Greyhound microchipping
This information is for owners of pet Greyhounds. For questions about racing Greyhounds, please contact Greyhound Racing NSW
- All Greyhounds born in Australia after 1 January 2011 must be microchipped
- For more details on Greyhound microchipping, visit the Office of Local Government website.
- Since 1 July 2019, pet Greyhounds registered on the NSW Pet Registry no longer need to wear a muzzle in public.
NOTE: exemption does not apply to a Greyhound that has been declared a dangerous or menacing dog. See the Office of Local Government website for further details on these changes.
'Greenhounds' is the NSW program that manages muzzle exemptions for retired racing and pet Greyhounds. It is the only organisation in NSW authorised under the Companion Animals Regulation to assess dogs and issue the official green “Greenhound” collar, which identifies a Greyhound as exempt from mandatory muzzling.
The owner of a muzzle-exempt Greyhound must ensure that, when the dog is off-leash in a designated off-leash area, it either:
- Wear the prescribed Greenhound collar at all times or
- the owner carries a valid proof of Completion card.
Failure to comply is an offence and may result in penalties.
Each Greenhound collar includes an attached tag displaying the dog’s microchip number. This enables Council officers to confirm that the collar is being worn by the correctly registered dog.
Greyhound adoption and foster care
There are numerous groups and organisations across Australia that help to rehome and provide foster care for retired Greyhound. It is recommended that prospective pet owners undertake thorough research before adopting an animal from any rescue or rehoming organisation.
Below are some examples of such groups within NSW, with links to their websites.
Friends of the Hound
This adoption group, dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds, creates public awareness of the Greyhound as a gentle, affectionate dog and an excellent family pet.
Greyhound Adoption Program NSW
A non-profit organisation (non-industry) dedicated to the welfare of greyhounds. They aim to educate the public on the benefits of Greyhounds as companion animals, and how best to care for them.
Greyhound Rescue
Established to find homes for the many Greyhounds surplus to requirements of the racing industry. This group is run by a retired couple who have worked in dog rescue for many years.
Greyhound Re-homing
This group operates mostly within the Tamworth area to rescue and/or rehome Greyhounds from the Tamworth pound and trainers.
GRNSW Greyhounds as Pets
This program, known as "GAP", is a Greyhound Racing NSW adoption initiative.