List of State by State Chihuahua Rescues

Because of overbreeding and improper training, there is an overwhelming number of chihuahuas out there in need of a home. If you are interested in adopting a rescue, check out this list of chihuahua rescue organizations throughout the United States.

I know many members of our club and Facebook page love the breed and would love to adopt a rescued chihuahua to give it a forever home.

Please consider adopting a chihuahua instead of buying. If you want more information about finding a chihuahua rescue, read that article then come back here.

Have trouble finding a chihuahua rescue in your area? If you want to adopt a small dog or need to find a new home for your pet, this great resource can help: Get Your Pet.

Petfinder is another good place to look for a pet.

If you are looking to buy a puppy, check out Puppy Spot.

Chihuahua Rescues Near Me

Below is a list of chihuahua rescue organizations. If there are any that you know of that are not on the list, you can email the info at cathy@ilovemychi.com.

Also please be aware that I have no affiliation with any of these rescues. I cannot personally help you find a dog. All I have done is research what chihuahua rescues are out there and provided it for you here.

And be sure to scroll to the bottom to read important information about caring for your rescued dog.

More Ways to Find a Chihuahua Rescue

Chihuahua being carried in woman's shirt

Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescues

A chihuahua rescue not only wants to provide great homes to these dogs, but they also want to educate and spread awareness about overpopulation, spaying and neutering, abuse, neglect, and the staggering rate of chihuahua abandonment across the country.

The chihuahua is a dog breed that is most commonly found in shelters and rescues; however, out of the small dog rescues, rescued chihuahuas are one of the most adopted small dog breeds as well.

Look here for more info on how to find a chihuahua rescue.

Rescue Chihuahua Stats

Did you know that at least 23 percent of households who own a Chihuahua got their chi from a rescue organization or an animal shelter?

Another 12 percent of chihuahua owners say that they obtained their chihuahua from other ways, including finding one that was thrown out near their home, a friend couldn’t keep theirs, flea markets, found the dog running the streets and couldn’t locate the owner, and even from yard sales.

The chihuahua is also now considered one of the three top breeds found at shelters in the United States. The two dog breeds above the Chihuahua breed are German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers.

Why Are There So Many Chihuahuas in Rescues and Shelters?

The number one reason for them being so commonly found in rescues and shelters is there are just a lot of them!

Another reason has to do with the small size of this particular dog breed. A puppy mill or backyard breeder finds much more of a profit when it comes to these small size dog breeds.

Approximately 15 states as of 2019 have minimal or no regulations in place to shut down these breeder facilities. In those states, the pups are usually sold quickly online instead of in pet stores because the online sale of a chihuahua puppy doesn’t require the breeder to be federally licensed or inspected.

Another big reason there are so many Chihuahuas in rescues and shelters is that dog owners choose this small dog breed before really understanding its size and care requirements.

Most chihuahuas are relatively easy to care for, and grooming is easy compared to larger dogs, but they also have their fair share of dangers and medical problems due to their small size.

For example, if you are excited about a teacup chihuahua, you need to familiarize yourself with the extra care that needs to be shown. A teacup chihuahua is even smaller than a standard chihuahua. It is a tiny pup that is more fragile and will require more attentive care.

T-shirt that says Rescued is My Favorite Breed Shirt

Common Issues with Rescued Chihuahuas

As you can see, a rescue organization is so important because of the high number of Chihuahuas we see across the United States.

Each of these dogs also has its own personality, and that has to be accounted for when rescuing them as well.

If you are thinking about finding a chihuahua for adoption, a chihuahua puppy, or even a senior dog that has spent considerable time in a rescue or animal shelter, then you need to prepare yourself ahead of time.

They may not have as much leash experience as you expected, there may be marking issues with some older male dogs, dental health needs to be checked, and they may need to be housetrained.

Acclimating Your Rescued Chihuahua

If you are getting your Chihuahua from a rescue organization, allow the dog to adapt to their new home at their own pace. They need to build trust with a new dog owner and learn how to navigate their new life.

To learn more about how to help your rescue dog adjust, check out this post.

If you get a puppy, this post will tell you what you need to have before you bring your puppy home.

If you decide to get a senior chi, and they desperately need homes and are often overlooked, this post will help you find what you need for a senior chihuahua.

You should also have a set schedule in place for your chihuahua to help them feel safer and more secure. It will help with any erratic behavior you may notice.

Allow time for an emotional bond to grow between you and your new Chihuahua. Don’t take it personally if they don’t warm up to you right away. This is a new experience for both of you.

Finally, accept boundaries and work on socialization at a pace that works for your Chihuahua. Sometimes they need their own personal space to learn how to figure things out.

If you are looking for a Chihuahua, check out the links we have outlined above for the rescues in your area! Remember, it is always a better idea to rescue and find a chihuahua for adoption when you can!

Ellen

Tuesday 5th of July 2022

just lost my 16 year baby, he was my legal ESA buddy. I am paying off vet bills,so it is hard to deal out a bunch of money at this point. I am still devastated, How can a 4 # dog leave such a gapping hole in my life. I just need to share all the love I have with a baby in need. My little Simon said he would help and send me a pup who needs me as he did. It will happen when right. Waiting for the universe to respond.

Cathy

I'm so sorry for your loss Ellen! Yes these tiny little fur balls can make such a big impact on our lives and leave such a whole when they leave.

Diane Brewer

Monday 24th of May 2021

Here I go again. I would take an older Chi. Like 9 or 10 years old. I just can't do older than that as you become so attached and it is hard to let them go. I have my last Chi with me as I had het cremated. She is in a little heart container with her name on it.

D. P

Saturday 6th of February 2021

Adoption places make it too hard for people to get animals. I got my chi from a crappy kennel, and she was sick, had a hernia, and tendon issues. She was the most amazing dog I ever had! I actually trained her for service! She just recently passed from heart failure.. I am so lost without her! I have tried to adopt, but its impossible! Im going back to other ways. I will choose my own dog, not one chosen for me bu the volunteers or foster people. I know how to choose animals. I am a grown person who has grown with animals since a child! I am 52 and intelligent! If you want those poor animals to have good homes, stop holding them back from those whonl will give it to them. What a shame.

Kimberly

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

@D. P, Totally agree. I’ve been looking for a while and found several rescues I would love to adopt…only to find I have to “live in a specific tri-county area”, “live within one hour of the rescuing agency”, or, as you said, will have a dog picked out for me by the “adoption councilor”(volunteer who knows absolutely nothing about me other than the answer to two or three questions theyve asked). This may be the most exasperating experience of my life. There are so very many of these precious souls in need, but the ones claiming to be their champions/saviors/caretakers make it almost impossible for these dogs to have the one thing the rescue’s claim to want for them-a good, safe, loving home.

Wednesday 10th of February 2021

Yes, many of them don't make it easy to adopt.

Chihuahua Breed Information Guide: Facts and Pictures | BARK

Saturday 8th of June 2019

[…] I Love My Chi Database is also a great place to start when looking to adopt a Chihuahua. Again, due to over breeding and high rates of abandonment, there are many of these dogs in search of homes. Thus, most states have at least one or more local Chihuahua rescue. […]

Mary

Tuesday 28th of August 2018

I'm definitely looking into one of these links to adopt my next chihuahua! I have two wonderful chi's from rescue organizations and I love them so much!

That's great Mary. Hope you find another wonder chi!

Chihuahua Rescues Near Me

NATIONAL

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TEXAS

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON

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WISCONSIN

WYOMING

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AMERICAN SAMOA

GUAM

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

PUERTO RICO

US VIRGIN ISLANDS