Adopting a Shih Tzu in Minnesota can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to know the basics first.
Shih Tzus are a popular breed, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Shih Tzus are also known for their long, flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
These adorable dogs are adaptable to apartment living, making them a great choice for city dwellers.
However, they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In Minnesota, where the winters can be chilly, it's essential to consider the Shih Tzu's cold tolerance before adopting one.
While they can tolerate some cold, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental to their health.
Finding a Shelter
Finding a Shelter is a crucial step in the Shih Tzu adoption process in Minnesota. You can start by searching online for a list of Minnesota's best Shih Tzu rescues.
Minnesota has several rescue shelters dedicated to finding forever homes for Shih Tzus in need. Here’s a list of Minnesota’s best Shih Tzu rescues for you to check out. You can also contact local animal shelters or humane societies to ask about Shih Tzu adoption.
Don't forget to research and reach out to multiple shelters to increase your chances of finding the perfect furry companion.
Find a Shelter in Minnesota
If you're looking for a shelter in Minnesota, there are several options to consider. Save a Shelter Shih Tzu, established in 2011, is a dedicated group that rescues Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes in need of a new home.
Their adoption process is thorough, requiring an online application, a home visit, and interview. They also conduct a meet and greet with the dog and any other dogs in the household. This ensures a good match for both the dog and the adopter.
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The adoption fee at Save a Shelter Shih Tzu includes a health exam, altering, vaccinations, pre-adoption grooming, and microchipping. They also provide a new collar, harness, and leash, as well as a starter bag of quality kibble.
Another option is Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota, which specializes in rescuing dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They have a rigorous application system to ensure that the dogs are placed in permanent homes.
Their adoption fees vary depending on the condition and breed of the dog, and they use the funds to support the shelter and care for the animals. They also perform surgeries, such as those that cost thousands of dollars, to improve the lives of the animals in their shelter.
Here are some key differences between the two shelters:
Ultimately, both shelters prioritize finding permanent homes for the dogs in their care, and their adoption processes are designed to ensure a good match for both the dog and the adopter.
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If you're thinking of adopting a pet from a shelter, it's essential to know what to expect from the process. You'll need to find a shelter that's a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
The Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota is a great example of a shelter that has a clear process in place. They require home visits, which is a good thing because it shows they care about the well-being of their dogs.
Here's what you can expect from their process:
- Complete the online application
- Next you will have a phone interview where you can ask questions about the dog you are interested in.
- Home visits are required
- Meet and greet
This process may seem lengthy, but it's worth it to ensure you're making a great match for both you and the dog.
Adoption Process
Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota hosts a meet and greet on the first Saturday of every month between 10 am and 12 pm for interested adopters to meet the dogs available for adoption and register their interest by submitting the adoption application.
To adopt from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota, you can use the contact information provided.
If you're interested in adopting from Lend a Helping Paw Shih Tzu Rescue, you'll need to submit an online application, which will require you to provide at least two years of full medical records for each pet owned in the past five years, as well as three personal references.
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Return
The return process can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it's a crucial part of ensuring the right fit between you and your new furry friend. NorthStar Shih Tzu Rescue requires that all adopting families fill out an adoption form and provide references, which will be reviewed by the foster home.
The return process typically starts with a home visit, where the rescue organization will meet all of your family members and pets. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether the dog is a good fit for your family.
After the home visit, the rescue organization will review your application and may request additional information. If everything checks out, they will schedule a meeting where you can take the dog home. This meeting is often a 24-hour contemplation period, where the rescue organization will decide whether you're a good fit for the dog.
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Here's a step-by-step overview of the return process:
- Submit an adoption application
- Provide references
- Home visit
- Review of application and additional information (if requested)
- Approval or denial
- Meeting to take the dog home (if approved)
Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota and Lend a Helping Paw Shih Tzu Rescue also have similar return processes, which involve submitting an application, providing references, and undergoing a home visit. It's essential to note that these organizations prioritize the welfare of the dogs and may deny adoption if they feel it's not in the best interest of the animal.
Adoption Fees
Adoption Fees can be a surprise for first-time adopters, but it's essential to understand what you're getting into.
Most rescue groups charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of vetting and taking care of a rescue dog while they wait to be adopted.
Some rescue groups also charge an application fee to cover their administrative costs.
Be prepared to pay a fee that can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the organization and the dog's needs.
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Compatibility Qualities
As you consider adopting a new pet, it's essential to think about the compatibility qualities of the animal. This includes its ability to get along with other pets and family members.
