Adoption FAQ

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Why do some of the profiles state "must be adopted in Christchurch only" or "local/south island adopters only". Doesn't this limit the pool of adopters?

As we get to know the dogs in our care, we establish their specific “adopter requirements.” Sometimes, these requirements include that a dog must be rehomed locally in Canterbury. Here’s why:

1. Medical or Behavioural Needs:
   Some dogs are not medically fit to be flown or transported. Their welfare is our top priority, and travel may exacerbate a medical condition or have a significant psychological or behavioural impact on them.
2. Hands-On Support:
   Certain dogs require “hands-on” integration and support as they settle into their new home. By keeping them local, our team can provide the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth transition. Often, their foster carers—who the dogs know and trust—play a key role in this process. For example, some fosters have gone above and beyond by temporarily housing a personal dog at an adopter’s home to help a rescue dog adjust. This kind of support helps both the dog and the new owner succeed.
3. Access to Specialists:
   Many of the dogs in our care require ongoing access to local vets, specialists, physio-therapists, or trainers. Keeping them in Canterbury ensures they can continue receiving this care without disruption.
4. Minimizing Risk:
   Adopting dogs out of town can be a complex process, and we want to ensure the adoption is as likely as possible to succeed. Transitioning to a new home is stressful for dogs, so we aim to avoid unnecessary moves unless the match is highly likely to work out.
5. Practical Considerations:
   Being based in Canterbury, we recognize that not everyone can travel to meet a dog or cover the costs involved. If this is the case, we encourage you to consult your local rescue, as there are many dogs across New Zealand in need of loving homes.

In all honesty, we pour a lot of love, care, and resources into rebuilding our rescue dogs’ lives and are committed to setting them up for success. All of our decisions are made with the dog’s best interests at heart, and if a local adoption is what’s best for their welfare, that’s the approach we will take. We understand that may disappoint some adopters or "rule out" their ability to adopt outside their local area. In that case, we encourage you to contact rescues local to you as there are many dogs needing loving forever homes. Thank you for your understanding and for considering adoption!

Do you adopt ANY dogs outside of Christchurch?

Yes. We have adopted dogs all over New Zealand - from Bluff to Auckland! Please read the above and review the dogs' profiles to confirm if they are a candidate for nationwide adoption.

So what costs are likely involved to adopt from your rescue? 

For an estimate on pricing, please consult AirNZ or the pet exporter. This fee is not determined by NZCR, nor do we receive any of those funds. It will depend on each circumstance but generally an outside of Christchurch adopter will meet:

• Your own travel costs associated with meeting the dog in Christchurch.
• Any travel costs for the dog (by plane or pet bus) + a travel crate (can be hired or purchased if the dog is flying).
• Adoption fee for the dog (the only cost paid to NZCR)
• Any other disbursements noted prior or return costs (paid to DogsNZ or any other third party such as the pet transport company).

NOTE: The adoption fee is paid in full before the trial commences. It will not be refunded in the event that the dog must be returned to NZCR care. Instead, these funds will be used to return the dog into our care if the trial is not successful by the quickest means possible. This so that we do not spend the Rescue's minimal funds flying dogs back into our care if their trial does not work out. You will be invoiced for any surplus costs (such as returning a crate to you). If you are able to return the dog to us at no cost to the rescue, we are happy to refund the adoption fee or any excess following the dog returning into care. 

If I am successful. What are the travel options for the dog?

• For information about how you can fly the pet (unaccompanied) to you AFTER a meet and greet in person, see HERE.
• Travel with the pet attached to your plane ticket (cheaper than the above), see HERE
• To book your pet to travel by road or inquire about travel dates or fees - please contact PetBus.

To fly your pet, you will need to contact one of the companies listed on the Air NZ website. Travel must now be organized by a pet exporter (if unaccompanied):

There is a list of providers on the AirNZ website found here. 

We recommend the Pet Bus (by road) they have been operating for some time and are a safe, reliable option: https://www.petbus.co.nz/ 

How do we source the travel crates
Please note: if the dog is travelling by air - it will need a safe and air plane compliant crate. You may choose to ship an existing crate down to us, but please check it is compliant with AirNZ first. If not, they may reject the dog from the flight. You may also opt to speak with your transporter and hire their crates. If you wish to purchase a brand new crate (to keep) we can order on your behalf from our pet goods supplier noted below.

