NZ Chihuahua Rescue Grant

Casey from Bishopdale

New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue ("NZCR") is a registered Charitable Trust founded in 2017 after a need for a rescue dedicated specifically to the re-homing of Chihuahuas (and Chihuahua crosses) was identified. Although we are based in Christchurch, NZCR operate throughout the entirety of New Zealand. The aims of our charity are as follows: To rescue Chihuahuas from situations of neglect and abuse and place them in suitable foster care arrangements and/or permanent homes; To collect and re-home Chihuahuas which are unclaimed and due to be euthanized from Council Pounds in the areas in which the Trust is operating; To provide facilities and resources to assist in the control of the population of unwanted Chihuahuas by de-sexing those placed in the Trust’s care; To raise funds for to benefit of Chihuahuas in the care of the Trust, as required; and To prevent, by education or other means, irresponsible breeding and ownership of the breed and educate the public as to how the breed should be best cared for, so that there are less Chihuahuas surrendered to be re-homed. We ensure ALL trust dogs are: de-sexed, vaccinated up to date, micro-chipped (and registered on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register), registered with the local Council, flea and wormed and fit and healthy to be adopted generally. However, as a breed specific rescue, we are finding that we often have to go over and above in terms of what “normal” all-breed rescues may have to provide in terms of medical treatment. As a breed, Chihuahuas are known to have extensive dental issues, joint problems, chronic heart failure and eye issues. This means our medical costs are the largest expense we have as a rescue. NZCR are a small charity. We have not received any grants as yet and do not receive any government funds. Our Rescue survives solely off of donations, fundraising efforts and support from sponsors. Currently, we simply do not have the funds that many of the larger and well-known Rescues and charities in our area do. A quick search of the charities register confirms this. NZCR work with breeders or show dog exhibitors to take in dogs they no longer have a use for, backyard breeders, local Pounds and Animal Shelters, private surrenders and other Rescues to ensure that dogs are safe, their medical issues are addressed and they can be safely re-homed to loving, stable, forever homes through our Trust.NZCR are very proud to say we have assisted over 45 dogs throughout the Country. We are New Zealand’s first and only Chihuahua breed specific Rescue. Our team consists of Trustees and foster carers who are knowledgeable about the breed with various qualifications and knowledge on dog rehabilitation; and our vet is a passionate expert on the breed and New Zealand’s only ethical accredited Chihuahua breeder. We believe we offer these dogs the very best chance at safely being re-homed and also take on 100% of their medical costs and ensure they are fit for adoption. If we were able to receive your assistance, we could extend our outreach further.