Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adopt a dog from the CCRT?

To begin, please fill out an online adoption application on our website.

Your application will be directed to a Regional Coordinator in your area who will review it and follow up with you should a potential match be available. A home visit will be done to determine the suitability of your home for this specific dog. Your veterinarian and/or personal references will also be checked at this time. If all goes well, a “meet and greet” will be arranged so you and the foster dog can meet to ensure this is a great match.

From there, your application, reference and home check as well as details of your “meet and greet” will be reviewed and if approved, the CCRT rescue dog will be placed in your home and become a permanent member of your family. You will be required to sign an adoption contract and provide the adoption fee.

Additional information about the process and adoption fees can be found here.

I’d like to surrender my dog to the CCRT. What should I do?

Please contact the CCRT by email at info@ccrt.net or call us at 1-877-783-7333.

A CCRT volunteer from your area will be in touch to get more information and determine if CCRT can take in your dog. Please note, the CCRT only rescues Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixed-breed dogs.

Are your dogs spayed or neutered?

All CCRT rescues are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted.

Why does the CCRT charge adoption and surrender fees?

The adoption and surrender fees charged by the CCRT go towards the veterinary care required for all of our dogs. All CCRT rescues are spayed/neutered, brought up to date on shots, put on heartworm medication (where necessary), microchipped and have all medical needs taken care of before they are adopted out. Other medical needs may include very costly surgeries, dental work and long term illness care.

Surrender fees are as follows:

  • $100 – for the private surrender of any 1 (one) Chihuahua or Chihuahua mixed-breed dog that is currently unaltered (not spayed or neutered)
  • $50 – for the private surrender of any 1 (one) Chihuahua or Chihuahua mixed-breed dog that has already been altered (is spayed or neutered)

A reminder that all CCRT work is done by volunteers and no one is compensated for their efforts.

I live in the United States. Can I still adopt from the CCRT?

We love our American friends! If you are in the US, please contact the Chihuahua Rescue and Transport, the national Chihuahua rescue group in the States. Their website is www.chihuahua-rescue.com.

Do you supply the dog leashes, dishes, beds, etc., when a foster dog is placed in an adoptive home?

Generally speaking, if a dog is surrendered to the CCRT with certain accessories, these will be passed on to the adoptive home. Otherwise, accessories are owned by the foster home and are kept there so they may be used again for future foster dogs.

I sent in an adoption application two weeks ago. Why haven't I heard from anyone?

The CCRT is run entirely and exclusively by volunteers. These volunteers devote time to CCRT work between their own jobs and families.

We apologize if someone hasn’t gotten back to you in what you consider a timely manner. Please be assured we will be in touch and appreciate your patience and understanding.

What do I do if I know of a Chihuahua (or any other dog) who is being neglected or abused?

For immediate help, please contact your local SPCA or Humane Society. Their contact information can be found in your local phone book or via a quick internet search.

Can I meet a particular dog before I fill out an adoption application for them?

Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. However, a meet and greet is mandatory as part of the adoption process so you will absolutely be able to meet after submitting your application. This is an important step in the process and gives everyone a chance to get to know each other. Should the meet and greet not go well for either you or the dog, you are not obligated to adopt the dog.

What do you look for in an adoptive home?

We look for a variety of things that speak to your commitment to responsible pet ownership. This includes taking proper care of past and current pets, ensuring they are spayed/neutered and realistic expectations about what it means to have a pet. We want to ensure your home is a safe and happy place as it will be the last home your dog ever has. The ultimate goal is to find the right home for the right dog so that everyone, human and furry, is content with the final outcome.

How do I make a donation to the CCRT?

Please visit our Support Us page and find the many ways you can help our group. The CCRT is a federally registered charity and tax receipts are provided for donations over $10.

Am I responsible for the medical expenses of a dog that I foster while volunteering for the CCRT?

No, the CCRT will pay any and all pre-approved medical expenses for your foster dog.

Are CCRT foster dogs microchipped?

Yes, all CCRT rescue dogs are microchipped as soon as possible after they come into our care.

I am interested in adopting a dog. Why does the CCRT ask questions about whether my current pet has been neutered and has had regular veterinary checks?

The CCRT takes responsible pet ownership very seriously and how you care for your current pets is an indicator on how you will care for your adopted Chihuahuas. Even healthy, indoor pets benefit from regular veterinary checkups to ensure they are in good shape inside and out! Even if your pet isn’t showing signs of illness, an annual checkup is an important part of your pet’s wellbeing and is a preventative measure against future illness.

The CCRT does mandate that your current pets be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations or have received a positive titer test.

I’ve reviewed the website profile for your foster dogs and one really stands out for me. However, I have additional questions about the dog. How can I get more information without completing an adoption application?

We’d be happy to provide more details and answer your questions. Please email us at info@ccrt.net or call us at 1-877-783-7333 with your queries and a CCRT volunteer will be in touch.

Am I responsible for all medical expenses once I adopt a CCRT foster dog?

Yes, once you adopt a dog from the CCRT, you are entirely responsible for all care the dog requires. When you adopt one of our rescues, your adoption contract will state all vet care the dog has received to date and when he/she is due for annual shots or follow up care.

If you are unsure that your budget will allow you to take on the financial responsibility of vet and other care, you are encouraged to reconsider your decision to adopt a dog until you are more financially stable.

The foster dog I’m interested in is in another city/province. Will my adoption application for that dog still be considered? How will the dog be transported to me?

Yes, your adoption application will still be considered even if you and your future furry family member live far apart. A “meet and greet” is mandatory and you will be responsible for all costs associated with getting to that meeting (i.e., gas, flights, hotels, meals, etc.) in the city where the foster dog is being cared for. If your application is approved and the dog must be transported to your home, you are fully responsible for all logistics and costs associated with that transport. If the transport involves flying the dog, the dog must fly in cabin (no cargo) in an airline approved soft sided carrier accompanied by the adopter.

I’d love to volunteer for the CCRT. How do I get started?

Thank you for considering becoming a volunteer for the CCRT! To begin the process, please fill out a volunteer application here. Once received, it will be directed to a Regional Coordinator in your area who will contact you about your application. Our most pressing need at this time is for foster homes and fundraising and event assistance.

Do you take in dog breeds other than Chihuahuas?

The CCRT rescues only Chihuahua or Chihuahua mixed- breed dogs. If you have a dog of another breed, please contact your local SPCA or Humane Society or conduct an internet search for local dog rescue organizations.

I have adopted a Chihuahua from the CCRT and wish to return the dog. Is this possible?

Not only is this possible, it’s mandatory as part of your adoption contract that the dog be returned to CCRT if you are no longer able to care for him/her. Please contact the Regional Coordinator you dealt with when you first adopted the dog, email us at info@ccrt.net or call us at 1-877-783-7333.

What can I expect when I adopt a rescued dog?

Please read some information about the adoption adjustment period here or contact the CCRT volunteer who assisted you during the adoption process. We are here to help!

How to Keep Your Pets Safe While Driving

CCRT believes that pet safety is of utmost importance when travelling. The attached article provides great tips for safe & enjoyable travels with your chi & other pets. How to Keep Your Pets Safe While Driving

My question wasn't answered here. What do I do?

Please feel free to email us at info@ccrt.net or call us at 1-877-783-7333. Your question will be directed to one of our volunteers who will be in touch to assist you.