If you’re searching for a Chihuahua in NC, start with the best Chihuahua rescues in North Carolina. Because of overbreeding and improper training, many Chihuahuas end up in shelters or rescues and need new homes. Most of these dogs have done nothing wrong to be in the places they are right now. Some of them were given up by their owners due to life changes, and others escape without finding their way home.
One of the best ways to help these dogs is to give them a second chance. By adopting and opening your home, you’re giving them a second chance at life. If you’re having trouble finding the best place to adopt a Chihuahua in North Carolina, worry not, as we’ve got you covered.
After thorough research and consultation, we’ve compiled a list of the best Chihuahua rescues in North Carolina where you can adopt healthy and happy puppies and dogs. Our list comprises passionate and reputable rescue organizations that save these dogs, cater to their unique needs, and find the best homes for them.
These organizations take the time to save these dogs and address the issues that caused them to be surrendered (if any) before looking for the best homes for them. We also recommend you do your little research on the rescue organizations you’re most interested in to ensure they are the best option for you. Without further ado, here are our top picks.
Before scrolling down this list of Chihuahua rescues in North Carolina, check out these other recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Chihuahua Breeders in North Carolina and Best Small Dog Rescues in North Carolina.
1. Chihuahua Rescue and Transport
Chihuahua Rescue and Transport (CRT) is one of the oldest Chihuahua rescue organizations in the United States. This rescue organization was established in 1996 and has rehomed thousands of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes since then.
It is a registered, non-profit organization dedicated to saving Chihuahuas only. CRT is a foster-based rescue, meaning all its rescued dogs are cared for in foster homes until their forever families come for them.
They place the rescued Chihuahuas in approved homes where they receive proper medical attention, care, and love while waiting for their forever families. Besides rescuing and rehoming dogs, this rescue team also educates the public and increases awareness regarding pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.
CRT also promotes the importance of spaying and neutering and creates awareness of the high rates of Chihuahua abandonment and shelter euthanasia. To adopt a dog from this rescue, you must fill out an online application form.
Upon approval of your application, a dedicated team will check your references and then visit your home to ensure it is safe and convenient for the dog. All applicants are thoroughly evaluated to ensure they are the right fit for the dogs.
All the rescued dogs are cared for in safe, loving, and healthy foster home environments. Their foster parents work hard to ensure they feel safe and loved while working on their crate training, housetraining, socialization, and more. All their dogs are:
- Fully vaccinated
- Spayed or neutered
- Fecal tested
- Heartworm tested
- On heartworm preventative
- Microchipped
The dogs will also receive heartworm treatment, luxating patella treatment, and dental work before joining their forever families. Chihuahua Rescue and Transport are known for taking in the infirm, injured, and elderly Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes that cross their path. They also encourage adopters to consider these dogs as well.
Besides North Carolina, CRT serves many other states, including South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Visit their website to see adoptable animals and look for an upcoming meet and greet.
Chihuahua Rescue and Transport Details:
- Location: North Carolina
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Chihuahua Rescue and Transport
2. Second Chance Pet Adoption
Second Chance Pet Adoption is not a breed-specific rescue organization. The organization is dedicated to saving dogs of various breeds and sizes, including Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes.
Since 1987, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, a non-profit animal rescue group, has been rescuing and rehoming abandoned or stray cats and dogs in the Triangle region of North Carolina.
It is one of the oldest no-kill animal rescue organizations in Wake County. As the name implies, this rescue team believes in giving pets a second chance at life by taking them off the streets and out of high-kill shelters and placing them in suitable forever homes.
The ultimate mission of this rescue team is to champion homeless dogs and cats who are treatable or healthy in the quest to find their forever homes. In addition, Second Chance also engages with their community to promote responsible pet ownership, helping to reduce future generations of homeless pets.
Second Chances started back in 1987 when three women, Deborah Ruggero, Cheri Sowter, and Judy Benrude, came together and committed themselves to helping stray and neglected animals in the Triangle.
They started out by taking in and caring for stray dogs and cats they came across. As word spread, more people started bringing stray animals to Second Chance, and the rescue program began to grow.
One of the women built a “cat condo” in her backyard while another penned off part of her backyard for stray dogs. Due to Judy and Cheri’s connections to NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, they were able to receive volunteer time from veterinarians and veterinary students.
Things continued to grow, and in 1989 they made the decision to seek non-profit status in order to establish themselves as a legitimate 501 (c) (3) rescue organization. They started looking for volunteers to aid in the care of the animals and the selection of candidates.
Other volunteers started fostering pets, organizing fundraisers, and connecting rescued pets with possible forever homes. For all the animals in its program throughout this time, Second Chance relied on foster homes.
