dogs, until they’re placed in forever homes, are rehabilitated through training and therapy. Pups will also have any medical needs addressed, and will be in tip top shape when it’s time to go home with you. Dog Tales Rescue even has walking trails, therapy pools, and a grooming spa!
In addition to immediate adoption, they also offer a “foster to adopt” program for those who want to adopt but want to ensure it’s the perfect fit first. Dogs Tales will pay for the dog’s medical care throughout the foster term, which can last up to two months. The foster parents will be asked to cover the food costs.
Dog Tales is accessible to the general public. However, this is only available on open house days, which they publicize on their website. Check the calendar to schedule your visit to Dog Tales!
Dog Tales Rescue Details
- Website: Dog Tales Rescue
- Address: King City, Ontario
- Contact Number: (905) 713-1887
- Email Address: [email protected]
8. Niagara Dog Rescue
Last on our list of Greyhound rescues in Ontario is Niagara Dog Rescue. This is a non-profit, volunteer-based charity founded in 2015 with the primary focus on saving dogs at immediate risk of being euthanized at high-kill shelters.
They are a foster-based rescue; they not only save the dogs and provide necessary medical care but also rehab for those who need to heal and recover from their difficult past.
The organization is always open to volunteers who would like to join their large foster family network. There is a growing number of dogs that reach their rescue daily, and your assistance is appreciated! They have rehomed an incredible 6,300 dogs in need within Canada and from overseas.
Niagara Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Niagara Dog Rescue
- Address: Oakville, Ontario
- Social Media: Niagara Dog Rescue’s Facebook
- Email Address: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you adopt a Greyhound, check out these frequently asked questions about the process and the breed.
What is the lifespan of a Greyhound?
A Greyhound’s lifespan is around 10 to 14 years, but his career only lasts up to five. Keep that in mind as you seek out a pup to adopt: while his career may have ended, he still has plenty of life, love, and affection for you and your family.
How do you socialize a retired Greyhound?
Find out what you can about your Greyhound before you adopt him. Your shelter team may be able to tell you about your pup’s history and treatment; this will give you a better idea of the care your dog will need.
Be prepared to muzzle your Greyhound during his first interactions with other animals. He may be a bit skittish and may be likely to bite or snap. Take introductions slowly and allow your dog to meet others in a neutral space.
Your dog may take some time to learn that he’s safe at home. Establish yourself as the leader of his pack, but give him physical and emotional space. Should you have questions, contact Greyhound rescues in Ontario or employ a trainer to assist.
Can I cuddle with my Greyhound?
Of course you can! Your Greyhound needs affection just as any other dog does! Remember that it may take some time for your dog to grow accustomed to family life. Don’t force the snuggles – they’re going to eventually come naturally to your dog.
Conclusion For The “Best Greyhound Rescues in Ontario”
Our team at We Love Doodles compiled this list of the best Greyhound rescues in Ontario for you to check out. We hope this list will help you find your future Greyhound companion in Ontario.
For more guides similar to this list of Greyhound rescues in Ontario, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team:
- Best Greyhound Rescues in Texas
- Best Greyhound Rescues in Arizona
- Best Greyhound Rescues in Minnesota
Before you adopt a Greyhound companion from a rescue shelter in Ontario, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Everything You Need to Know About the Italian Greyhound” down below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OrYnQ0bo8po
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.