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The map below is designed to help pet owners locate Vet Clinics that see the importance in early Chagas testing that could ultimately save your pets life. 

Please be advised that this map does not include all Vet clinics that test for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. 

All clinics below have either sent out a Chagas test or are more than willing to do so; if your pet was tested for Chagas disease and you'd like to add your Vets clinic to the map, please email us a screenshot of the test results and clinic information.

Chagas Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where is TracysPawsRescue located?
    We are located in Hondo, Texas.
  • How do I foster for TracysPawsRescue?
    Because our rescue being located in Hondo, Texas, you must be relatively close to us in order to take foster dogs to Vet appointments and drop them off prior to transport. You can fill out a foster application here: https://www.tracyspawsrescue.org/foster-application
  • How do I adopt from TracysPawsRescue?
    Step 1: Fill out online application Hover your mouse over the "adopt" tab, then click "Adoption Application" Step 2:Make sure all of your references (and veterinarian, if applicable) are expecting a call & wait for approval from our adoption team We are an all volunteer team, please allow 3-5 business days Step 3: Pay adoption fee Once your adoptions manager has given you the "OK" to adopt, a secure link will be sent to your phone via text message which will allow you to pay the adoption fee. Local adoption fee (pickup in Hondo, Texas) Puppy: $350 + 8.25% tax Adult dog: $300 + 8.25% tax​ ​​​Transport fee: $50-$150 depending on location
  • How can I help TracysPawsRescue?
    Please visit our "Support TPR" to learn how you can help support our mission! https://www.tracyspawsrescue.org/support-tpr
  • I found a dog, what do I do?"
    1.) First check to see if the dog has a collar. Most collars have traditional metal dog tags with information engraved, while some may have written or embroidered information directly on the collar itself. 2.) Call a local Veterinarian or Animal Shelter and ask to bring the dog in to be scanned for a microchip. 3.) If you cannot get to a vet clinic or the dog does not have a microchip- locate major identifiers of the dog such as sex, color(s), location found, docked tail/cropped ears, etc. 4.) Use major identifiers to search Facebook- do NOT enter in the breed unless you are absolutely certain! For best results, join and search Facebook groups in your city and surrounding cities. Dogs can run several MILES away from home! 5.) Use major identifiers to search PawBoost.com and other search engines 6.) Create digital AND printed fliers with the dogs description and post them at local Vet Clinics (with their permission), Shelters, neighborhood cummunity centers, facebook groups, PawBoost and other Lost-Dog websites. **To ensure the dog is going to the right home, ask the potential owner for a photo of the dog. If they do not have a photo, ask for a piece of information that only the owner would know, such as the color of the collar the dog was wearing, any spay/neuter scars or tattoos, distinguishing marks etc.
  • How much is the adoption fee?
    Local adoption: Puppy: $350 + 8.25% tax Adult dog: $300 + 8.25% tax​ ​​​Transport fee: $50-$150 depending on location
  • Why is it mandatory for my dog(s) to be on Heartworm preventative year-round?
    Mosquitos are the sole transmitters of heartworm larvae and can be found year-round in many states. Some veterinarians in northern parts of the U.S. practice "seasonal prevention" because mosquitos "shut down" and aren't as prevalent when the temperarture drops during winter months. Due to the unpredictability of winter temperatures and the severity of heartworm disease, the most responsible course of action is to have your dog(s) on heartworm prevention year-round.
  • What does the adoption fee include?
    The adoption fee includes: Spay/neuter Microchip Chagas test Up to date on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccine (dogs 14wks+) Heartworm test and monthly prevention while under our care Monthly Flea & tick prevention while under our care Socialization with other dogs while under our care Wellness exam conducted by a Licensed Veterinarian
  • Does _______ get along with cats? kids? dogs?
    We only have dogs at our rescue, so we are only able to tell you how a dog gets along with other dogs at our rescue. We cannot guarantee that any of our dogs will get along with your cat(s), kid(s), or dog(s), but we can tell you how our dogs have responded previously if they have been exposed to them on our property or in a foster home.
  • Is there an age limit to adopt from TPR?
    We do not have a maximum age limit for our adopters, but we do require that all adopters be at least 21 years old.
  • Is _______ hypoallergenic/non-shedding?
    While some of our dogs may be "hypoallergenic," we cannot guarantee this for any of them, as some dogs tend to shed more during certain times of the year or in different environments. If you have severe allergies and must have a hypoallergenic dog, or minor allergies and are not willing to tolerate them, we kindly ask that you adopt locally.
  • Do I have to live in Texas to adopt from TPR?
    No. We accept applications from individuals living in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Can I meet the dog before adopting?
    We require all of our dogs to be pre-adopted online prior to being transported out of Texas, so in those cases, no. If you are located in Texas, we require that you have an approved adoption application first before scheduling a meet-and-greet. Please keep in mind that we are all volunteers, so our time is limited- please do not schedule a meet & greet unless you are serious about adopting a dog.
