Date of Birth: Est. July 2019.
Gender: Female
Breed: Chihuahua
De-Sexed: Yes.
Micro-chipped: Yes.
Registered with NZCAR: Yes.
Vaccinated: Yes.
DogsNZ (NZKC): No,
Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council.
Cat Friendly: Yes.
Child Friendly: 8 years and older.
Human Sociable: Yes.
Dog Sociable: Yes.
* TBC = "To be confirmed"
Personality:
Kiva is a social, friendly little dog who loves human companionship! Her favorite thing to do is to curl up on your lap and be pet - she is a total snuggle bug! It doesn't take her too long to warm up to new people, she is a very happy and social little dog who loves to give kisses!
Kiva is great in the car and well toilet-trained. At present she is being crate-trained (for sleeping) and learning more about being outside in the wide world, going for walks on her lead etc.
Kiva is being fostered with other Chihuahuas and would suit being with 1-2 dogs who are similar in age and energy. She's fine with other small dogs, as long as they give her space so she can be introduced properly. At her former home, she was picked on a fair bit by a Shihtzu, so it's important the current dogs in an Adopters home are a good match for her. Kiva is a sweet, soft wee girl, so a dog with too much of an overbearing or bolshy personality wouldnt be a match for her.
Kiva has always had daytime companionship. While she's ok being left for an hour or so while there are no humans present, if she has other dogs in the home, Kiva is not suited to someone working outside the home full time. Kiva wouldn't suit someone away regularly for 5-8 hours during the week. Kiva needs someone who is retired, working from home or able to take her to a (quiet) workplace eventually after an adjustment period.
Kiva is quite a social, friendly girl after she is given a moment when meeting new humans.
Health:
Kiva had an initial vet check on 12th July 2024, she was vaccinated, micro-chipped and registered with the NZ Companion Animal Database. Kiva doesn't require a dental as yet, but teeth should be rechecked in 6-9 months.
Kiva returned to the vet on 15th July 2024 for x-rays of her stifle, pelvis, hips, knees, and other joints. She has Grade 4 luxating patellas, a condition common in many toy breeds. The vet noted that both patellas have very shallow grooves and some bowing of the tibial crests. Kiva has hyper-extending hocks. However, these knee conditions are likely congenital and do not currently seem to cause her any discomfort. Kiva walks, runs, and jumps without any signs of pain or lameness, so she does not require surgery at this time. Kiva's future adopter should be mindful of her joint health to prevent any progression of her condition. Maintaining a lean weight is crucial for Kiva, and engaging with an animal physiotherapist would also be beneficial.
Kiva's right hip is in great condition, with mild dysplasia in her left hip. Generally, it doesn't bother Kiva. The only time she shows discomfort is when her hips are extended during an exam. Our trust vet sought a second opinion from an animal orthopedic specialist to ensure that surgical intervention is required.
It's important to consider the ongoing care and possible expenses involved in adopting a toy breed, especially with Kiva’s current health findings. We’re looking for a committed adopter who can provide her with the love and support she needs, now and in the future.
Note: all dogs from NZCR are only adopted out once they have been medically signed off by our vet, de-sexed, vaccinated, micro-chipped (with the chip registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register and the local Council) and flea/worm treated.
How do the dogs receive the care needed to ready them for adoption?
New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue is a registered New Zealand charity run by a small team of passionate volunteers. The funds raised go towards the dogs in our care (and any community dogs we may support). Our modest income is a result of your kind donations, sponsorship, and our fundraising projects. The dogs in care each require medical or behavioral assistance so we're often short on funds - sadly this limits how many dogs we can help!
If you can, please consider donating to our cause either as a one-off or on an ongoing basis. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference! As we are a registered charity, please contact us for a receipt to claim back 33.33% of your donation from the IRD.
Donations can be made via:
The New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Westpac Trust Account:
03-0823-0074502-000
Ref: "KIVA"
By credit or debit card by:
GiveALittle: www.givealittle.co.nz/org/nz-chihuahua-rescue-trust
Paypal: www.nzchihuahuarescue.co.nz/donate-via-paypal
For other ideas on how you can support the charity and rescue dogs, please see here: www.nzchihuahuarescue.co.nz/donate
Adopter Requirements:
Note: any Adopter must be willing and able to to emotionally and financially commit to Kiva. Toy breeds, often face issues with their hips, knees, and joints. While Kiva may continue to live pain-free and never need surgery, her future adopter must be prepared to manage potential health needs and this includes the cost of surgery if required in future This includes maintaining a healthy weight and being ready to provide dental or orthopedic care, which small breeds often require. It's important to consider the ongoing care and possible expenses involved in adopting a toy breed, especially with Kiva’s current health findings.
Adoption Fee: $500.00. to be paid to the NZCR trust account no. 03-0823-0074502-000
Note: Before applying to adopt, please ensure you meet the adopter requirements listed above. These guidelines are set with the dogs' needs in mind, based on input from foster carers. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be declined as there are no exceptions. Please review the criteria carefully. Thank you!
Our adoption fees consider the dog's age, health, and any ongoing care costs. These fees cover micro-chipping (including NZCAR registration), vaccinations, de-sexing, council registration (current year) and any other treatments required. This includes flea and worm treatments, medications, additional surgeries such as a dental, and food. We do not accept payment plans as adopters must demonstrate financial readiness for a pet. Please read more about our adoption process by clicking below.
A "little" goes a long way. If you can spare $5 to donate, every little bit helps - your generosity is both needed and greatly appreciated!
NZCR are a volunteer-run charity that survives only off of donations and our fundraising projects to be able to continue our good work! But this has been our hardest year yet and we need your help to be able to continue...