Making Greyhound Adoption a Real Option
For adopters, fosters, and supporters of GPA Central Florida on the Space Coast.
News Flash!!!
Greyhound availability update
- There is a shortage of adoptable former racing greyhounds right now. Seven of Florida's 11 greyhound racetracks have already discontinued racing and most dogs have moved into adoption groups nationwide or a small number to other states.
- We initially received all greyhounds from Melbourne Greyhound Park; after it closed in January 2020 we worked with the Sanford Orlando track until it ended racing in March 2020. GPA Central Florida arranged shipment of more than 80 greyhounds to adoption groups in 2020.
- Today we only receive the occasional "return" greyhound due to situational reasons like divorce, foreclosure, or owners relocating to assisted living - rarely because of the dogs themselves.
- If you are not located in Brevard or Indian River Counties, find the closest greyhound adoption group through a national directory or your local adoption network.
- If you live in Brevard or Indian River Counties, call us at 321-242-9010 to learn about adopting. We do not run a kennel and accept retired racers on a limited basis.
- Florida adoption groups have always shipped greyhounds to groups across the United States - please apply at your local group and plan to be patient.
About our group
Greyhound Pet Adoptions of Central Florida
Greyhound Pet Adoptions of Central Florida (GPACF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to placing greyhounds into qualified, caring, and loving homes or coordinating with other adoption agencies in non-racing states.
Greyhounds make excellent pets with kind, calm personalities. On Florida's Space Coast they are eager to trade the track for life as 45 mph couch potatoes. GPACF primarily supports families in Brevard and Indian River Counties.
How to help
- Mailing donations are welcomed at our Melbourne address below.
- Direct support via PayPal is appreciated.
- Share our News Flash with adopters outside Brevard or Indian River so they can reach nearby groups quickly.
Adoption coverage & care
- Coverage focus: Brevard and Indian River Counties with coordination for trusted partners nationwide.
- Every adoption conversation is personal - call 321-242-9010 or email info@floridagreyhounds.com for next steps.
- Returned greyhounds are carefully evaluated so they can succeed in the right home.
Articles & resources
Read the latest pieces now hosted at the root
Contact & donations
Florida Space Coast coverage
Mailing address
3525 Manassas Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32934
Frequently Asked Questions
Greyhound adoption FAQ
Why are there fewer adoptable greyhounds available right now?
Florida racing tracks have been closing, which means far fewer racing dogs are entering adoption programs. Seven of the eleven Florida tracks stopped racing, and the remaining dogs were sent to groups across the country or continued racing in other states.
During 2020 GPA Central Florida helped move more than 80 greyhounds to adoption groups nationwide. That surge emptied local kennels and reduced the pool of available dogs for Brevard and Indian River adopters.
Today we primarily see occasional returned greyhounds due to life changes like moving or assisted living, rather than dogs coming straight from the track. That makes availability limited and timing less predictable.
How can adopters in Brevard or Indian River Counties start the process?
Call 321-242-9010 or email info@floridagreyhounds.com to share your household details, pet history, and timeline. Because we do not run a kennel, we match on a case-by-case basis as dogs become available.
Be ready to discuss lifestyle, yard setup, and how long a dog would be alone during the day. That helps us decide whether a shy return, an outgoing racer, or a special needs dog fits best.
We prioritize adopters in Brevard and Indian River since transport and meetups are faster. If you are outside these counties, we will direct you to a nearby group through the adopt-a-greyhound directory.
What should I know about special needs or returned greyhounds?
Returned greyhounds usually come back because of owner circumstances, not because of the dog. They may already know home routines, be housebroken, and adapt quickly with patient structure.
Special needs dogs can be shy, recovering from an injury, or need slow introductions. They benefit from calm homes, clear routines, and small victories like short walks or quiet crate time.
Medical needs are discussed upfront, including past surgeries or medications. We will explain costs the group covered and what follow-up care looks like so adopters can plan responsibly.
How can I support the group if I cannot adopt right now?
Donate via PayPal or mail a check to 3525 Manassas Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32934. Every contribution offsets transport, vet bills, and supplies for special needs dogs.
Share our News Flash with friends in other states so they can connect with nearby groups. That speeds placements and keeps dogs from waiting.
Volunteer for transport legs, home visits, or short-term fostering. Even a weekend foster can ease a shy dog into home life before adoption.
What should out-of-area adopters do to find a greyhound?
Use a national directory or ask local rescues to find a nearby greyhound group. Local placement is faster and reduces stress for the dog.
Be patient: with fewer racing greyhounds, timelines are longer. Get pre-approved with your local group so you are first in line when a dog arrives.
Ask about transport partnerships. Florida groups often coordinate shipments; having your application ready helps you receive a dog when a transport run is scheduled.