However, as Second Chance grew and added new programs, a cage-free no-kill cat facility was integrated in February 2004. Today, Second Chance is one of the largest rescue organizations in the state, rescuing and rehoming hundreds of animals yearly.
Second Chance Pet Adoption Details:
- Location: 6003 Chapel Hill Road Suite 133, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Phone Number: (919) 851-8404
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Second Chance Pet Adoption
3. Piedmont Animal Rescue
Piedmont Animal Rescue was established to raise awareness for pet adoption and animal rescue. The president and visionary of Piedmont Animal Rescue (PAR), Jason Benge, had a dream to create a family of volunteers and rescuers who would help pets have a better chance at life.
PAR is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats in their local neighborhood. You can adopt various dog breeds from this rescue organization, including Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes.
They also assist other little animals like rabbits and hamsters to find lovely forever homes where they will live for the rest of their lives. PAR is a non-profit organization that solely relies on donations and support from pet lovers across the country.
Since its emergence, this rescue organization has saved more than 6,700 animals and rehomed over 5,700. One thing we love about this rescue is that they abide by their no-kill policy, so their rescued pets remain with them for life if they don’t get adopted.
PAR does not leave any pets behind in its rescue mission. The organization rescues the sick, injured, surrendered, abandoned, lost, and neglected pets. Regardless of their mental, physical, or behavioral issues, this rescue team does not back down.
After the rescue, all pets are carefully examined by a veterinarian. The vet also tests them for various health conditions associated with their unique breeds. All injured and sick dogs are treated immediately and monitored closely until they recover fully.
They are also brought up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before being listed for adoption.
Piedmont Animal Rescue Details:
- Location: 228 East Waterlynn Road, Mooresville NC 28117
- Phone Number: (704) 228-1934
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Piedmont Animal Rescue
4. Paws Place Dog Rescue
The next organization on our list of the best Chihuahua rescues in NC is Paws Place Dog Rescue. This rescue organization does not focus only on Chihuahuas but occasionally rescues and rehomes them. You can contact them to confirm the availability of a Chihuahua before filling out the adoption form.
The Paws Place Dog Rescue organization is more than just a no-kill facility. No matter how long it takes, their aim is to place every dog they rescue in a loving home. Each life is important.
This no-kill, non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs of various breeds and sizes. They operate solely on donations, volunteers, and unending love for pets.
Paws Place Dog Rescue was founded in Brunswick in 1999. Fortunately, the organization got its non-profit status the same year. PPDR is located in Winnabow, North Carolina but saves and rehomes pets across the state.
Each of the rescued dogs is thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian when they arrive. They receive age-appropriate vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, started on heartworm preventative, flea and tick prevention, microchipped, and are lavished with love and affection before they are made available for adoption.
Paws Place Dog Rescue Details:
- Location: 242 George II Highway, Winnabow, NC 28479
- Phone Number: (910) 845-7297
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Paws Place Dog Rescue
FAQs
There are many factors contributing to an abundance of Chihuahuas in rescues. First, they can have behavioral issues that are surprising to new Chihuahua owners. They are energetic, lively, and sassy, making them potentially high-maintenance dogs. Behavioral issues are typically easily overcome with training and attention.
Chihuahuas have also been overbred due to their popularity. With an uptick in puppy mills, they were overabundant and many Chihuahuas ended up in shelters.
Chihuahuas are picked up often because of their small stature and tendency to choose one person. However, they should not be picked up by their underarms or the scruff of their neck. Instead, pick them up under their chest with your hand between their front legs, then support their bottom.
Chihuahuas have a range of common health issues, including luxating patella, heart disease, lower respiratory tract disorder, cardiovascular disease, hypoglycemia, tooth and gum disease, spinal cord injury, and bladder issues.
It’s common for dogs to have breed-specific issues. However, Chihuahuas have been overbred due to their popularity, which has worsened some common breed issues for these dogs. Puppy mills and poor breeding standards are the leading causes of worsening these issues.
Conclusion For “Best Chihuahua Rescues in North Carolina (NC)”
Despite being small and manageable, chihuahuas frequently overcrowd rescues and shelters through no fault of their own. This means you can pick from a variety of appearances, ages, and temperaments. Each of the best Chihuahua rescues in North Carolina are great places to start searching for your next Chihuahua.
Bear in mind that keeping a dog can be challenging because you must devote your time and money to caring for them as integral members of your family. Chihuahuas are small but mighty and will add spunk to your life.
For more guides similar to this list of Chihuahua rescues in North Carolina, you can check out:
Before you adopt a Chihuahua companion from a rescue shelter in North Carolina, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “10 Facts About Chihuahuas You Need to Know” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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