Founded in April 2001, Lhasa Happy Homes Rescue, Inc., is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) rescue and foster care organization created for the safe haven and permanent placement of homeless pups. We specialize in Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Maltese, but also rescue other small mixed breeds under 20 lbs.
All Lhasa Happy Homes pups are cared for in a home environment and/or daycare facility and treated as if they were part of the family. Each is temperament tested, and we evaluate their interaction with other dogs, kids and people to determine the best home for each. They receive responsible medical attention, rehabilitation when necessary, treats and toys when they are good, and a warm lap to lay on at the end of the day to let them know how much they are loved.
We strive to give adopters our best assessment of a dog’s physical condition and behavior to assure that the selected dog is a good match for the intended family. These dogs have been through a lot, and they deserve to be loved unconditionally – the same way they’ll love you!
Mission and Vision
Our ongoing mission is to match families with their ideal pets and give these special pups a second chance at a great new life. It is staggering to see these beautiful dogs dumped in the shelters or abandoned by their families day after day, year after year.
We concentrate on the dogs of our breed (Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Maltese and small breed mixes) who have ended up on the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of these dogs have critical injuries, require surgery, are senior in age and/or have otherwise been left to die.
It’s not the dog’s fault; it’s really human error 99% of the time due to a lack of education or misinformation about these breeds. It is our goal to educate the public about these dogs, their needs, training requirements and the social environment they require to live long and happy lives.
It is our goal to make them feel secure, safe and protected so that when they are placed in their homes, they will stay there! Our utmost goal is to adopt humans who will provide the perfect forever home for these little furbabies.
As long as there is a Lhasa or one of our breeds in the shelter, our work is not done…. and unfortunately, the numbers continue. It is heartbreaking to see these beautiful dogs dumped in the shelters or abandoned by their families. It is gratifying when people, like you, step up to the plate and help hem…. perfect with all their imperfections.
Specialization
Other specialization
- Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Maltese
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process
1. View the dogs for adoption on our website or at an adoption event
If you have not seen them on the website or in person yet, you can experience the dogs who are currently available at our bi-monthly adoption events. Here you will have an opportunity to interact with the dogs and see which might be a perfect fit with your household! We have wonderful adoption counselors who can assist you with questions about each of the dog’s personalities and activity levels. Hopefully, we can help you make a match with a new family member who is perfectly suited for you and your household!
We show the dogs first and third Sundays at 2116 Main St., Santa Monica, 90405, 11am-2:30pm. Check our Events Calendar for cancellations or alternate locations. Metered street parking is available on Main Street or surrounding streets. Look for the purple tents!
2. Complete the Application
PLEASE READ THE DOG’S PROFILES prior to submitting an application so that you know you are a fit for the pup you are applying for.
Within the description of each dog, there is a link to our adoption application. Click on the link, indicate the dog(s) you are interested in and complete the application. Until we know a little about you and what you are looking for, it is impossible for us to tell if a dog is right for you and your family.
If you are looking to take a dog home with you when you visit, you will need to complete the application and *home visit/video prior to coming to an adoption event so that you can be approved to take a dog home with you!
3. Application will be reviewed
Once your application has been reviewed and (hopefully) approved, we will contact you (either by phone or by email) to discuss next steps in the adoption process.
Sometimes people find the questions invasive, but our only objective is to make the perfect match, and we truly go that extra mile in search of exceptional homes for our little furry friends. Each has their own unique personality and characteristics. Their lives have been interrupted for one reason or another, and it’s our job to make certain wherever they go next is the last time they will have to move! We endeavor to match the pup with what you are looking for so that they are yours forever!
We do not adopt to families with children under 8 years old; sometimes we can push it to 5 years old IF we know that the dogs have come from a home where young children are tolerated. Lhasa typically do not like children! This is for the child’s protection, as we would never want a child to be traumatized by one of our dogs. We rarely adopt out of state but will in some cases with special needs dogs.
4. Home visit will be arranged
The goal here is to make sure the home is secure and that the dog is not likely to get out and lost! Due to the pandemic and COVID, we will accept a virtual home visit video, showing your home and yard (specifics to be discussed at that time). This will either be arranged prior to or after you have met the dog you are interested in. We may, at our discretion, accept photos of your home in lieu of a home visit.
LHASA HAPPY HOMES DOES NOT SHIP DOGS OUT OF STATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Only in special cases will LHH adopt out of state. In those rare but approved instances, primary adopter would be required to come to Los Angeles to receive the dog.
5. Review and sign the aggreement
After making the right match for you and your family, we will provide you with a complete adoption package. This includes your adoption contract; spay/neuter, vaccination and rabies certificates; microchip information and any applicable medical records. The process of reviewing this information at our adoption event takes about 30 minutes.
We accept cash, check, Venmo or *credit cards for the adoption fee – required when you sign the final agreements.
https://lhasahappyhomes.org/dog/
Testimonials
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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