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Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.)

Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption and Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) is an all volunteer, not for profit, no-kill, licensed shelter, established in 1999 to provide sanctuary, loving care and an adoption program for abandoned and relinquished Shih Tzu. Our mission also includes two special programs. (1) Adoptable dogs with injuries and medical ailments that are costly to treat and who would otherwise be scheduled to die are given the extra-ordinary medical care and lengthy rehabilitation they need to live happy complete lives. (2) Neglected and abused dogs with behavior issues ranging from aggression to fear that have the potential to become loving family members are enrolled in a remedial program with a professional trainer/behaviorist so they too can be successfully placed in “forever homes.” All dogs are kept in a home-like environment with access to over two fenced-in acres where they can run free. Our Shih Tzu are spayed/neutered prior to adoption, current on annual inoculations and heartworm preventative and have an AVID microchip implant. Complete veterinarian wellness checks are done on all incoming pets and any necessary special tests, medical and/or surgical procedures are provided. Regularly scheduled grooming, parasite checks and treatment are also included as a part of our routine care. All dogs are temperament and personality tested so adopters can be matched with a dog that will best suit their expectations and lifestyle.
Our rescue group is very knowledgeable about the breed characteristics and specific care requirements of the Shih Tzu. Post adoption assistance is provided to help the adopted pet and caregiver through the transition period. We provide breed specific and general educational materials as well as consultation and training services for current and potential pet guardians. We will work with Shih Tzu owners considering giving up their pets, offering alternatives, education and assistance in an effort to help keep the Shih Tzu in it’s current home.

Contact
Phone

Meet their adoptable pets

shelter is not open to the public,
Homer Glen, IL, 60491

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Rescue FAQs

We only adopt locally, which we consider up to an hour and a half or so drive from our location (land line area codes 708, 872, 630/331, 847/224, 312/773, 815/779). Exceptions may be considered for senior or special needs dogs. We do not adopt out-of-state, no exceptions.

  • 1. Meet the Pet
  • 2. Submit Application
  • 3. Interview

Additional adoption info

The Safehouse is not open to the public. Potential adopters can only visit with our dogs at one of our off-site (designated) adoption events.
You can complete and submit your application for a specific dog only after you have met and spent some hands-on time with the dog you wish to adopt and spoken with one of our volunteers. All members of the adopting household must be interviewed before we will process an application. If your application is approved, your resident dog must be introduced to the S.T.R.A.E.S. dog at the shelter before the actual adoption can take place.
Your completed application must include the name of the dog you wish to adopt along with the name, phone number and relationship of three to five local references; only one relative or employee can be listed as a reference. Veterinarian information is included within the application and cannot be used as a personal reference.
We WILL NOT PROCESS an application that does not include the name of a specific dog; an application for a dog you have not met; or an application completed by someone other than the actual person who will live with and be responsible for the care of the dog.

Applicant Requirements:

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age, show identification to confirm their identity and provide proof of a permanent address and telephone number.

Renters must have permission from the property owner.

Applicants must have adequate income for support care including regular and emergency veterinary care, training, dog food, boarding, grooming and dog supplies.

Applicant must be physically capable of or must have adequate assistance to properly train and manage an active dog, including walking the dog on a regular daily basis.

No more than one additional neutered/spayed dog (under the age of 10 years) and three cats may reside in the Applicant’s household. All dogs must be spayed/neutered.

No children under 6 years of age may reside in the Applicant’s household. Applicant may not provide day care services within the residence.

Applicants over the age of 60 may not adopt dogs under the age of 3 years.

Applicant must be willing to allow a Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse representative to complete pre & post adoption follow up, either in person, and/or by telephone.

When adopting a dog from Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse, a legally binding and enforced contract must be signed. The adoption application and the adoption agreement must be signed by the same person(s).

The dog must remain in the care of and reside with the adopter. If at any time the Adopter is unwilling or unable to keep the dog, or unable to provide it with proper care, it must be returned to Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse.

Applicant home must have a fenced in yard or dog run (no stake or trolley or other type tie outs, or electronic fences permitted). Consideration is given for apartment, condo and townhouse residences.

Applicant must agree to enroll with the dog in an approved obedience/socialization class within two months of the adoption date. Proof of completion of the class must be provided to Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse.

Adoption Fee -- adoption fees are nonrefundable and subject to change without notice (age at intake): adult dog: $300 – adult dog pair: $400 - dogs under 13 months: $500 - dogs under 25 months: $450 - dogs under 36 months: $400 (senior to senior adoptions – dogs over 10 years & adopter over 65 years - $100)

Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse makes no representations or warranties about the health, personality, condition, temperament or behavior of the dog.

Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse reserves the right to refuse any adoption request at will.

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