ADOPTION PROCESS

CRT, Inc. does not adopt out dogs on a first come, first serve basis.  Because we want to this to be a permanent adoption, we will place the dog in the home best suited for him/her.  We will not hold dogs for homes that are not ready to adopt yet or have not yet been approved.

CRT, Inc. is 100% spay/neuter prior to adoption.  We do NOT make exceptions so please do not ask.  If we have puppies available (which is rare), they will not be available to go to an adoptive home until they are spayed or neutered.  They will also have an increased adoption fee.  Here is some great information about being 100% NBA (neuter before adoption.)

CRT, Inc. does not do out of region adoptions.  A home visit is absolutely required.  If we have no one to do the home visit, we cannot proceed with an adoption.  We have to visit and verify and counsel with each potential adopter.  When we do the visits we often see something that needs to be addressed that the applicant might not think to mention.

If an adoption doesn't "click" and the new home is far from the foster homes, it makes it extremely complicated and difficult to retrieve the animal and get him to either the original or another foster home.

These two points are not just created out of whole cloth.  They are  based on experiences we've already had with adoption situations.

Here's what you need to do...

• Submit an online adoption application

Once you submit the application, you should email the contact person for the dog you're interested in.  If you are not interested in a particular dog, go to our contact page and email the coordinator for your area.  

• We check your personal and vet references

We verify personal and vet references that are given on your online adoption application.  Any other pets that you have must be fully vetted, this includes that they be spayed/neutered and up to date on ALL vaccinations.  No exceptions will be made to this rule, so please do not apply if your pets are not spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations. This also includes cats! All dogs must also be tested for heartworms and on some form of heartworm prevention. If you purchase heartworm prevention from an online pharmacy, we will need copies of your purchase history.

• A home visit is scheduled for your family

A home visit is mandatory for all adopters.  This will involve a rescue volunteer coming to your home and visiting with you.  All family members and pets must be present at the time of the visit.  If you refuse a home visit, your application will be declined.  

• Your information is submitted to the coordinator, foster home and Board of Directors for a decision

Once we have the home visit report, the coordinator for your area and the foster home will discuss your application and home visit report.  They will then forward it to the Board of Directors who will either approve or decline your application for adoption.  We reserve the right to refuse any adoption.  

• We will notify you of your adoption status

We will require you to sign our adoption contract and pay a minimum adoption fee of $200 but this can and will vary in different regions.  The regional adoption fee is listed on each adoptions page.  Fees can and will increase for puppies due to the extra vet work that we must perform on them. This  will help other Chis in need, just as the one you're adopting.

Adoption Information:

These are a few things to remember when looking to adopt a dog from us.  These are only a few of our requirements, not all of them:

• Be an adult with responsibility for maintaining a household (no students).
• Have current identification showing address and/or phone number.
• Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in household.
• Be able to spend the time and money necessary to provide for the training, medical treatment and proper care of the pet.
• Have the resources to make a non-refundable adoption fee .
• Agree to provide the pet with an indoor home and be willing to consider him as a member of the family.
• Understand that all CRT dogs are spayed/neutered, no exceptions.
• Understand that all pets in an adopter's home must be spayed/neutered, no exceptions.
• Understand that all pets in an adopter's home must be fully vaccinated and on heartworm preventative, no exceptions.
• Understand that children's age restriction will be based on their exposure to and experience with the Chihuahua breed.
• Place personal ID on the pet as soon as possible.
• Provide an environment for the animal that will keep him safe and secure.
• Understand that CRT has the right to either deny or approve your adoption application without explanation.

A Few Points To Remember:

• You may not be contacted until there are Chihuahuas available in your area that might be a good match for you.

• Every Chihuahua will not fit into every household. It is left to the discretion of the Regional Coordinator as to whether to approve a placement.

• We do not adopt out dogs to be given as gifts. If someone you know would like a Chihuahua, have that person fill out the application form. You could offer to pay the adoption fee if you would like it to be a "gift."

• After you have filled out the application, please go back and email the coordinator from the state in which you live to notify him/her of your application.

Why should you spay/neuter instead of breed? - here's a great article!

Facts on spaying/neutering your pet!