These Brooklands travel crates are advertised as “airplane compliant”, contain a water dish and the same crates purchased from pet stores. This crate is yours to keep once the dog arrives. We receive them at a small discount, which means we can offer them at the below pricing to our adopters as follows:

• X-Small Crate (51x34x33cm) = $50.00 (RRP: 75.90) usually only for puppies*
• Small Crate (56x37x34cm) = $80.00 (RRP 104.90) Small Chihuahuas*
• Medium Crate (61x40x41cm) = $100.00 (RRP: 129.90) Standard Chihuahuas or  most Chihuahua-crosses*

*These are general estimates or guides only as at 07-02-2024. But we will work with the foster parent to make sure which crate size is suitable and will be accepted by the airline then let you know. 

If transporting a larger cross-breed or a “bonded pair” (ie. two dogs) they can be flown in same crate, but it will need to be compliant with the airplane rules and may require the larger crates:

• Large Crate (68x51x47cm) = $155.00 (RRP 189.90)
• Xtra-large Crate (81x56x59cm) = $340.00 (RRP 379.00) 

Please note: pricing correct as at 7th Feb 2024 and an estimate only. We will confirm the exact price when you inquire if it has changed.

If I agree to travel to meet the dog, does this mean I will be accepted as the adopter?

Please be aware that being invited to a meet-and-greet does not guarantee you will be chosen as the adopter. We may invite multiple applicants to meet the dog as part of the process. This meeting is an opportunity for you to see if the dog feels like the right match for you, to ask any questions or raise concerns with the foster parents, and for NZCR to ask any questions we may have in return.

We understand this might feel disappointing, but the adoption process is inherently uncertain as we work to determine the best match for the dog. Just as you are free to meet the dog and decide not to proceed, we may decide that another applicant better meets the dog’s needs.

If this process doesn’t feel right for you, we encourage you to reach out to a local rescue as there are dogs all over  New Zealand needing a home.

What dogs are available where I am?

Please see the "dogs in care" page. Occasionally we may have other dogs that former owners do not wish for us to advertise and for this reason we recommend you submit your form to be placed on the database (even if there are no dogs on our website that you  match at present).

I don't see many dogs become available where I am?

Sorry, the first consideration is always the welfare of the dogs, if you are not a match for any in care currently - as above, feel free to submit your application for us to keep for a later date. 

Who pays for the flights if the dog is to be flown?

The Adopter meets any costs for transporting the dog to them, or back, if a trial is unsuccessful.

Will I still have a home check if I don't live in Canterbury?

Yes, we will liaise with a rescue or local Council  in your area to have a home check performed.

Do you adapt to other countries?

No, sorry, New Zealand only. We do not adopt internationally.

I’ve submitted my application and received an email asking for more detail or photos. Why do I have to provide this?

It’s not that we’re being nosey for our own sake—our priority is ensuring the dogs in our care find amazing homes. We put a lot of time and effort into their well-being, and it’s very challenging to assess a stranger applying to adopt in the limited time we have. This personal information is held by NZCR in a passworded file. It can only be accessed by the NZCR team or  forwarded to the foster parents if we consider you a match. But if you’re uncomfortable providing the requested details, that’s completely your choice. Please understand that we won’t be able to consider your application however. Thank you for your understanding.

What if I've already applied and see a dog that matches me later on - Do I send a new application again?

If you've applied in the last 6-12 months and none of your information has changed, no,  you don't need to fill out a new application. Simply email us noting your interest in the dog.

I have an existing dog with behavioral issues, can I still adopt from NZCR? 

If you have a dog that has behavioral issues, we suggest you seek help from an expert or trainer before attempting to adopt (or foster) another dog. If your dog is reactive, fearful, anxious, or displays any other behavior, a second dog could exacerbate this. We cannot adopt a dog into this environment.

Can I adopt TWO NZ Chihuahua Rescue Dogs at ONCE?

No - unless we have a bonded pair in our care (it will be clearly displayed on their profile!) - then our policy is we do not adopt out TWO different dogs, together.

We also ask that our Adopters do not add another dog (ie. a puppy or adult - from us or elsewhere) to their family for the period of ATLEAST one year. We would not adopt a dog to someone looking to add two new additions in the same year, as it is not fair on the dog you are adopting. It does not matter if the dog is old or a puppy – it will add stress to the life of the new adopted dog at a time where they are alraeady needing to adjust.