  • Can you help me find this dog a home?
    Our space is very limited and we work closely with specific shelters and rescues in South Texas. Please keep in mind that we do not pull from shelters out of state and do not transport for other organizations. In addition to sending us a message, here is what you can do to help a dog find a home: - Foster the dog until a rescue can be found - Contact other rescues and no-kill shelters - Ask friends and family members if they can foster or adopt - Some organizations may not have the funds to rescue another dog: pledging to donate money towards a dogs rescue may allow an orginization to afford rescuing that dog.
  • How big will ________ get?
    Almost all of our dogs come from the city shelter, so in most cases, we do not know who the parents are and cannot guarantee how big a dog will get. If weight and size are a concern, we suggest adopting an adult or senior dog that is expected to be done growing.
  • Is _______ house-trained?
    We cannot guarantee that any of our dogs are house-trained, as most of them come from a shelter environment and will not be in a home-environment while under our care unless they are in a foster home. We cannot guarantee housetraining even for those in foster care because some dogs may react differently to a new environment, so please plan to provide house training.
  • Does _______ get along with cats? kids? dogs?
    We only have dogs at our rescue, so we are only able to tell you how a dog gets along with other dogs at our rescue. We cannot guarantee that any of our dogs will get along with your cat(s), kid(s), or dog(s), but we can tell you how our dogs have responded previously if they have been exposed to them on our property or in a foster home.
  • Is _______ hypoallergenic/non-shedding?
    While some of our dogs may be "hypoallergenic," we cannot guarantee this for any of them, as some dogs tend to shed more during certain times of the year or in different environments. If you have severe allergies and must have a hypoallergenic dog, or minor allergies and are not willing to tolerate them, we kindly ask that you adopt locally.
  • How big will ________ get?
    Almost all of our dogs come from the city shelter, so in most cases, we do not know who the parents are and cannot guarantee how big a dog will get. If weight and size are a concern, we suggest adopting an adult or senior dog that is expected to be done growing.
  • Is _______ house-trained?
    We cannot guarantee that any of our dogs are house-trained, as most of them come from a shelter environment and will not be in a home-environment while under our care unless they are in a foster home. We cannot guarantee housetraining even for those in foster care because some dogs may react differently to a new environment, so please plan to provide house training.
  • How do I adopt from TracysPawsRescue?
    Step 1: Fill out online application Hover your mouse over the "adopt" tab, then click "Adoption Application" Step 2:Make sure all of your references (and veterinarian, if applicable) are expecting a call & wait for approval from our adoption team We are an all volunteer team, please allow 3-5 business days Step 3: Pay adoption fee Once your adoptions manager has given you the "OK" to adopt, a secure link will be sent to your phone via text message which will allow you to pay the adoption fee. Transported dogs: $375 Adults & puppies 6mo+ $425 Puppies younger than 6 months Local adoption: $200 + 8.25% taxAdults & puppies 6mo+ $250 + 8.25% tax puppies younger than 6 months ​
  • How much is the adoption fee?
    Local adoption: Puppy: $350 + 8.25% tax Adult dog: $300 + 8.25% tax​ ​​​Transport to CO + adoption fee: Puppy: $425 ​ Adult dog: $375 ​​​Transport to VA + adoption fee: Puppy: $450 Adult dog: $400
  • What does the adoption fee include?
    The adoption fee includes: Spay/neuter Microchip Chagas test Up to date on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccine (dogs 14wks+) Heartworm test and monthly prevention while under our care Monthly Flea & tick prevention while under our care Socialization with other dogs while under our care Wellness exam conducted by a Licensed Veterinarian
  • Can I meet the dog before adopting?
    We require all of our dogs to be pre-adopted online prior to being transported out of Texas, so in those cases, no. If you are located in Texas, we require that you have an approved adoption application first before scheduling a meet-and-greet. Please keep in mind that we are all volunteers, so our time is limited- please do not schedule a meet & greet unless you are serious about adopting a dog.
  • Why is it mandatory for my dog(s) to be on Heartworm preventative year-round?
    Mosquitos are the sole transmitters of heartworm larvae and can be found year-round in many states. Some veterinarians in northern parts of the U.S. practice "seasonal prevention" because mosquitos "shut down" and aren't as prevalent when the temperarture drops during winter months. Due to the unpredictability of winter temperatures and the severity of heartworm disease, the most responsible course of action is to have your dog(s) on heartworm prevention year-round.
  • Is there an age limit to adopt from TPR?
    We do not have a maximum age limit for our adopters, but we do require that all adopters be at least 21 years old.
  • Do I have to live in Texas to adopt from TPR?
    No. We accept applications from individuals living in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Where is TracysPawsRescue located?
    We are located in Hondo, Texas.

