If you’re searching for the best Shih Tzu rescues in San Diego, California, you’ve come to the right place. Adopting is so much better than buying. Not only do you save a bunch of money, but you also get to give a new life to a needy dog. Let us do the work for you. This post is about where you might find a Shih Tzu in and near San Diego.
Before you scroll down this list of Shih Tzu rescues in San Diego, California, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Chihuahua Rescues in San Diego.
Find a Shih Tzu Rescue Shelter Near Me in San Diego, California
Our team at We Love Doodles created and compiled this list of the best Shih Tzu rescues in San Diego, California, for you to find a suitable companion to introduce into your home.
Shih Tzu Product Recommendations: Best Shampoos For a Shih Tzu and Best Baby Strollers with a Dog Compartment.
1. Second Chance Dog Rescue
Second Chance Dog Rescue is registered as a non-profit 501c3 organization to save homeless dogs. Founded by Sandra D. Simpson, Jason Cordoba, and Maria Blake in 2008, this rescue shelter offers rehabilitation for Shih Tzu and other small breeds in San Diego.
They are dedicated to rescuing, providing care, and rehoming local shelter dogs and those abandoned by their owners for various reasons. In addition, they also house dogs from Baja California, Mexico, and operate mainly over the Southern California region.
Second Chance Dog Rescue does not have a central kennel or shelter location, so you will need to get an appointment before or adopt a dog from their weekly adoption event.
They have collaborated with volunteer foster families who give abandoned Shih Tzus and other small breeds a loving environment till they are adopted. These one-on-one meetings with the foster family are why this organization stands out.
The foster family is qualified to answer any questions and will tell you a dog’s preferences, quirks, strengths, and areas they might need training. They carefully scrutinize the adoption process and ensure the dog is placed in a loving and safe home. They have a devoted team of volunteers who act as a backbone for smooth operations.
Second Chance Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Second Chance Dog Rescue
- Address: 4284 Cass Street, San Diego, California 92109
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (619) 721-3647
2. Lucky Pup Dog Rescue
Located in San Diego, Lucky Pup Dog Rescue was founded in 2010 by Christine and Steve Haslet. Over time, they have rescued small and medium-sized dogs from the highest-kill shelters in Southern California. They save and provide shelter for dogs on death row.
Volunteers and donors at this rescue aim to protect some of the most vulnerable, desperate, injured, and ill dogs in these shelters. They have a dedicated team of volunteers responsible for ensuring that all the rescued dogs are spayed or neutered.
In addition, they guarantee vaccination for all dogs that come in before moving them to a foster family. Since they do not get any funding from the government, Lucky Pups’ operations depend on sponsors, volunteers, and donations to take care of the rescued dogs.
The organization aims to find ideal loving homes for shelter dogs to give them a second chance at a happy life. If the dogs need to be rehomed, they accept the dog back to their shelter without hesitation.
Lucky Pup Dog Rescue Details
- Website: Lucky Pup Dog Rescue
- Address: Po Box 3484 San Diego, California 92163
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (619) 333-1345
3. Thrive Animal Rescue
Founded by Cece Bloum and Georgia Spogli, Thrive Animal Rescue aims to save abandoned and neglected dogs irrespective of age, breed, or situation. They offer medical assistance, support, and love till they find a perfect forever home for these shelter dogs.
Shih Tzus are one of their main rescues, but they do not discriminate against breeds. It is a non-profit organization rescues dogs from abandonment and settles them into healthy foster homes.
In addition, they educate adopters on the importance of their commitment to their new furry family members to ensure proper care and affection. They believe in finding the right and suitable match incorporated into their adoption process.
To diminish the likelihood of having to rehome a dog, you will need to fill out an application that states an adopter’s stringent requirements. They prioritize the file they already have and find a dog that meets their requirements, which guarantees a fruitful relationship.
What’s unique to this organization is that The Thrive Animal Rescue property acts as a haven for the San Diego foster dogs to come and play during the mornings and afternoons before returning to their foster families in the evening.
Thrive Animal Rescue Details
- Website: Thrive Animal Rescue
- Address: Newmarket Farm, in North County, San Diego
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (858) 790-9590
4. The Rescued Dog San Diego
Although this is not specifically for Shih Tzus, The Rescued Dog in San Diego is geared towards rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and placing them in loving homes. It is an all-breed dog rescue that collaborates with the community, local shelters, and other rescue groups to end cruelty and pet overpopulation.
They are a registered rescue center that dedicated volunteers successfully run. The Rescued Dog San Diego’s operations are based on foster care. High-risk Shih Tzus and other breed dogs are placed in foster homes before settling in forever homes.
These foster homes are responsible for giving the dogs basic training and teaching them house manners. Every dog rescued by them is examined by a vet, spayed, vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. The Rescued Dog San Diego has a stringent application process for people looking to adopt a dog.
They charge an adoption fee of $275 for adult dogs and $375 for puppies below six months. Currently, they have a low rate of rescues, but developing a training and kennel facility is bound to help them grow.
The Rescued Dog San Diego Details
- Address: Roseville, Fleetridge, Point Loma, California 92106
- Website: The Rescued Dog San Diego
- Phone Number: (619) 356-3390 and (619) 615-2339
- Email Address: [email protected]
5. Maltese & More Rescue
Maltese & More Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes small dog breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Chihuahuas. As a 501 (c) charity, they rely on the help and assistance of generous donors.
Their volunteers and dogs are all located in Southern California. Founded in 2015, Maltese & More Rescue is a small, compassionate dog rescue that takes in unwanted and abandoned dogs. They only accept applications for fostering and adoption from people in San Diego.
