How to adopt a Greyhound now that the ban on racing has been announced

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has announced a ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand. The industry is to close on 31 July 2026.

Over the next 20-months the industry will begin to wind down and dogs will be seeking loving family homes as they exit the industry.

The government Ministerial Advisory Committee will take the lead in planning and overseeing the wind-down of the greyhound racing industry and the adoption of greyhounds into pet homes in the months ahead.

Greyhounds make excellent pets, and SPCA is dedicated to collaborating with the Ministerial Advisory Committee, industry stakeholders and rehoming partners, and the greyhound rehoming coalition to ensure a smooth transition.

Together, we aim to support responsible rehoming efforts and help these dogs find loving, forever homes as they leave the racing industry.

There are already greyhounds patiently waiting in existing rehoming centres to begin their new life as a pet. Others will become available gradually over the transition period.

If you are interested in adopting a greyhound now, we encourage you to contact the following organisations:

• Greyhounds as Pets*
• HUHA*

*Please note: These organisations are currently experiencing a high level of enquires about greyhound adoptions. We ask that you are patient; there are many greyhounds looking for homes, but it takes time to match the right dog with the right family.

You can also apply to adopt a greyhound through other Greyhound Racing New Zealand adoption agency partners.

The industry was placed ‘on notice’ by the Government in 2021 following three independent reviews which all revealed serious ongoing animal welfare issues.

At the request of then Minister for Racing, Kieran McAnulty, SPCA formed a Greyhound Rehoming Coalition in 2022. As part of the Greyhound Rehoming Coalition, under the direction of the Ministerial Advisory Committee, SPCA will help facilitate the adoption of these greyhounds into loving pet homes.

If you would like to learn more about SPCA’s role in ending greyhound racing in New Zealand see our advocacy page.