Dr. Madigan on Dog Nerd Show Podcast
Canine Chagas Disease: Transmission, Symptoms, Tests, & Treatment

For Veterinarians:
Learn more about Chagas disease from one of the nations leading experts by watching the 3 videos below - if you'd like to earn 2.5hrs of CE credits for watching the videos, please register here first. 

Important Takeaways:​​​

Most common modes of transmission:
-Triatomine bugs pass trypomastigotes through their feces, which enter the host through a bite wound or mucosal membranes.
-Congenital transmission from mother to puppies
About the vector:
- 7 species of Triatomine bugs found in Texas: >60% infected with T. Cruzi
-Most active during summer months
-Identify Kissing bugs using this document prepared by TAMU & the CDC:
-Dogs and humans are amongst the preferred hosts for Kissing bugs

Chagas Distribution:
-7 distinct typing units (DTU) that each behave differently clinically
-Texas has the toughest and most aggressive DTU strain type globally

Canine Prevalence compared to Heartworm Disease
-Louisiana: 7.1% HW positive
                 22% companion dogs Chagas positive
-Tennessee: 2.7% HW Positive
                 6.4% Companion dogs Chagas positive
-Texas: 3.3% Heartworm positive
                  18% Shelter dogs
                  13.1% Companion dogs in San Antonio region
                  8% U.S. Military Working dogs
-California: 0.42% Heartworm positive
                 15% Shelter dogs
                  60% Companion dogs (San Francisco area)

Texas Summary of Chagas positive dogs:
Shelter dogs: Chagas (18%) > Heartworm (16%)
Working dogs: Chagas private kennels (58%) Military (<8%)
Companion dogs: Chagas (13%) > Heartworm (3%)

Environmental control:
-Permethrin, preferably Cypermethrin. Trade name: Demon Spray
-Turning off lights at night to deter insects
Systemic Control:
-Isoxazolines such as Fluralaner (Bravecto) and Afoxolaner (NexGard)
 

Important Takeaways:​​​

Pathogenesis:
-Inflammation, neurogenic disturbances, microvascular derangements, progressive fibrosis and heart failure. 

Clinical Symptoms
Acute phase:
-Intense parasitemia, high grade tissue parasitism, collapse, arrhythmias/pericardial effusion, lymphadenopathy, neurological signs, fever, death
Chronic (majority of Chagas cases):
-Low grade intermittent parasitemia, (slow) progressive fibrosing myocarditis, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, weight loss, acute death, asymptomatic

Oral transmission: 
-Higher parasite load and increased mortality rate.
Congenital transmission:
-Neonatal death
-Failure to thrive

Human Chagas disease: 
-Risk factors include cohabitation with domestic animals such as chickens and dogs
-Direct correlation between dogs and humans with T. Cruzi antibody
-No reports of dog-human transmission

Diagnostics:
-Serology (21 days post infection)
     *IFA (Gold standard)

TPR does not currently have a volunteer program open to everyone, but we hope that doesn't discourage you from volunteering at your local shelter or rescue. It only takes a few minutes to google local animal-care facilities and contact them to ask if they're in need of a volunteer.

Volunteering not only helps the pets and the shelter/rescue, but it can also be a great way to meet new friends that share the same passion! 

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