6 Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Ohio!

Going through this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio is the perfect first step to start the adoption process. Every year, 6.3 million companion animals, including dogs, are abandoned and surrendered across the United States.

Therefore, people should consider adopting rather than shopping for puppies from breeders to curtail the growing problem of pet overpopulation in rescues and shelters. Since rescue organizations have an abundance of adorable dogs to be adopted, this decision is not that hard. Shih Tzu is one such example.

An uber-cute, small-breed dog that weighs no more than 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu is small in size but big in personality. They are fun, energetic, and loving dogs that love being around their owners and, like most breeds, cannot be left alone for long periods.

These adorable dogs are perfect for people who live in small apartments or houses with no yard, individuals who don’t have time to exercise a dog daily, families with children, people who have another pet, and first-time dog guardians. Whatever your reasons for considering a Shih Tzu rescue pet, we hope you will find one that feels right to you after reading this article.

Before you scroll down this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Bichon Frise Rescues in Ohio and Best Cocker Spaniel Rescues in Ohio.

Find a Shih Tzu Rescue Shelter Near Me in Ohio

Our team at We Love Doodles created this list of the best Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio to help you search for a companion.

Shih Tzu Product Recommendations: Best Shampoo For a Shih Tzu and Best Dog Food For a Shih Tzu with Allergies.

1. Save a Shelter Shih Tzu

Save a Shelter Shih Tzu was founded by a group of people who wanted to save Shih Tzus at risk of being killed by high-kill shelters across the country. The team works in partnership with foster homes that keep the dogs until they can be re-homed.

They were established in 2011 and have not turned a single dog away. The group relies on generous donations from volunteers and supporters. They will go to any length to rescue a dog, even if they have to pay for transport if the dog is not located in Ohio.

If you are interested in adopting from Save a Shelter Shih Tzu, then you will need to do the following:

• Fill out an adoption application.
• The application will be reviewed and your references will be checked.
• Arrange a time to come to the shelter to meet the dog.
• If you find a dog you are especially interested in that is up on their website, you should indicate this on your application form.

Save a Shelter Shih Tzu Details

• Website: Save a Shelter Shih Tzu
• Address: Urbana, Ohio
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Facebook: Save a Shelter Shih Tzu’s Facebook
• Instagram: Save a Shelter Shih Tzu’s Instagram

2. Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue

Located in Pataskala and specializing in recovering small-breed dogs, including Shih Tzus, the Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue is a top-quality Shih Tzu puppy rescue in Ohio.

It works to rehabilitate and re-home abandoned animals so that they can find permanent, loving homes. The rescue educates the public about the Shih Tzu breed and how everyone can work together to prevent pet overpopulation.

If you are interested in adopting a Shih Tzu rescue, then you will need to:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Provide contact information for your veterinarian so the rescue can call them to ensure all your pets are up to date on vaccinations, heartworm testing, and heartworm prevention.
• Provide a co-applicant if you are a single applicant in case something happens and you cannot take care of the dog.
• Prove that you have a fenced-in yard that is not an invisible fence.
• Assure the team that you will need to pick up the dog if you live out of state.

Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue Details

• Website: Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue
• Address: Pataskala, Ohio
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Facebook: Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue’s Facebook

3. Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc.

Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc. is next on our list of pet rescues in Ohio. It’s located in Columbus and is a registered 501 (c) (3) charity organization. Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc. specializes in rescuing dogs in dangerous situations, especially those in high-kill shelters.

They have small breed dogs like Shih Tzus available for adoption, and their Facebook page is an excellent place to see what kind of pups are available at any given time.

If you are looking for a Shih Tzu and want to adopt from Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc., keep the following in mind: 

• They have an application process similar to other rescues.
• After your application has been vetted, they will call you to come and visit the dog. Because they have a foster system, you cannot walk into the shelter for visitation but will need to wait until you are called.
• If the Meet and Greet goes well, the rescue will check your references and proceed with the adoption process.
• They require foster homes for their rescues, so if you are not sure if you want to adopt but would like to foster, you can contact them.

Fostering provides a great opportunity to get to know your dog better, and to get to know your skills as a pet parent better! Contact the Karma Dawgz Rescue team to learn more about how to apply.

Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc. Details

• Address: Columbus, Ohio
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Phone Number: (614) 306-4535
• YouTube: Karma Dawgz Rescue Inc.’s YouTube

4. All Dogs Come from Heaven Rescue

All Dogs Come from Heaven Rescue is more than just a shelter for dogs. It is an organized movement to remove dogs from high-kill shelters across the United States. They also collect dog food to support low-income and homeless owners struggling to feed their dogs.

This not-for-profit aims to reduce the population of dogs from pounds in the mid-west, including Illinois and Kentucky. If you’re interested in adopting from this kennel, you’ll begin with the application.

The online application will include questions about:

• Your personal information, including contact email and number.
• The specific dog that you want to adopt. If there are no Shih Tzus, please indicate that you are interested in one so they can reach out to you in the future.
• Whether you rent or own the home you live in.
• How you plan to confine the dog on your property, and whether you have an open or fenced yard.
• How many children you have, and their ages.
• Information on your current pets’ vaccination status and your vet’s contact number.
• Where you plan to keep the dog during the day if you are at work.
• How many hours the dog will be left alone while you’re away.

