How to Start a Chihuahua Rescue Group in Utah

Chihuahuas are the oldest dog breed on the North American continent. Their heritage is traceable to Aztec royalty. Their popularity within high society has gone up and down throughout the years; recently, they have again become a widely popular breed, due to celebrities proudly showing them off as new accessories to match their purses. This popularity comes with a price, as many people adopt Chihuahuas without doing research into their background. These new owners quickly decide they cannot handle the responsibility and take these poor dogs to the shelter. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, shelters cannot afford to feed and care for these animals. Many times, they are put to sleep. Luckily, life can change for these dogs with the creation of a Chihuahua rescue group. Here's how to set one up in Utah.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure you follow the law. After deciding to create a dog rescue group in Utah, you need to obtain legal advice. A lawyer will be able to educate you on the various laws that govern how many animals you may keep and what type of licenses you may be required to have, as well as helping you ensure that your contracts are legal and guiding you through the process of becoming nonprofit.

2. Learn as much as possible about Chihuahuas and their temperament, so you can make good matches with potential owners. Chihuahuas are high-energy, loyal but skittish animals. In addition, many of your dogs will come from less-than-desirable homes. These factors will greatly influence which Utah households will be a good environment for your rescue dogs.

3. Create a screening process. Plan to ask potential owners about their previous pets, their willingness to train animals and their home life.

4. Establish a contract for adoption. After screening the potential family, you will need to impress upon them the importance of the commitment they will be making to the Chihuahua. A good contract should lay out sterilization guidelines and the behavior that is expected from the new owners. Utah state laws require that any animals adopted be sterilized within 30 days of adoption. If the animal is under 6 months old, the sterilization must occur within 30 days of the dog's 6-month birthday. In order to ensure that new families take this law seriously, you will be required to impose a sterilization deposit, which you refund after proof of sterilization is provided.

5. Get volunteers. You need people to shelter and take care of the dogs while you seek their permanent owners. You will need someone to run a website advertising the animals you have available for adoption, and several more to help with placing the dogs in good homes. It is also important for you to have help spreading the word that you are working to save Chihuahuas. Finally, you will need assistance in setting up fund-raisers that will help you meet your operating needs.

6. Work with pet stores. Petsmart and PetCo are two of many pet stores in Utah that are known for their willingness to work with rescues. Pet stores can serve as a great place to show the dogs you have for adoption. They may be willing to let you bring in animals so that their customers can see the dogs. Pet stores may also be able to extend special discounts or make donations to your operating budget. Those pet stores with veterinarians on-site may award discounts on the Chihuahua’s medical care, while stores with grooming services may provide free or inexpensive grooming when the Chihuahuas are adopted.

Resources

• PetRescue.com
• Petfinder
• Freewebs