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

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.