Are you looking for Shih Tzu rescues in Houston? If so, you’ve come to the right guide. Shih Tzus, commonly known as the “Lion Dogs,” are genuinely delightful animals. Wherever these snuggly little dogs go, fun and mischief follow.
Moreover, since Shih Tzus were bred to be human companions, they tend to possess a happy and outgoing temperament which is why Shih Tzus make excellent family pets.
So, if you’re looking for a little animal suitable for apartment living, happy to cuddle with you on the couch and accompany you on short walks now and then, a Shih Tzu is the pet for you. Getting a Shih Tzu from a breeder is easy but expensive.
Most breeders in Houston charge between $900 and $2,000 for a newborn Shih Tzu puppy. On the other hand, rescue organizations only charge a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of vaccination, spaying or neutering procedure, microchipping, deworming, and dog upkeep.
By adopting a rescued dog, not only do you save money, but you also make a positive impact in the community. Saving one dog’s life creates a ripple effect that touches many human and canine lives.
Rescues work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome dogs so they can live their lives in safety and comfort. So, if you’re looking for a Shih Tzu in and near Houston, make sure to adopt rather than shop.
Before you scroll down this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Houston, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Boston Terrier Rescues in Houston and Best Poodle Rescues in Houston.
Find a Shih Tzu Rescue Shelter Near Me in Houston
Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best Shih Tzu rescues in Houston with available dogs for adoption.
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1. Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso
One of the best Shih Tzu rescues in Houston – the Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso is a 501 (c) (3) volunteer-operated organization committed to the rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming of abused, neglected, and abandoned Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso dogs.
To adopt, you are required to fill out an adoption application. If you currently own or have owned any other pets in the past, ask your veterinarian to email at least the last two years of veterinary records for your current and past pets to the rescue.
Moreover, you also must provide the rescue with at least three references on the form. Once the rescue receives your complete application and reviews it, volunteers will visit your home.
The adoption fee is as follows:
- Under 6 months: $500 to $600
- 6 mos to 1 year: $450
- 1 to 2 years: $400
- 2 to 3 years: $350
- 4 to 5 years: $300
- 6 to 7 years: $250
- Over 8 years old: $200
The adoption fee includes blood work, vaccinations, heartworm test, heartworm preventatives, fecal test, and wormer if necessary. The dogs are also treated for fleas and ticks and given spay/neuter surgery if required. You can contact the rescue for any further queries through the contact details mentioned below.
Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Email Address: teresa@shihtzu-rescue.com
- Phone Number: (281) 754-4851
- Website: Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apsoo
2. Houston Pets Alive
One of the best pet rescues in Houston – Houston Pets Alive, is committed to saving the lives of at-risk companion dogs and cats and finding them their forever homes where they can spend their lives surrounded by owners who provide them with the utmost love and care.
Houston Pets Alive is a 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 2014 and has rescued and rehabilitated countless animals in Houston. To adopt, you will need to find a Shih Tzu through the rescue’s website’s currently up-for-adoption page. If you find the right puppy, you will then fill out an adoption application.
The rescue will contact you within 24 to 48 hrs of receiving your application. Once your application is approved, you can attend the rescue’s weekly adoption event on Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. After which, you will complete the adoption contract and pay an adoption fee of $199.
The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and heartworm treatment if necessary. You may contact the rescue for more details regarding the adoption process through the details mentioned below.
Houston Pets Alive Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Email Address: adopt@houstonpetsalive.org
- Phone Number: (832) 786-9310
- Website: Houston Pets Alive
3. Special Pals Rescue Resource Center
Special Pals is another excellent option if you’re looking for a dog and puppy rescue in Houston. Special Pals Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization founded in 1979 and has worked around the clock to save countless animal lives in Houston.
To adopt, you must complete an adoption application, including references and information about your history with any of your previous or current pets. To adopt, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Bring a photo ID
- If you’re living on a rented property, bring proof of landlord’s approval
- If you have other pets in your home, bring proof that they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations and show that your dogs are on heartworm prevention.
The rescue is also open for adoptions 7 days a week from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You can also visit the kennels to meet the dogs and find the perfect Shih Tzu for yourself. However, If you cannot do so, you can check out the pets currently up for adoption on Petango and find yourself a Shih Tzu dog.