Why? 

Adoption is a significant adjustment for any dog. From their perspective, they’ve already experienced a great deal of change—leaving their first home, transitioning into foster care, undergoing medical treatment, and now preparing to adjust to a completely new environment with you. No matter how positive these experiences have been, each stage requires adaptation.

When they move into your home, they’ll need time to adjust again—to new environments, people, routines, and possibly other pets. For this reason, we strongly advise against introducing a second dog to the mix within the first year of adoption.

While your newly adopted dog may appear well-adjusted and friendly, experts suggest it takes at least a year for them to fully relax, understand that this is their permanent home, and feel 100% comfortable. Skipping this adjustment period by introducing another dog too soon can lead to undesirable behaviors or aggression, which may result in one or both dogs losing their home. That’s not fair to the dogs or to you. 

If you’re adopting from us, we ask that you commit to this time to focus solely on bonding with your new dog. During this year, you’ll have the chance to truly learn about your dog and allow them the space to feel secure and trust you.

We’ve had many happy repeat adopters who returned to us a few years later to welcome another rescue dog into their home. We are always open to future adoptions for our current adopters—it’s all about the timing and ensuring that we prioritize what is best for each individual dog. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to giving your new dog the best possible start in their forever home.

If a dog profile says they need a friend, and I don't already have a dog. Can I just adopt two NZCR dogs at once?

No, see above.

Can we come and see the dogs, and which one we want to adopt, before we fill out the adoption paperwork?

No. The adoption form is the first step. Please see the adoption page for our adoption process to understand how it works. We require a completed adoption application before arranging any meet-and-greets—there are no exceptions to this policy. As we do not have a centralized facility, our dogs are cared for by foster families across the country. To respect their time and schedules, we only arrange meet-and-greets after receiving a completed application and property photos to ensure the adopter is a good match for the dog. 

I would like to adopt a Chihuahua as a gift for [INSERT FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND HERE] as they love dogs and need a companion. How can I do this?
Sorry, we do not adopt Chihuahuas out as “gifts" or "surprises" ever. All of our rescue dogs have  need someone who is committed to them from the outset. If you know someone who is looking for a dog, or that you feel would suit one of our Chihuahuas, invite them to submit an adoption form. Our applications forms need to be filled out by the person who will be the “main care-taker” of the Chihuahua as that is who we are assessing in terms of their suitability. You could assist them however.

I'm looking for a small dog as a gift for my child, can you assist?
We definitely do not recommend parents purchase dogs as gifts for children. Chihuahuas live 15-20 years and although a child may enjoy a puppy or dog when they are young, as the child grows older - their friends, work, university and travel will become more important – the dog inevitably becomes less of a priority. There are also regular expenses to consider, which your child will need to be prepared for and take responsibility for. These include vaccinations, routine dental care, high-quality food (not supermarket brands), worming and flea treatments, de-sexing, and micro-chipping, all of which come at a cost. Beyond these routine expenses, unexpected situations such as illness or accidents can arise, leading to substantial vet bills—sometimes upwards of $1,000 at a moment’s notice. It’s important to plan for both regular and unforeseen costs when taking on the responsibility of a pet. 

Adopters need to be over the age of 21 years.

I am looking for a disability support dog or a therapy dog. Do you provide these?

Sorry, no. As a rescue we do not train or provide support dogs. There are specialist agencies to assist with this - please contact the Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust  for example. Our dogs are companion dogs and many have their own quirks that would render them unsuitable as therapy or assistance dogs.  Please consider those agencies specifically that cater to adopters looking for service dogs.

Do you ever get puppies into rescue? I am looking for a specific age / gender.

We can’t be sure what ages, colors or genders will come into our rescue and when. If you have specific wants or needs in terms of a dog (including age), please note this in your application.  Be as specific about what you want in a companion as possible. We need to know as much information as possible to be able to find a great match for you. 

If I submit an adoption application and I am unsuccessful but placed on the database, or I ask to be placed on the database and see a dog I’m interested in, what do I do then?

Email us and let us know what dog you’re interested in - no need to submit another form and photos if your circumstances are the same (ie. working hours, family members in the household, medical conditions etc). If anything has changed you will need to complete a new form. If all information is the same, please email us to let us know you have applied prior and the name of the dog you wish to be considered for.