Their donations and funding are dedicated to rescuing dogs’ medical needs and care. They have partnered with several animal groups and the Department of Animal Services to offer medical treatment, spay and neuter, and foster care for small dogs.
They also educate the public about adequate, humane animal care and placing dogs in loving homes. Spaying and neutering education is also extended to the public by them.
Maltese & More Rescue Details
- Website: Maltese & More Rescue
- Address: 3936 Mount Blackburn Ave San Diego, California 92111
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (858) 278-4049
6. The Barking Lot
Known for rescuing small dog breeds, The Barking Lot is run by Stacy Parmer and a couple of volunteers. This organization operates in San Diego and has assisted in settling over 3,000 dogs in loving, permanent homes.
They are a dynamic, volunteer-run, and non-profit organization that has been working with rescue dogs for several years. All the information regarding rescue dogs is readily available on their “Temporary Barking” page.
It also displays all the information you require to know about each question. Potential adopters will benefit from this information because it can help them prepare for the new guest. Their adoption process is very simple.
Adopting families or persons will have to fill out an adoption application and can expect a response within 24 hours. An attendant from The Barking Lot will schedule a date and conduct a home check to ensure a healthy home. It is one of the best and easiest rescues in San Diego.
The Barking Lot Details
- Website: The Barking Lot
- Address: 486 Raleigh Ave, El Cajon, California 92020
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (619) 354-4825
7. Cuteodyssey’s Doggie Rescue
Cuteodyssey is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization in Southern California. The organization rehabilitates the physical and emotional aspects of the rescued dog who is abused, abandoned, or neglected.
The rescue offers playtime and exercise with volunteers and staff frequently. Socializing with other dogs also encourages building shelter dogs’ confidence. Adoptable Shih Tzus and other small dogs are placed in foster homes until a permanent caregiver is found.
Cute Odyssey also cares for dogs whose owners can no longer take care of them for different reasons like moving to another country or some illness. They focus on giving medical care to all dogs and ensuring proper vaccination is administered.
Care includes dental cleaning, microchipping or spaying, and neutering if required. It is a distinctive rescue organization as they conduct a detailed evaluation of socialization, temperament, and health to find the best possible match for an adopter.
This step allows for an easier transition for the dog and the family that adopted it. People looking to adopt a rescue Shih Tzu must fill out an application and wait for the right fit. Cuteodyssey Doggie Rescue generally doesn’t prefer families with babies to adopt little dogs.
Cuteodyssey Doggie Rescue Details
- Website: Cuteodyssey Doggie Rescue
- Address: 16767 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, California 92128
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (858) 568-3732
8. The Dog Squad Rescue
A 501 (c) (3) registered non-profit organization. The Dog Squad Rescue is located in San Diego. They are devoted to rescuing and finding loving and permanent homes for Shih Tzus and other dogs in need, abandoned or abused in Southern California.
This rescue goes to great lengths to understand and provide for the rescued dogs. Volunteers run them, and their operations are mostly foster-based. The Dog Squad aims to lessen the adoption barriers and provide rehabilitation and training for rescue dogs until they find a loving and safe home.
They also offer pet education and extensive training. They focus on rescuing dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. In addition, they also rescue seniors and dogs that require hospice palliative care.
The adoption process may take time, but this organization wants to ensure every dog rescued has a permanent, safe, and loving home. Their adoption questionnaire ensures they understand your lifestyle, home, and experience to guarantee a perfect match. They also want to maintain high standards in the dog rescue community.
The Dog Squad Rescue Details
- Website: The Dog Squad Rescue
- Address: 11956 Bernardo Plaza Drive 355 San Diego, California 92128
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (619) 723-0100
9. The Animal Pad
Working as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, the Animal Pad is dedicated to saving dogs from Mexico’s streets and high-kill shelters. Located in San Diego County, this organization has an extensive network of volunteers, donors, fosters, sponsor organizations, and adopters working together.
They take in dogs such as Shih Tzus, Labradors, and basically of all breeds and sizes. They aim to facilitate and find homes for the majority of forgotten puppies. The Animal Pad offers vet care and situates their dogs in good foster homes where they will wait for their forever homes.
Rehabilitation is also part of their care strategy; they intend to expand their shelters to rescue more dogs. To get involved, you can foster, volunteer, or donate funds to provide care for these abandoned souls.
They are consistently looking for volunteers who can help with various tasks, such as donation coordinators, transporters, event volunteers, and of course, fosterers. All dogs receive their first year of vaccinations, a microchip, spay, or neuter, and are medically cleared before adoption.
People will need to fill out an adoption application, which will be scanned to check whether you can provide a safe and healthy environment for the dog. The fees typically range from $200 to $800 and depend on the specific dog.
The Animal Pad Details
- Website: The Animal Pad
- Email Address: [email protected]
- Address: San Diego, California
Conclusion For The “Best Shih Tzu Rescues in San Diego, California”
We hope this list has made it easier for you to find your new Shih Tzu best friend. If you can’t find a Shih Tzu, you can always check the neighboring counties and go for a little road trip. Good luck with your search for a Shih Tzu rescue shelter in San Diego.
For more guides similar to this list of Shih Tzu rescues in San Diego, California, you can check out these other dog rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in Minnesota
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in New Jersey
- Best Shih Tzu Rescues in North Carolina
Before you adopt a Shih Tzu companion from a rescue shelter in San Diego, California, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “10 Things You Must Never Do to Your Shih Tzu” down below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eBJDDz2JxAQ
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.