Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for the best Shih Tzu rescues in Arizona. A Shih Tzu is an ideal canine companion because of its compact size.
Initially bred for royalty in China, this cute miniature dog still considers itself a prince or princess among dogs. However, a true sweetheart is born to love and to be loved. It’s playful, mischievous, and will steal your heart.
Before scrolling down this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Arizona, you can check out these other recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Goldendoodle Rescues in Arizona and Best German Shepherd Rescues in Arizona.
Find a Shih Tzu Rescue Near Me in Arizona
If you’re looking for the best dog rescues in Arizona, here’s what you need to know. Most people will tell you that adopting a dog gives the dog home and helps a dog in need.
It’s good to adopt rescue dogs for those reasons, but there are many more. The ultimate altruists are rescue dogs. Their owners claim that they make them feel healthier, happier, and more responsible. They are also full of love and surprises.
1. Tzu Zoo Rescue
Tzu Zoo Rescue is a volunteer-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. It’s their mission to place homeless Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos in a safe, loving forever home so they can live a beautiful, meaningful life that they so richly deserve.
The group works with local animal shelters to prevent the senseless euthanasia of abandoned, abused or stray pets that end up in the shelters or have been left by no fault of their own. Rescued dogs are first provided with immediate medical care, vaccinations, heartworm testing, dental care, and spaying/neutering before being placed in temporary foster care.
They receive the same love and attention as beloved family pets. In addition, the organization strives to ensure that every homeless dog finds a loving family and that they are adopted into a forever home through temperament evaluation and behavioral modification (as needed).
The organization educates the public and potential adopters about spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm preventatives, regular vet visits, good nutrition, routine grooming, microchipping, and, just as importantly, adopting rather than purchasing from a breeder. Dedicated to educating the community and seeking out foster homes, the volunteers at Tzu Zoo Rescue strive to rescue and rehome each Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and other small, furry friends in Metroplex shelters.
Tzu Zoo Rescue Details
- Location: 15061 North 28th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
- Website: Tzu Zoo Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Tzu Zoo Rescue’s Instagram
- Facebook: Tzu Zoo Rescue’s Facebook
2. Arizona Shih Tzu and Small Breed Rescue
Arizona Shih Tzu and Small Breed Rescue is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and adopting Shih Tzus and other small purebred breeds. Every dog has a home somewhere, but they believe they are responsible for placing their dogs in homes that best fit their physical and emotional needs.
Those who adopt from them should have a patient and loving heart and consider their rescued dogs as family. They will notify you within a few days if your application has been accepted during the adoption process. Applicants are notified if their application has been selected, even if it is not an acceptance notice.
It is important to remember that most dogs get multiple applications, sometimes as many as 100. Each dog is matched with the applicant they believe the dog is the best fit for. All applications are kept on file. Please let them know if you find another dog you are interested in and remind them that you have already applied before.
Arizona Shih Tzu and Small Breed Rescue Details
- Location: 15061 North 28th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
- Website: Arizona Shih Tzu and Small Breed Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Arizona Shih Tzy and Small Breed Rescue’s Facebook
3. Lhasa Happy Homes
Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue is not in Arizona but is just a state away in California. Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue, Inc. was established in April 2001 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) rescue organization to provide a haven and permanent placement for homeless dogs. Besides Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Maltese, they also rescue other small mixed breeds under 20 lbs. Lhasa Happy Homes’ puppies are raised in a home environment and treated as if they were family members.
Each dog is evaluated based on its temperament and how they interact with other dogs, kids, and people. When they are good, they receive quality medical care, rehabilitation when necessary, and a warm lap to rest on at the end of the day to show them how much they are loved.
To ensure that the chosen dog is a good match for the intended family, they strive to evaluate the dog’s physical condition and behavior. It is only fitting to love these dogs unconditionally, just as they will love you. You can visit their website or attend an adoption event to see the dogs for adoption.
If you haven’t visited the website or seen them yet, you can experience the available dogs at their bi-monthly adoption events. You can interact with the dogs and find the right one for your household. Their adoption counselors are very knowledgeable about each dog’s personality and activity level. We hope they can find you a new family member who is just suitable for your household.
Lhasa Happy Homes Details
- Location: 1158 26th St. #190 Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Telephone: (310) 745-4272
- Website: Lhasa Happy Homes
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Lhasa Happy Homes’ Instagram
- Facebook: Lhasa Happy Homes’ Facebook
Shih Tzu Rescues in Arizona
As long as they’re with you, Shih Tzu doesn’t care where they live. A very adaptable breed, they can live comfortably in a small city apartment or a large suburban or country home. Although they enjoy a bit of backyard play, they’re a housedog and shouldn’t be kenneled outside.
A short walk each day is sufficient for the Shih Tzu. They’re not very active dogs; they like to sit in your lap, walk around the house, play with their toys, or greet visitors at the door. Like other breeds with short faces, Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat.
To avoid heat exhaustion, they should stay in an air-conditioned room or one with a fan on hot days. Indeed, Shih Tzus cannot fly, but their owners often report their dogs to believe they can. Shih Tzus are known for jumping fearlessly from beds and chairs.
You may not think they are high, but these heights are towering to a Shih Tzu. Sadly, these jumps often lead to injuries. Due to the breed’s front-heavy nature, it can cause injuries and concussions. Therefore, Shih Tzus should be carried out carefully. Hold them securely and not let them jump from your arms.
How to Choose a Shih Tzu Rescue in Arizona
Look for these qualities when looking for a Shih Tzu Rescue.
- All adoptions should be subject to an application.
- They should visit potential adopters at home.
- Animals brought into rescue should receive primary veterinary care such as vaccinations, a heartworm test, and a checkup.
- All animals should be spayed or neutered.
- They should share medical records with potential adopters.
- Most quality rescues have status in 501(c)(3) and have solid business practices.
- They require adoption contracts. These contracts will outline critical elements so all parties understand their roles.
Last but not least, use your best judgment. You want a rescue that will answer all your questions and concerns. Select a rescue with high yet reasonable expectations for potential adopters and provide excellent animal care.
Related: Best Scissors For Grooming a Shih Tzu and Best Dog Food For a Shih Tzu With Allergies.
Where Do You Find a Shih Tzu Rescue in Arizona?
There is a virtually endless selection of pets included in Petfinder, including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and even barnyard animals. Even an interactive quiz guides you towards your perfect mutt match by asking you questions about your lifestyle and your dog’s breed preferences.
You can also filter your search queries by age, organization, compatibility with other dogs or kids, etc. You can also set up email alerts for dogs in your area or “favorite” a dog. You can adopt dogs and cats from the ASPCA’s shelters in New York City and Los Angeles.
In addition to these cities, the website also offers a directory of shelters in your town. ASPCA shelters allow you to filter results by breed, size, gender, age, and lifestyle compatibility. Each animal and shelter will have different terms and conditions.
Rescue Me finds homes forever for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and other animals. You can filter the search results by breed type, and the website displays a list of rescue groups in the United States. If you click on the state of your choice, you will be able to see the dogs that are currently available for adoption.
Conclusion For The “Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Arizona”
Arizona has a lot of wonderful rescue organizations, and most of them deserve praise for the fantastic work they do. From the above rescues, you can obtain an excellent Shih Tzu.
For more guides similar to this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Arizona, you can check out:
Before you adopt a Shih Tzu companion from a rescue shelter in Arizona, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “9 Things You Must Know Before Getting a Shih Tzu” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.