6 Shih Tzu Rescues in California (CA)

Are you in California and planning to adopt a Shih Tzu? If you do, then you’ve come to the right place. Below is a rundown of Shih Tzu rescue in California, where you can look for the pet you want to adopt.

Adoption is one of the best and affordable ways to enjoy the company of Shih Tzu puppies. Thus, you can take a look at the following Shih Tzu shelters in California.

This way, you’ll find it convenient to take a homeless Shih Tzu and make it belong to your family.

I hope you’ll find a pet to rehome!

Table of Contents

Shih Tzu Rescues California Listings Near Me

Name	Postal Code	Phone/Email	Website
California Shih Tzu Rescue	CA	No Phone Number	https://shihtzu.rescueme.org/California
Lhasa Happy Homes	CA 90403	310.745.4272	https://lhasahappyhomes.org/
Shih Tzu – Rocket Dog Rescue	CA 94146	510-698-4161	https://www.rocketdogrescue.org
Dogs Without Borders	CA‎ 91416	adopt@dogswithoutborders.org	https://dogswithoutborders.org/
Much Love Animal Rescue	CA 90034	info@muchlove.org	https://www.muchlove.org/
The Helen Woodward Animal Center	CA 92067	858-756-4117	https://animalcenter.org/

Shih Tzu Puppies for Adoption and Rehoming in California

California Shih Tzu Rescue

Address – NA

Phone – NA

Website – https://shihtzu.rescueme.org/California

Lhasa Happy Homes

Address – 1158 26th St. #190 Santa Monica, CA 90403

Phone – 310.745.4272

Website – https://lhasahappyhomes.org/

Shih Tzu – Rocket Dog Rescue

Address – 3561 Foothill Blvd, Oakland 94601

Phone – 510-698-4161

Website – https://www.rocketdogrescue.org

Dogs Without Borders

Address – P.O. Box 17344 Encino‎, CA‎ 91416

Phone – adopt@dogswithoutborders.org

Website – https://dogswithoutborders.org/

Much Love Animal Rescue

Address – P.O. Box 341721 Los Angeles, CA 90034-1721

Phone – info@muchlove.org

Website – https://www.muchlove.org/

The Helen Woodward Animal Center

Address – 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Phone – 858-756-4117

Website – https://animalcenter.org/

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in California?

If you plan on adopting a Shih Tzu in California, you’re saving a lot as you help homeless dogs and shelters.

On average, a purebred Shih Tzu can cost from $700 to $2,500 if you’d get it from a breeder.

However, if you would get one and adopt a Shih Tzu from a Rescue or Shelter, it would only cost around $300.

Of course, you’ll need to spend on other expenses like food and other items such as grooming tools and toys.

Still, it’s a much cheaper or affordable way to enjoy the company of a Shih Tzu. Moreover, you’ll do something right since you will provide a home for a dog in need. Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet.

Choosing a Good Shih Tzu Rescue

All Shih Tzus (and all dogs) deserve the best love and care. However, you must pick your future pet to adopt only from a good rescue.

Thus, you may look at these qualities in a rescue or shelter to be sure it’s a great one. In general, you need to choose a rescue that:

Has active and preventative programs to reduce the animal killing

The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, they should reward owners of neutered animals with lower license fees, spay/neuter subsidies, and referrals.

Spays or neuters the dog before sending it to the new family

It’s strictly necessary for all adopted animals to get spayed or neutered. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes.

Prioritizes the dogs’ well-being

A good rescue should have a specific adoption process and a set of adoption policies. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals.

Maintains a clean and comfortable surrounding

A good rescue always shows it’s such by the surroundings. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared.

Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program.

How do I pick a good rescue Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are one of the best lap dogs you can ever have, which means you won’t find it difficult to interact with one. Still, if you’re getting one from a shelter or rescue, you may want to pick the best among the rest.

It can be slightly different from what you’d expect from a breeder if you would do so. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Shih.

Observe the dog

Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing.

A Shih Tzu should be friendly. These dogs are lap dogs, which means they see everyone as potential friends and cuddle buddies.

Though you may see a few sniffs here and there, it should approach you with no hesitation. Further, if it seems like it wants petting, do it. You just found yourself a new pal.

Test the dog’s reaction to noises

The dog’s reaction to noise can tell a bit of its personality. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice.

A Shih Tzu should want to come closer to you. Thus, if it hears your voice, as if calling it, the dog may try to lean into you. Thus, it’s a sign that it’s happy with how your voice sounds.

Touch the dog with caution

Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it.

A Shih Tzu likes touching and petting. Since they are one of the best lap dogs, petting and touching are crucial. Thus, if it shows a positive reaction such as tail-wagging and kissing, it’s a good sign.

Play with the dog

Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays.

Shih Tzus are playful dogs. For this reason, the dog should try to play with you even though you just met. Such desires can be associated with signs of excitement like tail-wagging or constant following.

Walk with the dog

Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road.

A Shih Tzu should like to walk with you. Although these dogs don’t walk for a prolonged period, they would do so if you’re with them. Thus, it would be a good sign if the Shih Tzu follows you like a shadow.

Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals

It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home.

Shih Tzus play well with other pets and even with infants. For this reason, it would be best to take your other pets and let them interact with the dog. This way, you also introduce them to their new buddy.

Summary

California offers several dog shelters where you can find a Shih Tzu to adopt. As always, adoption entails quite a handful of processes, tasks, and requirements.

We created a list of shelters to help you save a lot of time finding a Shih Tzu rescue in California. If you plan to rehome or adopt one, you’ll already have a starting point through it.

Still, it’s always best to remember how important it is to look for the qualities that a Shih Tzu Shelter should have. This way, you’ll be confident of getting the best Shih Tzu to adopt.