How to Adopt a Chihuahua in California

Chihuahuas are some of the best small dogs around. While they may be small, we’ll be the first to tell you that they don’t act like little princesses. Instead, Chihuahuas have a lot of personality and love to bark, engage with you, train, and explore their surroundings. For these reasons, there’s a lot you need to learn about Chihuahuas before you even consider adopting one.

Sure, their big black eyes and cute little bodies may have drawn you in, but are they really small enough to live in a one-bedroom apartment in LA? Or are they too small for a bigger property in one of San Diego’s suburbs? Plus, it’s important to know how Chihuahuas respond to California’s warm climate, air quality, and much more.

So, does the prospect of a small dog with a lot of personality still sound like something you’re interested in? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article takes you through everything you need to know about Chihuahuas and how to adopt a Chihuahua in California. Read on to learn more.

How Do You Adopt a Chihuahua in California?

Adopting a Chihuahua in California is not hard, but you do have to go through an extensive process that can take two to five days (on average). This is because you have to find a Chihuahua, meet with them to see if their personality is the right fit, and then begin the adoption process. It’s always a good idea to meet them and spend some time with them before placing any type of deposit to ensure that their personality meshes well with you and your family.

Once you’ve found a Chihuahua you want to adopt in California, you can begin the process. The reason it takes a handful of days is because most shelters and rescues will want to verify your identity and background. In fact, California law often requires you to be at least 18 years old and to have a photo ID before you can even proceed with the adoption in many counties, like Placer County. However, once you have this information you can fill out the forms.

The forms will want you to provide information about your previous experience with pets, information about any current pets that you have, and even details about your home. In fact, many shelters and rescues will want to do a home visit to ensure that you have enough space to care for a Chihuahua. Many shelters and rescues will also reach out to your references to ensure that you’re a good fit for a dog.

Once the shelter or rescue goes through your paperwork and approves you for adoption, you can take your Chihuahua home. Also, if you come across a foster program, the process is similar unless you plan on raising them from a baby.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chihuahua in California? You can expect the cost to be around $50 to $350 for a Chihuahua in California. However, some shelters may charge a bit more for puppies than older dogs (more than six months old). California counties often limit how much it costs to license and offer dogs for adoption, which is why the cost is lower than in some other states. Typically, adoption fees cover vaccinations and surgeries like spaying or neutering.

How Should I Train a Chihuahua? Every dog has a unique personality but we do have some tips to help you train your Chihuahua. These dogs can be a little stubborn at first, so we recommend establishing a routine with them. Pick a time and train them in short intervals a few times weekly. You know how your dog knows when it’s time for a w-a-l-k? They’ll respond the same way to training once you establish that routine. To ensure that your dog loves training, we recommend focusing on positive reinforcement. This is a training method that revolves around rewarding your dog every time they do something right without disciplining them every time they do something wrong. What makes this work well is that they’ll associate training with rewards instead of anger. That said, we always recommend having a game plan when it’s time to train your dog. Starting with something like a Basic Obedience course will help you set a foundation for your dog’s training plan that’s both effective and healthy. Dog Training with Dog Academy

---

Find the Right Chihuahua in California for You

Finding the right Chihuahua for you comes down to understanding the unique needs of this breed and how to care for them. While you can fit one in a small San Diego apartment, that doesn’t always mean you should because of their barking habits, unless you socialize them. What’s more, proper training may be necessary if you want to take them outdoors and to dog parks.

The good news is that those are the only hurdles you have to overcome when adopting a Chihuahua. In fact, Chihuahuas make great canine companions due to their temperament and minimal grooming and health needs. Once you prepare for California’s in-depth adoption process and have the money for the adoption fee, it comes down to finding a Chihuahua in California near you.