Once upon a time there weren’t enough homes for greyhounds no longer racing.

This is not the case anymore.

The supply of greyhounds going into the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) simply isn’t keeping up with the increasing demand of the Victorian public wanting to adopt these beautiful animals as pets.

Greyhounds have always been a practical pet option, and they are now becoming increasingly trendy, particularly in designer Melbourne suburbs such as St. Kilda, Brunswick and Richmond where they adapt perfectly to apartment living.

After all, compact apartments aren’t much different to the comfort of a racing kennel, and a daily stroll via a local cafe is enough to keep any retired greyhound happy.

Whether a greyhound won 50 races or didn’t to make it to the track is irrelevant – these animals are a wanted species in the pet world.

And, while it is hard to believe, their increased popularity has led to a sudden shortfall of dogs entering the GAP.

“In recent months we have been receiving an average of between 6-8 brand new applications for adoption every day,” Greyhound Adoption Program Manager, Larissa Darragh recently announced.

The 2013/14 financial year saw a record 536 adoptions take place in Victoria, and that record is set to break again with the GAP on track to record its first ever 600+ result this financial year.

As wonderful as that is, the huge shortfall remains.

Up until mid 2014, entering a greyhound into the GAP often meant being placed on a waiting list for up to six months or more.

However, with the increasing demand for these dogs as pets and the recent introduction of a new intake process, the wait has been slashed to just four weeks.

While some in the industry have embraced the new process, it’s time everyone jumped on board.

GAP is more accessible than ever, holding regular pre-assessment sessions at various locations across Victoria (Bendigo, Geelong, Lang Lang, Sale, Sandown, Seymour & Warrnambool).

The assessment locations will be expanding in 2015 to encompass more regional centres, and so eager is GRV and GAP to bring more greyhounds through its system that the number of pre-assessment sessions will also double in 2015.

Twice a week GAP will be on the road testing and collecting greyhounds.