Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport was founded by a Canadian who realized the need for a breed specific dog rescue organization.

In 1996, the Secretary of the Chihuahua Club of America learned of a breeder in Texas who developed Alzheimer’s and ‘forgot’ her 17 Chihuahuas. By the time this was discovered, the Chihuahuas were in pretty bad shape. The breeder’s family members gave permission to allow the Chihuahuas to be taken into foster care until permanent homes could be found. A message was posted to a Chihuahua email discussion list and there was immediate response from people who wanted to adopt one or more of these Chihuahuas.

Because of the logistical difficulties, stress and unfavorable conditions of flying animals by commercial airlines, they were frustrated at having good homes inaccessible because of location. In a moment of madness, Pat Weir, a list member in Nanaimo, BC, wondered aloud on the list “if only we could organize a network of volunteers who would foster and drive Chihuahuas to new homes”. Within within 24 hours, dozens of volunteers had stepped forward.

In May 1999, the first founders officially formed Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport as it exists today.  The dog rescue organization currently has Regional Coordinators in most Canadian provinces, and looks to continue its growth and representation across the country on an ongoing basis.

When is CCRT called upon?

Chihuahuas come into our care in a variety of ways. Shelters and humane societies across Canada will contact us when they need our help. Owners will surrender their dogs to us should they no longer be able to care for them. Finally, if someone knows of a Chihuahua facing death, abandonment, or abuse, we encourage that person to notify the CCRT Committee by posting a message to the CCRT internet mailing list or contacting one of the Area Co-Ordinators.

Chihuahuas must be legally and ethically available for adoption and be voluntarily relinquished for adoption by the person or organization having ownership or legal custody. If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please fill in our convenient Online Adoption Application. The CCRT committee will review the application and a representative will contact you shortly.

Adoption Fees

Adoptive homes are asked to pay an adoption fee to the CCRT to cover expenses incurred such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, heart worm test and preventative medication, other necessary medical care such as dental work, as well as transportation and fostering expenses.

It is mandatory that all dogs be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and on heart worm preventative medication (where geographically necessary) before going to an adoptive home.

Please see Adoption Process for a detailed step by step outline of the guideliness CCRT follows in placing dogs into forever homes.