Every year in the US, thousands of greyhounds retire from the track because they are too slow. The average age of these retired dogs is 2 to 4 years old. A greyhounds average life span is 12 - 14 years, still very young dogs to be considered retired. These dogs are generally moved into the adoption programs of different groups all across America and into Canada. A lot of tracks are now operating adoption groups right from the track facilities and using some of the revenue generated by the racing industry to assist in the placement of these graceful, loving dogs. The co-operation of the breeders and tracks has given the adoption movement a huge boost, but the need for homes is still great.