Shih Poo’s are known for their cuteness, cuddliness, and hypo-allergenic coat. Beyond the cuteness, this Shih Tzu – Poodle hybrid is one of the best dogs to adopt from a rescue as a companion.
We’ve created this list to help you search for the best rescue for your future Shih Poo friend. Every rescue on the list is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the Shih Poo to give them a second chance in life with a loving permanent home.
If you’re still on the fence about adopting a Shih Poo, consider volunteering first. These rescues need your help to help more Shih Poos in danger. Your time, skills, and ideas can help a Shih Poo find the care and love they need. If you’re interested, you can also check out this other really good article on Shih Poo Rescues and Adoptions.
1. Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu is an all-volunteer organization that specializes in rescuing Shih Tzu’s and Shih-Tzu mixes such as Shih Poos.
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu doesn’t have a central facility or shelter. The Shih Poo’s are placed in private foster homes where they are treated as family members and receive all the care they need.
When the Shih Poo’s are rescued, they receive a full medical examination and are kept current on vaccinations. The Shih Poo’s are spayed/neutered and microchipped.
The rescue doesn’t guarantee adoption on a first-come, first-served basis. The rescue tries their best to match up their Shih Poo rescues with an adopter who’s the best fit. This means it might also take a little bit longer before you get the best match.
Their adoption fees range from $200 – $450 based on the Shih Poo’s age. All adopters must be 21 years of age and above.
Ohio Fuzzy Paws Shih Tzu allows adoption out-of-state as long as they can arrange a home visit with a local rescue organization in your area.
If you’re not set on adoption, you can contribute to the rescue’s ongoing work through their programs such as vacation foster. You give a pup a place to crash for a night or a couple of weeks when the pup’s long-term fosters go out of town or when the pup is being transported to its forever home.
Shih Poo Rescue and Adoption Details:
- Address: Pataskala, Ohio
- Website: Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu
- Email: [email protected]
2. Shih Tzu Rescue
Shih Tzu Rescue is dedicated to rescuing and finding quality forever homes for Shih Tzu’s and Shih Tzu mixes such as Shih Poos in South Florida. The rescue opens its doors to Shih Poos of all sizes.
Once the Shih Poos are rescued, they are placed in foster homes or in the rescue’s sanctuary until they can be adopted. Shih Tzu Rescue is committed to a no-kill nation which means dogs that can’t find a lifetime home are always welcome and can spend their days in the rescue’s sanctuary.
All Shih Poo rescues are spayed/neutered, kept current on vaccinations, and microchipped. Adoption fees range between $250 and $400. Adoption applications are usually responded to within 10 days. After this, a home check is conducted by one of the rescue’s volunteers.
Shih Poo Rescue and Adoption Details:
- Address: Florida
- Telephone: 954-680-6456
- Website: Shih Tzu Rescue
3. Shih Tzu & Furbaby Rescue
Shih Tzus & Rescues is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Shih Tzu’s, Shih Poos, and all other small breeds and mixes.
When the Shih Poos are rescued, they are examined and treated by their professional vets. They are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and treated for underlying medical conditions. In addition to this, their temperament is also assessed and rehabilitated.
The Shih Poos are placed in their foster network across the US. To adopt from this rescue, you and your family members will need to travel to meet the Shih Poo at their foster home.
Adoption fees range from $250 – $600. Adult Shih Poos older than 2 years range from $250 to $350. Puppies below 2 are $350 to $600.
Applications are usually processed in 2 – 3 weeks and depend on the accessibility of your home and references.
Shih Poo Rescue and Adoption Details:
- Address: Saint Mary, Georgia
- Website: Shih Tzu & Furbaby Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
4. Arizona Shih Tzu & Small Breed Rescue
Arizona Shih Tzu & Small Breed Rescue is an all-volunteer rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Shih Tzus, Shih Poos, and other mixed-breed dogs or purebred. The rescue doesn’t have a shelter therefore all their Shih Poos are fostered in their network or at their home base.