Do you adopt out un-neutered dogs or bitches?

No. We believe that breeding should be left to the experts, the DogsNZ accredited and ethical  breeders. We do not support private individuals purchasing dogs to mate. If you are not an accredited and ethical breeder or showing your pedigree dog, we advocate desexing- spay and neuter.

Do you adopt to full time workers?

When we assess applicants, we look for the best home possible for that dog. Chihuahuas are a companion breed and like to be around people. So with that in mind - we would be unlikely to adopt a dog to a full time worker who was out of the home 8+ hours per day, 4-5 days a week. 

We would consider adopting to a full time (at home) worker. 

Aside from it being unfair and not fun for the dog, many of our dogs (being rescues) have quirks that would mean daytime companionship is a must. A dog needs to be fairly independent to have an owner away for 6-8 hours each weekday. See the adopter requirements on the dog profiles, found under “dogs in our care” to determine whether/not a dog needs a part-time worker or someone who is retired. 

Although it may be hard - It’s also important to consider whether or not you could really provide all that a dog needs. Dogs are great companionship for a human - but also consider things from the dogs perspective. If you are working full time or extended hours. It can be tough on the dog waiting all of that time for their buddy to come home!

What about Doggy Daycare or Taking the Dog to Work?

Not all dogs are suitable to be taken into a workplace or for a doggy-daycare. Many of the dogs would find this far too overwhelming and stressful. So it is not a replacement for working full time

Do you have a cut off age for applicants?

No. As long as applicants are physically and mentally capable to care for a dog, we’re happy to consider them. This does require honesty on behalf of the Adopter. 

However. If we attend a meet and greet and have concerns, this will be discussed with you. We do appreciate when Adopters have considered what should happen to the dog if they entered care or pass away and communicate this. We sometimes have to make a difficult call, but we do ask you to consider things like age and activity level when considering a particular dog. 

Do I need to have a fenced property to adopt from you?

If you live in a suburb within a City, yes. We expect that there is no danger of the dogs we adopt out roaming or getting hurt on roads. Child gates may also need to be utilized to ensure dogs can't dash out front doors and onto the road. We understand some rural properties may not be 100% fenced. But a portion of the property and any areas the dog can get to need to be fenced in. But in short, yes, it is our preference.

What if it says the dog is "Unavailable?" how do I know when they will become available? Do you have a timeline?

No, we don't provide timelines. If it's not on the profile already - we don't know! The profiles are very comprehensive and updated regularly with all the information available. The dogs will be available and noted as ready for adoption once medically and behaviorally cleared and that time-frame is different for each dog. This also may depend on the availability of our vet clinic or trainer to address any issues.

If you're interested in a particular dog, and their requirements are on their profile, please ensure you meet those and then if so, submit an application. If their adopter requirements are not listed, it's too early to apply. Please just keep an eye on their profile and apply if those requirements are added and you meet them. Please note: adopter requirements are strict - you need to ensure you meet them fully! No exceptions. If you do not meet the adopter requirements, sorry, we will not consider you for that dog.

Do you adopt to people who live in caravans?

As a rescue, our aim is to have dogs find their forever, stable and loving homes. We would adopt to someone who owned the caravan and the land it was situated on (providing also it was fenced and hazard-free). We may ask for documents confirming the same. 

Sorry, we would be unlikely to adopt to someone who didn't own the vehicle, or lived in a caravan park. There is too much uncertainty and therefore risk the dog may need to be re-homed if the owner couldn't remain at their current spot and needed to move to a dog-free location.

How strict are the adopter requirements? (For example: the profile says no cats but I have a dog savvy cat!)

The reason we have Adopter Requirements is to ensure that we find the most suitable home for the dog listed. We do not feel it is fair to put a dog in a situation where they will have to adjust to a new family and surroundings without certainty there is a high chance of the adoption working out. In terms of the above example, we feel that placing a dog that has a history of not being cat friendly in a home with cats is setting them up to fail. We feel this only puts the dog under the stress of having to adjust to new people and surroundings unnecessarily. 

Furthermore, when a dog leaves foster care, usually their place is quickly filled so if it doesn't work out, we may have issues locating another foster carer in order to have the dog returned into the care of the Trust. 

