Canadian Chinchilla Rescue

Canadian Chinchilla RescueCanadian Chinchilla RescueCanadian Chinchilla Rescue

Canadian Chinchilla Rescue

Canadian Chinchilla RescueCanadian Chinchilla RescueCanadian Chinchilla Rescue
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  • Available chinchillas
  • Adoption Process
  • Adoption Application
  • Your Chinchilla's Cage
  • Chinchilla Diet
  • Health
  • Bringing your chin home
  • Chinchilla mutations
  • Chinchilla Shopping List

Adoption Process

How it works…

So you have seen the chinchillas and have decided that you want to adopt a chinchilla. Now what?  

The first step is that you MUST read over all the info on this site as it offers a lot of CORRECT information. Even if you think you know all there is to know about chinchillas, this site follows the same chinchilla caring philosophy that we do.  It covers everything from behaviour, to health, to cages, safe treats and proper items for chins. (please read the site, your answers to the application tell us if you have read it or not, ).

Then we need you to fill out the adoption application form.  This form has a variety of questions you need to fill out and also undertand that NO rescue is to be bred EVER.  We also request that if anything happens and you can't look after your chinchilla you must return it to the rescue.  These questions help up figure out what chinchilla is a good match for you and how much you really know about chinchillas. 

 We will have follow up questions based on your application and will go over different areas.  This process is not a fast process. WE WILL NOT RUSH THROUGH THIS.  We take out time to ensure that everything is legit.  There are many people that really don't have the animals best interest at hand and we do our best to weed those people out. Sometimes it can take time for us to respond to emails and your patience will be appreciated and we won't tolerate to be told what schedule you want us to use. We don't do quick adoptions. 

 Once you have filled out the form you can come by and meet the chinchilla to see if this is really the chinchilla for you.  You will not go home with a chinchilla that day.  This gives you time to get everything ready for that chin.  As well Foster Moms will give the rescue insight into the person that came by.  If they understand the care involved with a chinchilla and if they are a good match.  AND we know when someone hasn't read the info site.  

You need to get your cage and supplies ready. Once your cage is ready we ask for you to send us a picture of it. NOTE: We want cages that are safe for the chinchillas.  During the visit you will see how our cages are and that is how we would like them.  If your cage does not meet our standards you can and will be denied the adoption at that point.  A chinchilla spends most of its time in their cage and as such it needs to meet all their needs.  Unsafe or empty cages are not going to pass.  If you are unsure, please just ask us.  Everything you need is in the shopping list.  

Once you are approved you are able to pay the adoption fee and pick up your chinchilla. 

We also offer our support after you have taken your chinchilla home.  We are here to answer any question and help with any situation that may come up. 

This process may seem more involved when people are able to walk into a pet store and walk out moments later with a chinchilla but we want these chins to be place in a forever home.  Too many people jump without looking when it comes to chinchillas and in the end it's the chins that suffer.  These chins have already had at least one home, sometimes more so they deserve the time we take to find them the perfect home.  Sometimes the adoption process can take weeks or even months depending on circumstances.  It's not something we will speed up.  

NOT everyone will be approved.  There are many requests from many people that just aren't a good match for the rescues.  We will look at each person thoroughly and will ensure that the rescues are going to a great home that will be a great match.  Just because you fill out a form does not entitle you to a chinchilla from us.  We value the respect this rescue has and will continue to hold ourselves to high standards.  

If things don't work out

Sometimes things just don't work out.  In the event that you no longer can care for the chinchilla you adopted from the CCR, you MUST return the chinchilla to us.  Chinchillas adopted from us are not to be sold, given away or sent off with anyone.  We will always take back a chinchilla.  We will not refund adoption fees and ask that any of the chins items that were sent with the chin, be returned as well.  

OUR goal is to not have chinchillas moving from home to home so we ask that you seriously think over adoption before you have the chinchilla.   

Cages when adopting

The cage is one of the biggest issues for people wanting to adopt a chinchilla.  Because of this we are changing our guidelines.  

The ferret nation cage is our choice for all of our chinchillas.  You must modify this cage so there is no plastic in the cage. This includes the bottom pan and the shelves.  Chinchillas MUST have ample shelves in their cage.  You must have longer shelves and shorter shelves.  

Things your cage should have:

Glass water bottle

Pine shelves (MANY- on each level of a ferret nation I use 1 long shelf and 5 smaller shelves)

Hidey house

Hammock

Toys

Metal Pans

Bedding or fleece

Wheels are optional but a great item for your chinchilla.

What to expect when adopting a rescue?

So you are bringing home a rescue chinchilla now what?  Like getting any chinchilla from whatever situation, the best two things to remember are TIME and PATIENCE. You will need both when dealing with chinchillas.  

After you get your chinchilla home and in their new cage, the best thing to do is just leave them be.  For the first day I wouldn't try to touch them and just talk to them when you go by the cage.  Depending on the chinchilla you will know just how long you have to do this for. Some chins adapt very well to new places and are quite happy to come up to.  Others want to be left alone.  

If after a day or two they will let you touch their face then go for it.  If not, then just wait. Some chins will take treats from your hands and feeding a pinch of oats (old fashioned kind) out of your hand is a great way to get them to trust you.  

Dusting is something chinchillas love to do BUT because they are a prey animal some will not dust around you at first.  You can put a duster in their cage and walk away or set up a playpen and have a duster in their playpen.  I like to have their cage door open so they can go in and out as they like.  Some chins won't come out for a playtime until they are comfortable.

You may be kacked at by your chin, they may bark in the middle of the night, females may spray and some may bite.  These are normal behaviours BUT they may go away once your chin is more comfortable.  I have chins that kack at me that I've had for years.  Some bark a lot.  It's just how some chins are.  

A chinchilla is not known as a cuddly pet but some do crave your attention and will let you give scritches.  With Time and Patience you will get to know your chin and you will learn just how much attention they want from you.  Don't take it personally, some chins just don't want to be handled or touched.  Some do.  They are all unique and that's what makes chinchillas such a great pet. 

 I have chins that want no part of me unless I'm there with a treat, and others that want to be held and patted.  

Talking to your chin will get them used to you.  Offer then a hidey house in their cage so they can go hide if they want to.  I also put fleece on top of my cages so they feel far more comfortable.  

Don't give up on your chinchilla.  Some need a longer time to settle in but in the end it's worth it!

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