How to Adopt a Shih Tzu Rescue

Adopting a Shih Tzu from a rescue requires some time. It is not the same as adopting a dog from the local humane society or from a breeder. You must pass the processes that the rescues have set up to ensure that the dog is going to a good home and will remain in that home under safe and loving conditions. After all, these dogs have been rescued from shelters where they were either given up or removed from an abusive home.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinary records for other pets
  • Adoption application
  • Three references
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill out the application that the Shih Tzu rescue has online or ask to have the application sent to you if you are too far away to pick one up. The person that fills out the application must be the person who is going to care for the dog and must be 18 years or older and must own or rent a living space. You cannot apply for an adoption of a Shih Tzu to give the dog as a gift.

    • 2

      Call your veterinarian and ask him to print out the records for any pets that you may have had in the last two years. The veterinarian can fax the records to the rescue or mail the records with the application to the fax number or address that the rescue gives to you with the application.

    • 3

      Write down three references that the rescue mission can talk to about you. The rescue will check each reference to find out about you. They will ask about your home, care of other animals and other general questions. Note: Each facility asks their own questions and some are short and some can be lengthy.

    • 4

      Approval of your application, veterinary records and references will move you up to the next phase of the adoption, which is a home visit. If you live out of state or are a good distance from the rescue, the mission will find a local representative to conduct a home visit, which is scheduled at least a week ahead of time. The agent will look for hazards around the house and the yard. If any potential hazard is found, you will be asked to correct it before the adoption can continue. Such hazards may be poisonous plants, broken fence boards or broken screens or doors.

    • 5

      Set up the best way to pick up the Shih Tzu after you are approved for the adoption. If you live far away, you must make your own arrangements to pick up the dog and transport it safely to your home. You will need a kennel or crate in the car or an approved airline crate if flying.