If you have a furry friend at home, you'll be happy to know that this pet is good with dogs. However, it's worth noting that it may not be the best fit for families with kids, so it's crucial to consider your household dynamics.
Living in an apartment? No problem! This pet is apartment appropriate, making it a great choice for city dwellers. Additionally, it's a hypoallergenic breed, which is a must-have for those with allergies.
Here's a summary of the compatibility qualities:
- Good with dogs
- Not good with kids
- Apartment appropriate
- Hypoallergenic
Shelter Information
If you're looking to adopt a Shih Tzu in Minnesota, there are several shelters you can consider. Save a Shelter Shih Tzu is one of them, established in 2011 with the goal of finding suitable homes for Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes in need.
Their adoption process involves completing an online application, followed by a home visit and interview. If approved, they'll set up a meet and greet with the dog, and mandatory home checks are required. They also provide a new collar and/or harness, leash, and starter bag of kibble with the adoption fee.
Adoption fees at Save a Shelter Shih Tzu include at least one health exam, altering, vaccinations, pre-adoption grooming, and microchipping. You can find their online application on Petfinder.com or Adopt a pet in an available dog's bio.
If you're interested in a smaller dog rescue, Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota is a great option. They specialize in rescuing dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds and have a rigorous application system to ensure permanent homes for the dogs.
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More Information About
If you're considering adopting a Shih Tzu from a rescue shelter, it's essential to understand the adoption process and what to expect. The adoption process can vary depending on the shelter, but most require an online application, which can be found on Petfinder.com or Adopt a pet in an available dog's bio.
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Some shelters, like Save A Shelter Shih Tzu, conduct a home visit and interview to ensure the dog is a good fit for your family. They also require a meet and greet with any other dogs in the household. This is a great opportunity to get to know the shelter's staff and volunteers, who can provide valuable insight into the dog's personality and needs.
Adoption fees can vary depending on the shelter and the dog's condition. For example, Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota's adoption fee is higher due to the costs of surgeries and other medical procedures. However, this fee goes towards supporting the shelter and ensuring the dog receives the care it needs.
Before adopting a Shih Tzu, it's crucial to consider your lifestyle and whether it's suitable for a dog of this breed. Do you have small children or other pets that may require attention? Are you prepared to dedicate time and resources to caring for a dog? Shih Tzus require regular grooming, exercise, and training, so it's essential to ensure you can provide a stable and loving environment.
Here's a comparison of the adoption processes for some of the shelters mentioned:
Remember, adopting a dog is a big responsibility, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. By doing your research and finding the right shelter and dog for you, you can provide a loving home to a Shih Tzu in need.
Mix Breeds
Many Shih Tzu rescues are actually mix breeds, not purebreds. They're just as adorable as their purebred counterparts.
While it's possible to find a purebred Shih Tzu in a rescue, many available dogs are not. This is because many Shih Tzus in shelters are mixed breed dogs.
You may be surprised at how cute and lovable these mix breeds can be. They're often small, low shed dogs that make great companions.
If you're looking for a small, low shed dog breed to rescue, consider checking out other mix breed rescues like the Mini Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Poodle, or Maltipoo.
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Shih Tzu Characteristics
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
They are generally quiet dogs, weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly nature makes them a great fit for families with children, but they do require regular socialization from an early age to ensure they get along with other pets.
Six Facts About
Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing and friendly personalities, often described as loyal and affectionate companions.
They typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their eyes are large and round, often brown or blue in color.
Shih Tzus are a relatively small breed, with adults reaching a height of about 8-11 inches.
Their lifespan is around 10-16 years with proper care and attention.
Live Long
Shih Tzus are known for their remarkable longevity, with an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years old.
Most Shih Tzus live until about 13 years old, which is a relatively long life for a dog of their size.
Their long lifespan is part of the reason they end up in rescue situations, as they often outlive their elderly owners.
The oldest known Shih Tzu lived to be a remarkable 23 years old, a testament to the breed's overall health and well-being.
Additional reading: Lifespan of a Shih Tzu Maltese
Sources
- https://welovedoodles.com/shih-tzu-rescues-in-minnesota/
- https://www.cocosheartdogrescue.org/teenagers
- https://happyoodles.com/2022/05/shih-tzu-rescue/
- https://underdogrescuemn.com/adoptable-animals/dog-details/pet/20225508/
- https://www.alphapaw.com/dogs-for-adoption/minnesota/maple-lake/shih-tzu/nora-19757432/
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