Recovery initiatives

Racing WA is committed to supporting retired greyhounds and their adopters. Through the Greyhound Recovery Initiative (GRI), we provide funding for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of greyhounds injured during a race, qualifying trial or public trial at a WA racetrack.

If your adopted greyhound had surgery involving implants to stabilise a GRI-eligible fracture or dislocation, you may qualify for financial assistance to cover implant removal costs.

Financial Support

Racing WA offers up to $2000 per eligible greyhound to assist with implant removal, when removal is recommended by a veterinarian. This funding can also cover associated costs, including:

Overnight hospitalisation
Bandaging
Aftercare medications, such as pain relief and antibiotics

If the entire implant isn’t removed in the first surgery, applications for additional surgeries will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

To qualify for the rebate, the following criteria must be met:

The greyhound sustained a GRI-eligible injury that was surgically repaired using implants
The greyhound has retired from racing after completing the rehabilitation period prescribed by the treating veterinarian.

Adopted greyhounds may come from Greyhounds as Pets WA (GAP), other greyhound rehoming groups, or directly from the racing industry.

What you need to know

While you can choose any veterinary clinic for the procedure, we recommend returning to the clinic where the original surgery was performed, if known
GAP adopters must comply with the conditions outlined in their adoption contract
Adopters through other pathways are encouraged to contact Racing WA’s Animal Welfare team before implant removal to confirm eligibility

Next steps

Download and complete the Implant Removal Rebate Application Form
Submit the form and all required supporting documents to AnimalWelfare@rwwa.com.au

Recovery initiatives