The rescue has a Meet and Greet time slot every Saturday between 11 am and 4 pm where you can come and meet the dogs. After you fill out the application and submit it, the rescue will review it. They will contact you to arrange a meeting if they feel you would be a good match.

All Dogs Come from Heaven Rescue Details

• Website: All Dogs Come from Heaven Rescue
• Address: 1894 Ohio Pike Amelia, Ohio
• Phone Number: (513) 519-9094
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Facebook: All Dogs Come from Heaven Rescue’s Facebook

5. Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue

Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue works to rescue and rehabilitate dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned. The number of dogs they take in is low in relation to other shelters; this allows them to give specialized care to each rescue that is taken in.

If there are no Shih Tzus available when you’re ready to adopt, let the shelter team know. You can ask to be notified when a good match arrives at the kennel.

Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue is home-based and run by a small group of people, but you will still need to fill out an adoption application. The application must be filled in correctly and completely, as forms with missing fields will not be accepted.

This team will not ship dogs, so if you live outside of Ohio you will have to come physically to pick up your puppy or dog. They also take a personal approach when matching dogs to individuals and will want to talk to you before they commit.

Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue Details

• Website: Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue
• Address: Westerville, Ohio
• Phone Number: (614) 517-8695
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Facebook: Charlie’s Wish Animal Rescue’s Facebook

6. Animal House Shelter

If you have searched high and low but cannot find more Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio, check out Animal House Shelter in Illinois. It does not specialize in Shih Tzu but rescues small-breed dogs, and there is a chance you can find a Shih Tzu here.

The Animal House Shelter recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the facility saves about 5,000 lives a year. It is a big operation, and their facility is undergoing a major expansion.

Because the rescue takes in so many animals, it is constructing a brand-new building with a state-of-the-art animal hospital, veterinary care clinic, and a new shelter.

The rescue’s work in the region has been instrumental in making a difference in the lives of stray and abandoned animals. Even if you end up not adopting from Animal Shelter, just learning about their work for the community will motivate you to become involved in animal welfare.

The adoption process through Animal House Shelter are as follows:

• Submit an adoption application.
• An adoption specialist will contact you.
• You will be asked to visit the shelter, where you will visit your adoption specialist and see the available dogs.
• All animals are fully vetted, given essential vaccinations, spayed, neutered, microchipped, and treated for heartworm.
• After reviewing your application, the rescue will carefully try and match you with a dog. They will look at space, time, family situation, size, temperament, and age.
• You will need to provide a photo ID to complete the adoption process.

Animal House Shelter Details

• Website: Animal House Shelter
• Address: 13005 Ernesti Road, Huntley, Illinois (approx. 6.5 hours from Ohio)
• Phone Number: (847) 961-5541
• Facebook: Animal House Shelter’s Facebook
• Instagram: Animal House Shelter’s Instagram
• YouTube: Animal House Shelter’s YouTube

How to Choose a Shih Tzu Rescue in Ohio

There’s a good chance that there are dozens of shelters near you, as there are many Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio. If you’re having trouble choosing the kennel from which you’ll adopt your new fur baby, we’ve got a few tips for you.

First, find out how long the kennel has been in operation. Usually, the longer the better. However, if you can find great reviews or word of mouth recommendations, you’re likely in good shape.

When you’re able, visit the shelter in person. Make note of how happy the animals look – are they allowed to run and play, or are they cooped up in cages? How does the shelter smell? Are staff members friendly and willing to answer your questions?

What is the rescue’s mission? Do they simply rehome dogs or do they take their time in rehabilitating and providing vet care to their animals?

Finally, make note of the adoption process. Ideally, the application should be thorough as a good shelter won’t rehome dogs to just anyone.

Of course, location and adoption fees should be considered, but overall it’s best to do your own research and trust your gut when you’re searching for the shelter that’s right for you.

Shih Tzu Product Recommendations: Maltese vs. Shih Tzu Dog Breed Comparison and Shih Tzu and Maltipoo Mix Dog Breed Guide.

Conclusion For The “Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Ohio”

Adopting a rescued dog is not without its challenges; these dogs come from various backgrounds and experiences. Some may even have been abandoned or abused.

Your patience and love will provide security and comfort to a dog that deserves a second chance. Everyone in your family must be on-board when providing a loving environment to a newly rescued dog.

Your new family member can pick up on verbal and physical cues and will require time to adjust to a new home environment. We hope you give it the time and love it needs to assimilate into your home. Here’s hoping you find a lovely Shih Tzu to call your own soon.

For more guides similar to this list of Shih Tzu rescues in Ohio, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:

• Best Shih Tzu Rescues in North Carolina
• Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Colorado
• Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Michigan

Before you adopt a Shih Tzu companion from a rescue shelter in Ohio, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “9 Things You Must Know Before Getting a Shih Tzu” down below: