Adoption Frequently Asked Questions
About Us
What is your mission?
Shih Tzus & Furbabies is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of small purebred and mixed breed dogs. We believe that, somewhere, there is a home for every dog, but that we have a responsibility to place our dogs into homes that will best meet their needs, both physically and emotionally. We look for people with patient and loving hearts, and an understanding of the furbaby mind.
We are also committed to educating the public about the importance of ethical, responsible, and humane pet guardianship.
Are you a registered non-profit organization?
Shih Tzus and Furbabies, Inc is a non-profit organization recognized under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). All donations may be tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
What breeds do you rescue?
We rescue all small breeds, including shih tzus, lhasa apso, poodles, pomeranians, yorkies, chihuahuas, pekingese, japanese chins, cavalier king charles spaniels, maltese, dachshund, bichon, chinese crested, italian greyhounds, schnauzers, and terriers. We rescue pure, as well as mixed breed dogs of all ages.
Our Adoption Process
Where can I view your dogs?
Because we are not a shelter, and our dogs are in loving foster homes, we are unable to “send” you to a specific location to meet them. We occasionally participate in rescue events, or “adoption days”, and will post the information on our website. But, the first step is to complete an online adoption application, here on our web site. When we receive it, an adoption counselor will contact you and begin your approval process.
Your application asks if I am willing to accept a dog with behavior problems who requires special training. What does that mean?
Special training and behavior problems may include things such as leash training, housetraining, digging, or excessive barking. Some dogs may have a behavioral problem from whatever previous life they led and may need some extra attention to deal with those behavioral issues.
Your application asks if I am willing to accept a dog with special needs? What does that mean?
Special needs could include administering daily eye drops, dietary restrictions, or extra trips to the vet due to a heart murmur or seizure disorder. Some dogs may be deaf, missing a leg or have limited use of one or both eyes. Some of our senior dogs suffer from cataract, diabetes, or bladder control issues. We hope that won’t discourage you from considering an older or special needs dog, as they are still full of love! Special needs dogs are truly special and usually compensate for their “disability” by being extra sweet and wonderful!
Your application asks if I am willing to accept a dog with a history of neglect/abuse who needs extra love and attention. What does that mean?
Many of our dogs have experienced neglect or abuse and require a little extra attention and training to adjust to their new life. They may react to their fears by hiding, nipping, or barking. Some may experience separation anxiety. These babies need some extra TLC so that they can understand what it means to be loved.
What are adoption fees and why is there a range in the amount?
Shih Tzus & Furbabies is considered by some to be a “hard rescue organization”. We accept dogs with serious medical needs. In addition to treating the usual minor medical conditions, vaccinations, and altering, we also arrange for more expensive procedures such as heartworm treatments, orthopedic surgeries, and ophthalmic care. Our veterinarians are generous and loving professionals, who support our efforts. In order to pay them, we must ask for an “adoption fee” or “adoption donation.” These range from $350 to $700.
Why do you require a home visit?
We consider the home visit an important part of the adoption process because it allows one of our volunteers to meet you, your family, and your existing pets; In addition, it gives us the opportunity to identify potential hazards at your home that you may not even know about. If an applicant currently owns a pet and/or has children, our volunteers will often bring one of their own dogs with them to the home visit.
How long is the adoption process?
We are a volunteer organization and therefore, ask for your patience, as it can sometimes take us 2-3 weeks to begin processing an application. Once the process is started, the time until the adoption varies in accordance with how complete the application is and how accessible the new home and references are. You must also consider that your new dog may be coming to you from another state via a transport, which may delay the adoption process.
I was told the dog I was interested in was not a good match or was no longer available. Why is that?
Almost always, there are many applicants wanting the same dog. In such situations, we try to make the best possible match based on the information we’ve gathered through each of the application steps. There are always many dogs to choose from, and more come and go each day. So sometimes the exact dog you’re applying for might already have an adoption pending or may actually “fit” better in a different applicant’s home. In this case, we try to interest you in someone else who is available that we think might be a good match according to your preferences on the application.
Because all of our dogs are in loving home awaiting adoption, the foster parents are able to really understand each dog’s needs, likes, and dislikes. We want our dogs to be adopted into a “forever” home and therefore, do whatever we can to match you with the perfect dog for you and your family.
What if the unthinkable happens and I am unable to keep my adopted dog?
In accordance with the Adoption Agreement, if you are unable to keep the dog, Shih Tzus and Furbabies will take the dog back without any questions.
What can I expect when my new dog comes home?
Although many dogs adjust quickly and effortlessly, some require a transition period to adjust to their new surroundings. Please be patient in giving your new best friend time to adjust. It may take several days or even weeks before he fully adapts to his new home but that’s a small price to pay for years of loyalty and devotion.
Please remember why you chose to adopt one of our dogs instead of taking the easy road by getting a young puppy from a breeder or pet store. Your new pet has had a hard time in this world. He or she may have been abandoned or abused. It may take some time for your new dog to learn to trust human beings again. Try to be the true friend that he or she so desperately needs.
Fostering
What does fostering entail?
We do not operate a shelter or have any formal facility. All our rescue pups are in private approved foster homes throughout the United States. We don’t ask you to take them to a pet store on Saturdays until they’re adopted. We only ask that you be their transition home, between where they came from & where they’ll be adopted to. We ask that you treat them as a family member while they’re in your care. Spoil them rotten and give them love. That’s not hard to do!
Would I be responsible for my foster dog’s veterinary expenses?
No, Not unless you wanted to and were able to help in that respect. Remember, we are always in need of donations. Shih Tzus & Furbabies reimburses you for approved veterinary care and provides heartworm prevention medication to all its foster dogs.
How does fostering help?
Fostering can provide socialization and training, as well as security and confidence to a furbaby whose previous life experiences left him without those basics. Fostering can help a dog understand that life can be truly joyous, and that he is safe and loved. Being a foster parent is a wonderful and rewarding experience and although it is sometimes difficult to let them go to their forever home, you can feel confident that each adoptive home is carefully screened and approved. Our foster parents are important participants in our adoption approval process.
How do I become a foster parent?
Becoming a Foster Parent is very simple. First, a foster application form must be submitted. . This application form is used to help us get to know you, and to understand what type of foster pup will do best in your household. The form may seem long, and we appreciate your taking time to think about your answers and be thorough.
Next, one of our volunteers will call you to tell you about our foster program, answer your questions, and begin your approval process. Your references will be called, and we will talk to your vet about the care you are providing for your current pets.
The final step in the process is a home inspection. Once the application is complete, a foster counselor will contact you to set up an appointment for a home inspection. This involves observing where the animals will be kept, discussing Shih Tzus and Furbabies guidelines, and answering any questions that you may have. Once this is complete, you are on your way to fostering one of our very special furbabies!