The Shih Poos are treated for all medical conditions, spayed/neutered, and updated on all vaccinations.
Generally, application processing takes a few days and all applications are kept on file. This means that even down the road, you can adopt from the rescue without filling in another form.
Shih Poo’s are adopted on a best-match basis. The rescue looks for loving and patient people who will commit to the rescued Shih Poo and consider the Shih Poo as a family member
Shih Poo Rescue and Adoption Details:
- Address: Arizona
- Website: Arizona Shih Tzu Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
5. Tzu Zoo Rescue
Tzu Zoo Rescue’s mission is to swipe right for homeless and abandoned Shih Tzu’s, Shih Tzu mixes like Shih Poo’s and Lhasa Apsos with the best lifetime homes.
Tzu Zoo Rescue works with local animal shelters to provide a haven for stray, abused, and abandoned Shih Poo’s who have been abandoned by no fault of their own.
They provide the Shih Poo with immediate medical care, heartworm testing, vaccinations, and dental care. The Shih Poo’s are also spayed/neutered, and placed into private foster homes where they receive all the care and love of a family member.
In addition to rescuing the small breed dogs, Tzu Zoo Rescue also educates the public and potential adopters on responsible pet parenting.
The rescue allows for out-of-state adoptions for outstanding candidates. At the moment, they don’t adopt to homes with small children.
Adoption fees range from $150 to $400 dependent on the Shih Poo’s age. Puppies under 6 months are $400 while adults above 9 years are $150.
Shih Poo Rescue and Adoption Details:
- Address: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Website: Tzu Zoo Rescue
- Email: [email protected]
What You Need to Know About Shih Poo’s Before Adoption
Shih Poo’s are one of the best small dog breeds. They are cute and cuddly but can also be a handful at times. Before adopting a Shih Poo, here are 7 things you need to know.
- Shih Poo’s are best for a family with older kids. Shih Poo’s are usually friendly, social and can interact with a variety of people. They also require space and can get annoyed easily if smothered which young children do. This is especially important for rescued Shih Poo’s because they have been through a lot and will need time to adjust and open up to your family.
- Shih Poo’s love to bark and bark some more. When Shih Poo’s are young, they have an excessive amount of energy which translates into them barking at anything and everything possible. They are also quite stubborn so they might try to boss you around. If they are not trained, this can be a problem in the future. As a general rule of thumb, consider providing some additional training for your Shih Poo.
- Shih Poo’s can over-eat. Given the option, Shih Poo’s can stuff themselves and become overweight easily. To prevent this, you will need to feed your Shih Poo a specific portion daily.
- Shih Poo don’t require excessive exercise. You don’t need to take a Shih Poo on extensive hiking trips to stay fit and healthy. A daily walk and playtime are sufficient to keep your furry friend in shape.
- Shih Poo’s require regular grooming as their coat can snap back in a month. Many Shih Poo owners take their dog to the groomer every 4 to 6 weeks. In between the appointments, ensure you brush your furry friend regularly.
- Shih Poo’s are likely to develop health issues that are common to their parent breeds, Shih Tzu’s and Poodles. Common issues include breathing problems, eye issues, and joint problems. Your chosen rescue should be able to paint a full picture of the Shih Poo’s health condition including underlying conditions.
- If, for one reason or another, cannot be able to take care of a Shih Poo after its being rehomed in your home, please take it back to the rescue. Don’t rehome it with someone else. Many rescues have an open-door policy for their adopted Shih Poo’s.
Conclusion for Shih Poo Rescues and Adoption
One of the most exciting things about adopting a Shih Poo is bringing your furry baby home. As much as it is tempting to invite your family and friends to meet your new Shih Poo, resist. It’s important to give your new furry friend a couple of quiet days to adjust, relax, and bond with you and those living with you. Give the Shih Poo enough space and when it’s more comfortable, you can start introducing her/him to your family and friends.