All dogs under the care of the rescue are microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, tested for heartworms or FIV/FeLv, spayed/neutered, dewormed, and on flea/heartworm preventative.
Suppose you’ve found your ideal Shih Tzu and are interested in adopting a furry friend from Special Pals Rescue. In that case, you can contact the rescue for more information regarding the adoption process and fee through the contact details mentioned below.
Special Pals Rescue Resource Center Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Phone Number: (281) 579-7387
- Website: Special Pals Rescue Resource Center
4. Friends for Life
Founded in 2002, Friends for Life is another excellent choice to consider if you’re looking for pet rescues in Houston. Friends for Life saves animals regardless of origin, breed, condition, or age.
The rescue is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many animals as possible to loving and safe forever homes. To adopt, you can check out all animals currently up for adoption here. If you find a Shih Tzu you like, you must fill out an adoption application.
After which, you will complete an adoption interview with an adoption counselor. After further screening, you will be notified of the status of your application. If your application is approved, it will be valid for six months.
Once you’ve approval, the adoption staff will work with you to find the ideal pet for you and your home. The adoption fee at the rescue is $95. It covers microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures if the animal is over 6 months old, and lifetime support after the adoption.
Friends for Life Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Email Address: info@friends4life.org
- Phone Number: (713) 863-9835
- Website: Friends for Life
5. Houston Humane Society
Committed to ending animal abuse and irresponsible pet ownership – The Houston Humane Society is a rescue you can wholeheartedly trust whenever you’re looking for rescues to adopt your Shih Tzu.
To adopt, you can check out the currently available dogs for adoption here. To kickstart the adoption process, you must visit the facility and check in at the front desk using your phone.
You will be required to bring along the following documents:
- Lease agreement if you live on a rented property
- Proof of address
- Driver’s license or valid ID
- Vet records of animals currently owned or living in the same residence as you (the applicant)
Having all four of these documents will speed up the adoption approval process and may even allow you to take your new furry friend home the same day.
The dog adoption fee is as follows:
- Puppies six months and under: $195
- 25 pounds or less (any age): $195
- 7 months and older: $145
Houston Humane Society Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Email Address: info@houstonhumane.org
- Phone Number: (713) 433-6421
- Website: Houston Humane Society
6. Citizens for Animal Protection
Last on the list of Shih Tzu rescue in Houston is Citizens for Animal Protection, a charity dedicated to rehabilitating homeless animals. To adopt, you can check out the dogs currently being adopted here.
The rescue does not accept online applications. However, you can complete an application, print it out, and bring it with you to the rescue when you visit. You can view the rescue hours and location here
The dog adoption fee is as follows:
- Dogs (over 15 lbs): $105
- Puppies (6 months & younger): $135
- Small dogs (15 lbs and under): $135
The adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccinations, canine heartworm, spaying/neutering procedure, deworming treatment, microchipping, and more.
Citizens for Animal Protection Details
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Email Address: info@houstonhumane.org
- Phone Number: (713) 433-6421
- Website: Houston Humane Society
More Information About the Shih Tzu Rescues in Houston
There are countless rescues in and near Houston where you can choose to adopt your Shih Tzu. However, we recommend choosing a rescue you are sure is reputable and can be trusted with the health and temperament of the animals under their care.
Note that a reputable and reliable rescue will always:
- Vaccinate the animals under its care
- Deworm and spay/neuter their dogs
- Conduct a vet check before sending the animal to its forever home
- Conduct a home visit
- Make you sign an adoption contract
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Conclusion For The “Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Houston”
Whether you’re adopting an animal or purchasing one from a breeder, be prepared to wait on long waiting lists and fill out countless adoption applications. However, we guarantee your furry friend will make all the lost time worth your while once you welcome it home. We wish you the best of luck in getting your Shih Tzu home.
For more guides similar to this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Houston, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in North Carolina
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Ohio
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Colorado
Before you adopt a Shih Tzu companion from a rescue shelter in Houston, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “10 Things You Must Never Do to Your Shih Tzu” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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