Houston Chow Chow Connection
About Houston Chow Chow Connection
Houston Chow Chow Connection is for people who are especially drawn to Chow Chows, and for the dogs who need someone to show up for them. Since 2013, this volunteer-driven group has rescued homeless, displaced, and neglected Chows, then matched them with permanent homes, foster care, or, when needed, senior sanctuary support and veterinary treatment. If you want to help dogs that may need a little more time, a little more care, or a very specific home, this is the kind of rescue that meets that moment.
This organization stays focused on one breed, and it does that work with unusual range. Houston Chow Chow Connection takes in Chows with medical, behavioral, and age-related needs, while also offering owner surrender help, foster support, and a senior program for dogs who need extra care.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Chow Chow rescue and rehoming
Rescues Chow Chows in need and places them into permanent adoptive homes.
Foster care
Provides foster homes for rescued dogs and supplies everything at no cost to foster families.
Owner Surrender Program
Helps owners place their dogs through the organization as an alternative to a public shelter or animal control facility.
Senior Program
Supports older Chows in a sanctuary-style program for dogs with medical needs, behavioral traits, or other special care requirements.
Veterinary and rehabilitation care
Provides necessary veterinary care for rescued dogs, including spay/neuter, grooming, and treatment for medical issues and specialized surgeries.
Public education
Shares education on spaying and neutering companion animals and on helping prevent animal cruelty.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Succeeding in meeting the hopes and dreams of potential adopters by matching them with deserving homeless and displaced Chow Chows in need of new forever homes.
Who they serve
Homeless, displaced, rescued, surrendered, senior, abused, neglected, and medically needy Chow Chows, along with potential adopters and foster families.
Their impact
- Re-homed almost 1,500 dogs since inception.
- Ended 2024 saving 154 dogs.
- The senior program has saved over 100 seniors since inception.
- Raised $8,000 on GivingTuesday 2022 against a goal of $6,000.
- Reported 1,102 dogs adopted since inception in its 2022 year-end update.
How your donation helps
- Food and general veterinary care
- Spay and neuter procedures
- Specialized treatments and surgeries
- Grooming for dogs with severe matting or coat issues
- Boarding expenses
- Treatment for skin problems and other medical conditions
- Transport and rescue costs
Our story
Houston Chow Chow Connection grew out of a few people who kept coming back to the same need, what happens to Chow Chows who need help and do not yet have a home. Denise Bailey began rescuing after encountering an injured Chow Chow named Ching, rehabbing and adopting the dog first. Krissey Vlantes, who had grown up with chows and later became more involved after losing her dog Sophie to cancer, helped shape an organization that could serve Houston and the surrounding area. The group began rescuing in 2013 and has stayed volunteer-driven ever since.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Houston Chow Chow Connection’s services.
People interested in adopting a dog can email chowmail.hccc@gmail.com and complete an adoption application. Adoptions require a home visit and reference checks, including vet, personal, and rental references, and adoption fees range from $300 to $450.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Stay Calm & Rescue On!
We provide everything at no cost to our fosters.
All funds from your donations or item purchases will go directly to our rescues.
We ended 2024 saving 154!
Since inception, we have saved over 100 seniors.
Events
GivingTuesday
annualAnnual fundraising effort supported through the organization's website, social media, and mail-in donations.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Houston Chow Chow Connection has shared.
Current needs
- Foster homes
- Volunteers for transport and behind-the-scenes help
- Donations for food and veterinary care
- Support for specialized treatments, surgeries, and senior medical expenses
- Boarding and grooming support
Volunteer opportunities
- Provide a safe and quiet foster home for a rescued dog
- Help with transport
- Help behind the scenes
- Complete the foster or volunteer application
- Foster senior dogs through the senior program
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Houston Chow Chow Connection from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does adoption work?
Adoption starts with an application, then a home visit and reference checks, including vet, personal, and rental references. Adoption fees range from $300 to $450.
How can someone meet an adoptable dog?
If you want to meet an adoptable dog, email chowmail.hccc@gmail.com.
What help do foster homes receive?
Foster families get everything at no cost.
Does the organization take dogs with medical needs?
Yes. It provides necessary veterinary care and takes in dogs that may need specialized treatment, grooming, or surgery.
What is the senior program?
It is a sanctuary-style program for older Chows who need extra care.
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