As such, the adopter criteria is strict. We have noted these requirements after speaking to the foster carer. It is not personal or designed to exclude anyone on purpose. We put a lot of time and care into picking the 'right' home, All of our decisions come down to what is best for the dog. 

Please check that you are a match for the prospective dog before you apply to avoid disappointment!

Do you adopt to families with children?

This question largely depends on what dog a prospective adopter is interested in. We have rescue dogs that may have personality quirks and not all will be suitable for a noisy family environment and/or children.  We consider the needs of that dog specifically when searching for the best fit for their family and what ages we think the dog would be fine around. Children do need to be old enough to understand not to pull tails, overwhelm dog etc. We certainly have adopted dogs into families with children prior. Generally, the youngest child in the home must be over 5 years old and doggy knowledgeable. We consider each applicant family on a case by case basis.

Do you home to families with larger breeds in the home?

Size must be considered as part of the overall adoption suitability picture. Having a big breed dog in the home isn’t an immediate “deal-breaker”. But being realistic, we think it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks of harm (even unintentional harm during play for example) even with the friendliest of medium-large dogs. We just want to ensure the safety and compatibility of both dogs. Before you commit to seeking a small dog as a companion for a larger breed consider: what are the implications of pairing a large dog with a smaller dog? Has s/he been around small dogs before? If so, how does s/he interact with them—does s/he play gently, or is s/he a rough player? Sometimes larger dogs, even when well-meaning, may not realize their strength, which could unintentionally result in injury to a smaller dog.

What if I want a particular colour dog?

We are not breeders or a pet store and do not act in a demand and supply manner. We take in dogs that need assistance and cannot guarantee as to when new dogs will arrive. We do not match dogs based upon appearance . We do not fulfill requests for specific colors, size, or any other superficial desires. 

We take in dogs that need assistance and often have their own unique "quirks". We then match our dogs by getting to know their personality quirks, energy level and social-ability, to an owner that will be at the same level as the dogs are.. The only criteria we consider is age of the dog, gender preference and social-ability. The appearance, coat or color should be irrelevant. If it is a big deal to you - we are not the rescue for you.

Can I foster a dog to see if it fits in with my family?

Foster forms are to be utilized for those who strictly wish to foster not adopt. We do not offer a foster to adopt programme. We do however, offer a one month trial on all adoptions to see if a prospective dog fits into our life and family. If you want to add a dog to your family permanently, please see the adoption process page for information and an application.

Can you call me to discuss a particular dog with me over the phone? I'm looking to adopt.

No - We do not contact prospective applicants via phone to discuss individual dogs without the adoption forms and supporting information. 

As you can appreciate, we receive a large volume of queries daily and all of the information we require from you in order to consider you as an applicant is noted on the form. 

As volunteers who work full time outside of the Rescue, it is a more efficient way of us confirming whether you and your family are a match for any particular dog. If we require more information from you after the forms are filled in, we will make contact to confirm. Accordingly, if you are interested in any of our dogs, please submit your application and if you are a match for the dog, we will be in touch  to progress this. 

Does it cost to adopt a dog from NZCR?

Yes. The fee is payable in full to the trust account prior to the day of adoption. Fees for dogs are noted on the dog's profile on this website as the dogs have different fees assigned. All fees are to be paid to our Westpac Account - New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Trust 03-0823-0074502-000  We do not accept cash on collection of the dog. We will not be able to complete the changeover if the fee remains outstanding.

See below (bottom of the page) for our "expenses table" which shows what we spend incoming funds on.

What determines the adoption fee as I notice they aren't all the same price? 

Our adoption fees for each dog are listed on their profile under "dogs in our care". Older dogs or those who have ongoing health issues may be assigned a lesser fee to reflect the fact there will be ongoing regular costs associated with them.  We NEVER charge what we spend on these dogs - but our goal is not to make money, it’s to forever home the dog. These adoption fees are used to pay for the next dog coming into care. 

See below (bottom of the page) for our "expenses table" which shows what we spend incoming funds on.

Why do you charge an adoption fee?

The adoption fee assists us with: transport costs for dogs being surrendered from all over NZ, de-sexing, micro-chipping and registering the dog on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register ("NZCAR"), vaccinations, flea and worming, Council registration, disposables (such as bedding and crates) and any extra necessary medical care required. For example, we also complete dental work on dogs that require it and orthopedic surgeries fairly regularly. All of these treatments cost and we need to ensure that we recoup even a small percentage of these costs.

