Photo: Angel and Shaya, 8 and 9 years of age. These two "siblings" were adopted out together by NZ Chihuahua Rescue after their elderly owner entered care. Both had their vaccinations bought up to date, blood-testing and dentals from the Trust. We also found out that Shaya suffered an untreated liver condition. Both dogs are now happy and healthy, living with their new family in the North Canterbury area.

***NOTE: Rescues are an essential service and as such, we are still able to assist with dogs that need to be surrendered urgently into our care, regardless of what level New Zealand is in with regard to covid-19. Please see the Covid tab for more information and contact us if you need urgent assistance with re-homing your Chihuahua or Chi-cross. ***

We understand that there may be many reasons why you (or someone you know) can no longer care for their Chihuahua, or Chihuahua cross.  It is important for you to know that we are not here to judge your reasons and we understand it is often a very emotional process to let go, regardless of the circumstances. We are always happy to assist and guide you and your furry one through the re-homing process.

We are also happy to work privately with Breeders or Exhibitors of Chihuahuas who are looking to re-home ex-breeding or ex-showing dogs. Some of our Trustees come from dog-showing backgrounds and understand that once retired, dogs may need to be placed in a loving forever pet home.

We also happily accept dogs or puppies with special needs and there is no age limit on the Chihuahuas we accept! We have had dogs who are over ten years of age be placed in their loving forever homes.

When dogs are placed in our care we provide behavioral rehabilitation, medical treatment, de-sexing, up to date vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, micro-chipping and registration on the NZ Companion Animal Register and Council registration for each dog. Once they are fit to be adopted, we vet the potential applicants and make sure that the very best forever homes are chosen. 

Feel free to contact us for a no-obligations discussion on the process. Your details and information are kept privately within our team. Please also let us know if you do not wish for the reasons for re-homing to be advertised, or the dog's name to be changed. If you are already sure that you wish to re-home your dog, please see the below steps on how to.

* Please take a look at our "success stories" tab above for reviews on our services, stories of our rescues and others' experiences with our Rescue.

PROCESS TO RE-HOME A DOG VIA NZ CHIHUAHUA RESCUE - HOW DO I START?

Step 1:
If you would like some assistance in finding a suitable new home for a dog please complete the form at the bottom of the page. 

This form provides us with all of the information we require to place the dog in the best possible forever or foster home. 

Please be as honest as possible in terms of any medical treatments the dog may need or behavioral quirks. This does not change our commitment to assisting you! We simply need as much information as possible to be able to pair the dog with a suitable foster carer and/or address any needs they may have. 

Please email the completed form to us at contact@nzchihuahuarescue.co.nz with a picture of the dog in question, of you have one.

Step 2:

Once your form is received, our Managing Trustee will then be in contact with you by phone or email to discuss and make travel arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: all dogs are flown to our Rescue here in Christchurch for fostering. We have an excellent, caring team of behavioral and medical experts here who have assisted with over 100 rescue dogs now. Please click the below FAQ for information about travel and travel options. But please do be aware that if we are going to assist with rehoming a dog, it must travel to Christchurch as we do NOT foster dogs in the North Island. In order for us to do the very best for them, we must meet each dog and ensure that we both get to know them and address any medical issues before considering their prospective adoptive home.