5 Shih Tzu Rescues in Michigan (MI) | 2024 Shelters (2024)

Are you anywhere near Michigan and want to adopt a Shih Tzu? If you do, then continue reading. In this article, you’ll find a list of all the Shih Tzu Rescue in Michigan. Thus, you won’t have any problem looking for each one.

Adoption is a great option to consider for many reasons. First, it’s way more affordable to rehome a Shih Tzu puppy than get one from a breeder. Either way, you’ll enjoy the company of these loving breeds, so why not get it from a Shih Tzu shelter, right?

I hope you find a homeless dog and allow it to enjoy the company of a family through our guide.

Shih Tzu Rescues Michigan Listings Near Me

Shih Tzu Puppies for Adoption and Rehoming in Michigan

Michele’s Rescue Michigan

Address – NA

Phone – 231-798-4935

Website – https://michelesrescue.com/

Humane Society of West Michigan

Address – 3077 Wilson Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Phone – 616.453.8900

Website – https://www.hswestmi.org/

Michigan Animal Rescue League

Address – 325 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd N., Pontiac, MI 48342

Phone – (248) 335-9290

Website – https://marleague.org/

Michigan Humane

Address – 30300 Telegraph Road Suite 220 Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4507

Phone – (866) 648-6263

Website – https://www.michiganhumane.org/

Detroit Dog Rescue

Address – P.O. Box 806119 St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Phone – (313) 458-8014

Website – https://detroitdogrescue.com/

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in Michigan?

If you plan on adopting a Shih Tzu in Michigan, you’re saving a lot as you help homeless dogs and shelters.

On average, a purebred Shih Tzu can cost from $700 to $2,500 if you’d get it from a breeder.

However, if you would get one and adopt a Shih Tzu from a Rescue or Shelter, it would only cost around $300.

Of course, you’ll need to spend on other expenses like food and other items such as grooming tools and toys.

Still, it’s a much cheaper or affordable way to enjoy the company of a Shih Tzu. Moreover, you’ll do something right since you will provide a home for a dog in need. Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet.

Choosing a Good Shih Tzu Rescue

All Shih Tzus (and all dogs) deserve the best love and care. However, you must pick your future pet to adopt only from a good rescue.

Thus, you may look at these qualities in a rescue or shelter to be sure it’s a great one. In general, you need to choose a rescue that:

Has active and preventative programs to reduce the animal killing

The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, they should reward owners of neutered animals with lower license fees, spay/neuter subsidies, and referrals.

Spays or neuters the dog before sending it to the new family

It’s strictly necessary for all adopted animals to get spayed or neutered. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes.

Prioritizes the dogs’ well-being

A good rescue should have a specific adoption process and a set of adoption policies. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals.

Maintains a clean and comfortable surrounding

A good rescue always shows it’s such by the surroundings. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared.

Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program.

How do I pick a good rescue Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are one of the best lap dogs you can ever have, which means you won’t find it difficult to interact with one. Still, if you’re getting one from a shelter or rescue, you may want to pick the best among the rest.

It can be slightly different from what you’d expect from a breeder if you would do so. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Shih.

Observe the dog

Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing.

A Shih Tzu should be friendly. These dogs are lap dogs, which means they see everyone as potential friends and cuddle buddies.

Though you may see a few sniffs here and there, it should approach you with no hesitation. Further, if it seems like it wants petting, do it. You just found yourself a new pal.

Test the dog’s reaction to noises

The dog’s reaction to noise can tell a bit of its personality. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice.

A Shih Tzu should want to come closer to you. Thus, if it hears your voice, as if calling it, the dog may try to lean into you. Thus, it’s a sign that it’s happy with how your voice sounds.

Touch the dog with caution

Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it.

A Shih Tzu likes touching and petting. Since they are one of the best lap dogs, petting and touching are crucial. Thus, if it shows a positive reaction such as tail-wagging and kissing, it’s a good sign.

Play with the dog

Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays.

Shih Tzus are playful dogs. For this reason, the dog should try to play with you even though you just met. Such desires can be associated with signs of excitement like tail-wagging or constant following.

Walk with the dog

Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road.

A Shih Tzu should like to walk with you. Although these dogs don’t walk for a prolonged period, they would do so if you’re with them. Thus, it would be a good sign if the Shih Tzu follows you like a shadow.

Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals

It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home.

Shih Tzus play well with other pets and even with infants. For this reason, it would be best to take your other pets and let them interact with the dog. This way, you also introduce them to their new buddy.

Summary

We know it’s quite challenging to adopt Shih Tzu since it would require you a handful of tasks and patience. Still, compared to breeders, Shih Tzu shelters would give you an affordable alternative to enjoy the company of this beautiful breed.

Michigan offers a few Shih Tzu rescues in its area. With this guide, you’ll have a starting point in looking, so you won’t begin from scratch.

Though adoption may be a bit different from getting a pup, you’ll still enjoy Shih Tzu nonetheless. Thus, you don’t need to hold back if you plan to rehome one.

Other States

Or you can check our overall page with a list of all covered Shih Tzu rescues.

Resources

Image credits – Canva