Welcome to Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare (WGW), an independent, self-funding charity based in Hersham, Surrey. As our name suggests, we specialise in the rehoming of greyhounds. At any given time, we care for between 40 and 50 greyhounds, with many more waiting for a place with us as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Most of the greyhounds who come into our care arrive once their racing careers have ended, having previously lived in racing kennels. We accept all greyhounds regardless of age, colour, or personality, including those who may struggle to find homes elsewhere in mainstream rescues. For dogs with medical or behavioural needs that can make rehoming more challenging, we are proud to offer them a permanent sanctuary , though we never give up hope that the right home is out there. For these hounds, WGW is their home for as long as they need us.
Our Community and Volunteers
We are open to the public for greyhound walking every day of the year between 11AM-2PM, and we are incredibly fortunate to be supported by such a dedicated community of volunteers. Come rain or shine, they give their time generously, providing vital enrichment and companionship for our dogs. Time spent away from the kennels is essential for our greyhounds’ socialisation and their gradual introduction to everyday life. Many aspects of the “real world” are completely new to them (other breeds of dog, traffic ect), and these experiences play a crucial role in preparing them for life in a home environment.
Our volunteers are truly irreplaceable and have a profound impact on the wellbeing and progress of every dog in our care. We simply could not do what we do without them.
Education and Outreach
Beyond rescue and rehoming, educating people about greyhounds is at the heart of what we do. We are passionate about helping people understand greyhounds as gentle, affectionate companion animals. It is always a privilege to welcome visitors who may feel nervous around dogs, only to watch our calm and kind hounds help them overcome those fears.
We also work closely with young people and students. Many of our regular walkers, particularly at weekends, are completing their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering placements. We are also proud to support animal care students and Veterinary Undergraduates by offering hands-on experience as part of their required placements. Our greyhounds always enjoy the extra attention these visits bring.
Rehoming With Care
At WGW, rehoming is not a one-size-fits-all process. We carefully match each greyhound to the right home, taking into account the dog’s individual needs as well as a family’s lifestyle and circumstances. This includes thorough home checks, guidance for prospective adopters, and ongoing support after adoption to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
On average, we rehome between 100 and 150 greyhounds each year. Watching our dogs leave kennel life behind and settle into their forever homes is incredibly rewarding, especially for those who have waited patiently with us for longer periods of time.
Our Paleo Ridge Sponsored Boys: Maurice and Reggie
We are very grateful to have the support of Paleo Ridge, who kindly donate their raw food to some of our longer-term residents, including Maurice and Reggie. Their nutrition plays an important role in their wellbeing, and they truly thrive on it.
Maurice is our seven-year-old sponsor boy. When he first arrived, he was understandably wary of new environments and especially uncertain around other dog breeds. As a result, he has been overlooked for longer than we would like. Over the past year, however, Maurice’s confidence has grown enormously thanks to regular off-site outings with our volunteers. He is now a happy, affectionate lad who loves his walks and his food. We are hopeful that 2026 will finally be Maurice’s year to find the loving family he so richly deserves.
Reggie is a four-year-old boy who arrived with his twin brother Ronnie. The pair were non-racers during the Covid period, and due to racing kennel closures, they had very limited handling early in life. When they first came to us, they were extremely anxious and unsure of the world around them. With time, patience, and consistency, both boys have made remarkable progress. Ronnie, the more confident of the two, found his forever home earlier this year. Reggie continues his search and recently spent time on foster with two other greyhounds, where he behaved impeccably and gained valuable confidence and experience in a home. We truly hope that 2026 will be the year Reggie finds his forever home.
Volunteering
We are always glad to welcome new volunteers to the team. Whether you are interested in walking or happy to get stuck in cleaning out, making feeds, helping with some general tidying/maintenance we would love to meet you (as would the hounds). You can contact us via our Instagram @wimbledongreyhoundwelfare or via our phone number 01932 251894.
If you aren’t local to us and would like to help, have a look at our sponsorship scheme that helps us to support hounds like Maurice.