We never "make" money from adoptions and all of our team are Volunteers. As such, the full adoption fee goes towards the dogs in the care of the Rescue. We pride ourselves on being able to confirm that when a dog leaves our Rescue, they have had all of the medical treatment and investigations deemed necessary  and obviously, this costs money to complete.

We also do not advocate that anyone offer a “free dog” for adoption or  re-homing. Firstly, those looking for bait dogs will not pay for a dog that is just going to end up injured and/or dead and often utilize these listings. Secondly, dog ownership costs money. Dogs are a commitment and shouldn’t be purchased on whim! An adoption fee prevents  opportunists and people making spontaneous decisions to adopt a free dog  without really having the long-lasting financial means to be a dog  owner. 

See below (bottom of the page) for our "expenses table" which shows what we spend incoming funds on.

 
Why do you charge what you charge? Do you think it's a little high?

Firstly, see above for information on what determines an adoption fee and why we charge an adoption fee. Secondly, see the  "expenses table" which shows what we spend incoming funds on.

1. We are 100% volunteer operated, meaning nobody makes ANY money off our rescue dogs. We are paid only in love and doggy cuddles! The total adoption fee (as with donations) goes towards the essential needs of our rescue dogs. The only reason we charge adoption fees is so that we have money for the next dog coming into care that needs assistance. and will require money to be spent on them

It should be noted that not all charities are registered and it is not a legal requirement to do so. However, we have gone above and beyond to ensure that we are, as we believe that the public deserves such transparency. Our incoming and outgoings are uploaded annually to the charities register. It is here that you will see we do not "make" money from adoptions. In fact, we actually lose money to expenses in most cases and only recoup a small portion of those costs back for use on the next dog.

2. As breed specific rescue we face a couple of unique and expensive challenges relating to the Chihuahua breed (and toy breed) dogs. Many of the dogs surrendered to us require costly orthopedic surgery (ie. single or double patella luxation) and a full dental with extractions. This means we may have a higher fee then some all breed rescues just to recoup a portion of the costs we spend on each dog that comes into our care. We need to be able to spend money on dogs to make them adoptable and we constantly have new dogs coming in who require money to be spent on them too.

3. We may charge slightly more than some all breed Rescues or the SPCA. However, as a small organization, we do not receive the benefit of subsidized care and the large donations that other more well known Rescues and organizations benefit from. This means we charge a higher rate for adoption as we need to recoup more funds for the expenses we have met in relation to each dog, because we pay more also!

4.  Adoption from us works out to be better value for money overall. Our dogs do not cost as much as puppies or even older dogs from private sellers or breeders, even though they have had all of their veterinary work completed. Accordingly, we do not feel that our adoption fees are unreasonable. For your money, you are given a Chihuahua that comes completely legally compliant and healthy. 

Our dogs come fully and thoroughly health checked, de-sexed, vaccinated, micro-chipped, registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register, registered with their local Council, flea and wormed treated and having had any further issues unique to the specific dog, addressed. If required, we also complete bloods, dentals and orthopedic surgery, yet we do not charge the full expense of these surgeries. . For example, you can pay $2,000 - $5,000 on TradeMe for an 8 week old Chihuahua (or Chihuahua cross puppy) without a fraction of that work having been completed.

5. When you adopt from us you get the peace of mind that you have adopted a healthy and legally compliant dog.  Or that any medical ailments have been investigated and disclosed to you. This is peace of mind you cannot get from private sellers (ie. strangers). If we cannot medically clear a dog, they cannot be adopted and remain in foster care while we address their medical issues.

6. Some of our dogs are also pedigree ("papered") and would be over $2,000 due to this fact alone. However, we do not charge extra for pedigree dogs, aside from a $30.00 disbursement fee to transfer the dog into the Adopters name with DogsNZ. This is the actual cost of doing s, we do not keep that money, it goes to DogsNZ.

For more information on how much it actually costs us to take in these dogs and ensure they are medically (and mentally) fit for adoption - see the table of expenses located at the bottom of this page.

Do you allow adopters to pay-off fees? 

No. Adopters need to consider their financial circumstances prior to applying. Any dog will require a constant stable source of funds in terms of vaccinations, ongoing Council registration and veterinary care at some point in their lives, etc. We need to be sure that the Adopter can provide for the dog in any and all ways, including financially. 

