How to Start a Chihuahua Dog Rescue

By Chris Carmichael

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Pet first aid kit
Local rescue/animal care license if required
Transport pet kennels
Indoor kennels
Potty pads
Pet nursing bottles
Powdered puppy formula
Chihuahua-sized muzzle
Dog food wet and dry
Dog dishes
Pet blankets
Pet beds
Kennel sanitizer

Step 1:
Contact your local animal control office, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the Humane Society to check out your local animal laws and to get any special licensing. Laws vary but generally you will need permission to house over a certain number of animals at a time. Your local ASPCA or Humane Society should also be able to direct you to low-cost veterinarians willing to help rescue organizations.
Step 2:
Create a space to house the rescued chihuahuas until they are adopted out or placed in foster care. Ideally, whether it is in a home or another building, there should be several separate areas, including a quarantine room for new arrivals. Wood or tile floors are easier to sanitize--avoid carpeting in the quarantine room.
Step 3:
Solicit volunteers. Find people willing to transport rescued chihuahuas to vet appointments and people willing to foster rescued chihuahuas. You can look for volunteers through friends or through posting fliers at pet stores and veterinary clinics.
Step 4:
Determine how many chihuahuas you can afford to care for at a time (and have the space to care for at a time). Start small at the beginning because it is very easy to overwhelm your budget. Rescuing animals can get expensive quickly. With limited resources, you must plan this out wisely.
Step 5:
Open a savings account or checking account specifically for your rescue organization. This will help you keep track of funds and will be especially beneficial if you later choose to incorporate as a non-profit animal rescue.
Step 6:
Contact your local newspaper to let them know of your new rescue organization and any supplies or funds you need donated. Many reporters enjoy doing stories on animal rescue groups. The publicity might bring you donations and extra volunteers—or even potential adopters.
Step 7:
Create a website for your rescue organization. An online presence can generate positive publicity and donations for your rescue.
Step 8:
Create business cards and fliers for your rescue. Pet stores often have designated areas where anyone can post a flier. Business cards are always good to have on hand to give to prospective volunteers or adopters.
Step 9:
Create an adoption contract. This contract should, among other things, specify what should happen to the animal if things don't work out in the new home. Most rescuers specify that the animal should be returned to the rescue organization.

Tips & Warnings

After starting your rescue, consider applying for non-profit status. This can take some time and requires a fee but will benefit your rescue organization in the long run. Companies, shelters and private individuals will take your rescue more seriously and will donate more freely.
Purchase chihuahua care supplies in bulk or ask for donations to cut costs.
Some pet food companies may give your rescue organization a discount.
Always take anti-bite precautions when dealing with animals with an unknown rabies vaccination record. Avoid contact with saliva or other secretions for the same reason. Thick leather gloves should be sufficient for handling small breeds. Newly rescued dogs should be vet-checked as soon as possible.
Always keep newly rescued chihuahuas quarantined to prevent the spread of contagious diseases they may be carrying, such as mange or parvo virus.

Resources

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