Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium partners with multiple homing centres ahead of September launch

Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium partners with multiple homing centres ahead of September launch

Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium has partnered with multiple homing centres ahead of its launch to help retired greyhounds find suitable and loving homes when their careers end.

The UK’s first brand-new greyhound racing venue in more than a decade has teamed up with Bark Inn Kennels, Daybreaks Trust and Home Round Hounds as part of its commitment to ensuring greyhounds which race at the track can enjoy a happy and healthy retirement.

Thousands of ex-racers have been homed historically by the three centres, which between them have more than 38 years’ experience of finding retired greyhounds their perfect, forever, home.

Best known for their speed on the track, greyhounds away from racing are an intelligent, affectionate and laid back breed – requiring at least 18 hours of sleep each day.

Chris Black, General Manager at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium, said greyhounds are a misunderstood breed as people associate what they see on a race day with every day life.

“The biggest assumption a person can make about a greyhound is that they require lots of exercise,” said Chris. “In reality, owning a retired greyhound is quite the opposite"

“They will happily snooze on the sofa for large parts of the day, with most greyhounds content with just two short walks each day"

“They have a wonderful temperament and are fantastic with children too, making them the perfect family pet"

“A big part of our launch at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium will be increasing people’s awareness and understanding of the breed with the support of our homing partners who do a fantastic job matching our retired stars to their forever homes"

“We’re really grateful to Bark Inn Kennels, Daybreaks Trust and Home Run Hounds for their continued support.”

All three homing centres are Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) approved, with the partnership underpinned by the GBGB’s Greyhound Retirement Scheme.

Launched in September 2020, the scheme helps with costs associated with a greyhound’s retirement via a £420 bond – paid jointly by its owner and the GBGB – which goes towards kennelling, feeding and caring for each greyhound whilst it awaits a suitable home. 

Today, 93.8% of greyhounds which race are successfully homed in retirement.

As an extension, Arena Racing Company – the UK’s largest racecourse operator responsible for Dunstall Park – will provide additional financial support to each homing partner until a greyhound finds its forever home.

The group will also support its homing partners through dedicated awareness dates at its horse racing venues, which include Uttoxeter, Worcester and Royal Windsor Racecourses. Additional support for greyhounds requiring veterinary attention is also provided via track vets.

Chris Black added: “Ensuring greyhounds find suitable homes in retirement is one of our biggest priorities.

“It is thanks to Bark Inn Kennels, Daybreaks Trust and Home Run Hounds with additional support from the Greyhound Retirement Scheme that we can help link our retired stars with their new owners in retirement.”

Further information about each homing centre is available below.

Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium is currently in the final phase of its construction, with the first fixture open to the public happening on Friday, September 19. The track will host its first major race night on Friday, October 24, when hosting the final of the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks.

Limited free tickets to the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks final can be reserved by clicking here.

Bark Inn Kennels: www.barkinnkennels.co.uk

Daybreaks Trust: www.daybreakstrust.co.uk

Home Run Hounds: www.homerunhounds.co.uk