What do I need to buy for the dog prior to the trial beginning?

 It is the Adopters responsibility to purchase general items such as: a crate, leash, harness, food and water bowls and the essentials of dog ownership. We will bring an Adopter pack with some goodies inside. We will also bring any beds and bedding, favourite toys the dog has been using to provide a sense of familiarity. They may also have some items from their prior home transferred to the Adopter. If not sure, consult our adoption manual or ask our team.

What happens during the trial?

Just enjoy your time with your new dog! Hopefully all goes well as you're a great match for one another. We will check in with you to make sure all is going well. Although it may be difficult, please be honest and let us know if there are any issues. We may be able to work with a trainer and address these, and it is easier sooner rather than later! Feel free to message or email us as often as you like, we love hearing how you and the dogs are doing! 

How does the trial end?

If unsuccessful - If you feel the dog is not a right fit for your family - please contact us ASAP and we will arrange with you the logistics of returning the dog back into care.

If successful - Prior to the last day, we will contact you to discuss your feelings, once you are happy to confirm the trial as successful, we will send you a letter confirming the dog is officially adopted! We will also advise you the Council registration and microchip has been changed.

What about Council registration? 

All dogs come registered with the Christchurch City Council. Once adopted, the dog needs to be changed into your name with your local Council. A transfer in Christchurch district is simple and quick. We will inform the Christchurch City Council and copy your district into the email once the dog is confirmed as adopted (ie. after the trial period). This is when the legal ownership of the dog officially changes. If outside of Christchurch - you will need to contact your Council to see whether they require any signatures from you to effect the change at their end.

Are the dogs micro-chipped?
Yes! Each dog in the care of the Trust is micro-chipped and added to the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.  The Adopter will be added to the database as the owner and primary contact.  The Trust (or Managing Trustee of the Trust) will remain as the "breeder or rescue" contact on the dog’s microchip.

Are the dogs vaccinated?

Yes! Dogs come vaccinated up to date. Their vaccination details will be in the vet book provided to you.

How do I know when to next flea and worm or vaccinate the dog I have adopted ?

Dogs come vaccinated and their vet book will be provided to you, please consult this as we ask the foster parents to note the dates in their vet books.
 

How do I get the 30 day Pet Plan insurance trial or sign up for pet insurance? 

Please see the  "How you can help us" on this website.

Can I change the dogs name? What do you recommend?

For the period of the one month trial, we ask you call them by their current name, so that if it is unsuccessful they are not confused. However, once they are confirmed as adopted that is up to you. We have had Adopters retain the dog's names and change names prior. 

In terms of our recommendations - it is our experience that some dogs do know their names and respond well to them. We also feel that particularly if are older, it is somewhat unfair to change the name as they will already be going through a lot of change in the re-homing process. Too much change is overwhelming and it can be quite comforting for them to realize you know their names. For older dogs or dogs that know their names we suggest it maybe fairer to retain their names.

In the case of puppies, young dogs, or those not attached to their names, once the trial is over, again, this is your choice. 

Do you offer ongoing support to Adopters? 

Absolutely, yes! Trust dogs and their Adopters are part of the NZCR family. If you need anything please get in contact with us. We also love to receive updates and photos!

Do you take the dogs back if we can no longer have them?

Absolutely! Obviously, our aim when re-homing dogs is that it is forever. However, sometimes things happen and circumstances change and this cannot happen. The Agreement each Adopter signs provides, if for any reason the dog cannot stay with you, the Trust is to be contacted and we will take the dog back into care. The dogs cannot be privately re-homed.

As a Rescue, we feel we owe a duty of care to each and every dog that has been and will ever come into our Rescue. This duty is for life. If for any reason any of our ex-Rescue dogs need assistance in future please do not hesitate to contact us. We are not here to pass judgement - we just want to ensure our dogs (and ex-dogs) are safe and happy.

What if I want the dog to go to a family member, because I can no longer look after it?

Please contact us immediately to discuss. We will meet with you and your chosen family member to come up with a plan. Our goal is just to ensure the dog is looked after and safe and that we know who they are with. We always feel responsible for ex-trust or current trust dogs and ensuring they always have a safe and loving home and are never home-less again.

Please join our closed Adopters Group on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NZCRAdopters