NZCR CANTERBURY ADOPTIONS PROCESS:

1. Step One - Submit an Adoption Application and Supporting Information: 

To apply for adoption, please download and complete the adoption form  found under "files" on our website, and email it to us with supporting  information. We require the completed application form to understand the  home you are offering, and do not call adopters in replacement of this.  Please be detailed in your application to increase your chances of  being matched with a dog.

What supporting information is required?

• Photos:  Please provide clear photos of your property including the backyard,  fencing, boundaries, entries, and exits. Do not send listing photos or  personal photos of people or other pets. Please do not invite us to  inspect your property instead of sending photos as we will not process  your application without them. 

• Landlord Consent:  We require written consent from your landlord or Housing New Zealand if  you are renting. Please see "files" for a template approval form. Sorry we will not phone your landlord in replacement of this, so it's important that you provide the required information in the requested manner for us to process your application. 

IMPORTANT TIPS! Please ensure you answer all questions in the application thoroughly and provide all required information and attachments, including clear photos of your property if you are a homeowner or written consent from your landlord if you are renting. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and we do not accept applications via Facebook or phone. Please make sure to check that you meet all the adopter requirements noted on the profile of the dog you are interested in before submitting your application. Finally, please read the Adoption Agreement portion of the application form carefully and ensure that you are aware of your obligations.

If I have already applied to adopt prior, do I need to submit another application?

Not if it is less than 6 months since you last applied and all of your details are still the same. If  any material details have changed (ie. new pets, people in the home, working hours, address etc) we need a new application. If your application is recent and update, simply email us!

Why do you not accept applications by phone or requests to call the Rescue?
We don't have a rescue phone number. Adoption forms streamline the process for us and provide all the necessary information we require. As volunteers with full-time jobs outside of rescue, this is the most efficient way for us to confirm whether you and your family are a match for any particular dog. We also do not discuss individual dogs with prospective applicants via phone without the adoption forms and supporting information.

What happens once I submit the application?

If you apply for a dog that is available, we will review your application and contact you if we want to progress to the next stage. We aim to respond within 5 working days. If the dog is unavailable, we will hold your application and pass it on when the dog is ready for adoption. Please check our social media or website for updates, as we cannot provide timelines.

2. Step Two: Meet and Greet and Home-check:
If  you are considered a good match for a particular dog, a team member will be in touch to organize a "meet and greet" with your prospective dog and you at your home. A Trustee may also attend alongside a foster carer. At the meet and greet we will also conduct a home check and make sure fencing is complete. So please ensure any necessary repairs are completed before the check is booked.

If there are no dogs that currently match your criteria but your application is accepted, we will advise you that you have been added to the database in the event that a match is found.

What happens after a meet and greet?

After the meet and greet, our team will determine which home is the best  match for the dog. This process may take a few days to a week,  especially if other applicants are being considered. As volunteers, we  fit rescue commitments around our full-time work schedules. If you are  waiting for a response, please email us at the trust email provided.  Please understand that our priority is the dog's best interests, and we  will respond as soon as possible. 

Will I know why I've been declined?

We strive to find the best match for each dog, and if we decline your application, it doesn't mean you cannot provide a great home for a dog. We do not engage in arguments or provide detailed explanations for our decision. Please treat our team members with respect and understanding, even if the news is disappointing.

3. Trial:
If successful and all parties feel the dog is a match for the family, the dog will go on trial with the prospective Adopter. To proceed with the adoption, a signed trial agreement and the full  adoption fee must be submitted and cleared in the trust account prior to  the trial period. Please ensure payment is made in advance to avoid  delays in the adoption process. We do not release dogs until the fee is  received and cleared, and we do not make exceptions. 

All fees are to be paid to our Westpac Account New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Trust: 03-0823-0074502-000  

Once the fee is paid, the foster carer will arrange a convenient pick up/drop off time and we'll send you our "Adoption Manual" which contains important information on introducing the dog to your family, and information specific to the dog you are adopting, what will come with them and so on. It is extremely important that they are not overwhelmed and that they are integrated correctly. Please do review and consider this information.

Trial are generally for one month. During this time our Team will check in regularly with you, please feel free to make contact with us also to provide updates or ask for any support or advice you may require. It is important that you are honest and communicative with us, so we can assist where needed.

The trial period is generally one month, during which we will check in with you regularly and provide support. You'll also receive the details of our dog trainer and a pet insurance information. We recommend taking out pet insurance for your dog's health. The dog will be registered with the council and microchip changeover will be organized by us.

How do we confirm the adoption?

During the trial period, please keep us updated and we will also check  in with you periodically. You can send us updates and photos anytime. At  the end of the trial, we will contact you to confirm if you want to  adopt the dog. If yes, we will send a formal confirmation of adoption  letter and change the registration and microchip details to officially  make the dog a part of your family. 

What if it doesn't work out?

During the trial period, if either the Adopter or the Trust terminates the adoption, the dog must be returned to the foster carer, and the adoption fee will be refunded in full, minus any travel or veterinary expenses. All items given with the dog must also be returned. If things are not working out, please inform us, and we can provide you with the contact details of a trainer or take the dog back into care. If the dog is not the right fit for your family, it will not prejudice your application for another dog, and it is important to keep in touch with us and be honest about how things are going.

Please Note:  we do not supply harnesses, leashes, bowls, crates or  similar items during the trial period. These items are kept by our  foster carers for other dogs in our care. It is the Adopter's  responsibility to purchase these items prior to the dog's arrival for  the trial. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this  matter. 

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR OUR ADOPTION FAQ - THIS CONTAINS MORE INFORMATION ON THE ADOPTION PROCESS, FEES,  OTHER COMMON QUERIES, REGISTRATION AND MICRO-CHIPPING, AMONG OTHER THINGS.  

Any questions?

If you have any queries, please see our adoption FAQ first - this is located via the link at the bottom of the page. Then email us via the contact form on our website if your question is not answered by our FAQ.