Adoption FAQ

  • Where is Lhasa Happy Homes located?

    We are a private rescue organization located in Santa Monica, California; however, we do not have a facility where we house the dogs. All of our dogs stay in foster homes or doggie daycare. To meet them, please come to one of our adoption events.

  • Do you have a facility where we can visit the dogs?

    Lhasa Happy Homes does not have a public facility for viewing the dogs. However, we typically showcase our dogs 1st and 3rd Sunday at 2116 Main St., Santa Monica, 90405, 11am-2:30pm. We occasionally do special events. Check our Events Calendar to see where we will be and when! 

  • What is the adoption process?

    Please visit the “Adoption Process” page for step-by-step information.

    Once you have reviewed our “Available Dogs” and have chosen one (or two!) that you are interested in adopting, please complete and submit the adoption application before calling. Our goal is to make the perfect match between you and the dog of your choice… but we cannot do this without having specific information about you. We also want to give you the time you deserve, so that when you call, we have time to speak with you. Since many of our volunteers work full time jobs (yes, rescuing dogs is a full time job, but it doesn’t pay the bills!!), please call during office hours (11am-6pm PST during the week and leave a message.  We will do our best to get back to you within 48 hours.

    If you send an email or submit an application, we will get back to you within 24-48 hrs if we believe there is a fit with your home and one of our dogs.

  • Do you adopt out of state?

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    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.

    If your application is being considered, an phone interview would be required, and you would need to come to our location in Los Angeles to meet the dog of your choice. A home visit would be necessary prior to confirming an adoption. In the event an out-of-state adoption is approved, the adoptive family would be responsible for any and all expenses associated with the relocation of the dog to its new home location, as well as any expenses connected with returning the dog to Rescue, in the event the adoption is not successful.

  • Do you adopt outside Southern California?

    We will consider an adoption to the right home outside of Southern California; however, the same policies would apply as those for an out-of-state adoption (see above).

  • Where do Lhasa Happy Homes dogs come from?

    The majority of the dogs come to us from city and county shelters in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Devore and Riverside. Space permitting, we will accept Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Maltese and/or Pomeranian owner turn-ins (OTI).

  • How long do the dogs stay at Lhasa Happy Homes?

    Our dogs are cared for in a home environment and/or doggie daycare, with lots of love and attention, toys and treats! Once you decide to adopt from LHH, we will provide you with an information sheet on the dog, including vet records and our recommendations on suitable training, grooming, veterinarian, food, schedule, bedding, grooming supplies, toys, treats, etc. We are always available to answer any questions or provide any support you may require.

  • I can’t keep my dog …will Lhasa Happy Homes take it for me?

    Zoomy3_cropWe recognize that there are situations that arise in life that are unavoidable wherein an animal must be re-homed. We do accept OTI on a space-available, case-by-case basis. Dogs that are in jeopardy of being euthanized in the shelters are our first priority. In the event we do not have room and cannot foster your dog, we will post him/her for you on our Facebook page and/or website and assist in its adoption as best we can.

  • Do you have any history on the dogs?

    Unless the dog is listed as an owner turn-in (OTI), we rarely have any history on the dog. Most of them are turned into the shelter as strays. Even when owners turn in their dogs to the shelters, they rarely give them a history of the dog. We will provide any information we have on any dog to a prospective owner. Since our dogs are housed in foster homes, we can only give you information based on our experience of them in our care. 

  • Can you send me more information on a particular dog?

    All the information we have on each dog is usually contained in the written description. This includes their breed, age, coloring, size, physical condition (to the best of our knowledge) and whatever general information we have gleaned from our time with the dogs. They are also temperament-tested during their stay in a foster home, so that we can give you our professional opinion on how they appear to be with kids, other dogs,  people, what they like/don’t like, habits, etc. One thing we’ll never guarantee is that they are housebroken or hypoallergenic. Each dog will respond differently to a new environment. Each household is also different, so it will be up to the new forever home to show the dog the ropes (i.e., if you have a doggie door or if you live in an apartment that requires you to take the dog for walks throughout the day). 

  • What is a home visit?

    Prior to finalizing an adoption, a representative of Lhasa Happy Homes will visit your home to see where the dog will be living.  Due to COVID, we may opt to receive a virtual home visit via video.  We want to view the entrance to your home, street/neighborhood, interior shots,  backyard/fencing/gates (if applicable).  The goal here is not to be invasive but to insure the best environment for the dog. Since we’ve had first-hand experience with each dog, we can advise you of areas to be cautious (i.e., if it is a jumper, escape artist, garbage can junkie or just likes to open the refrigerator and get a snack!) and help you make adjustments, if/where necessary. This is done to guarantee the ultimate protection of the dog…so that both canine and “parents” enjoy the best experience!

  • Is there an adoption fee?

    There is a minimum adoption donation for each dog. The donation varies, depending on the age (seniors over 10 yrs old are less; puppies a little more), training and medical disposition of the dog. Donations start at $400. Please feel free to inquire about the donation for any dog you are interested in adopting.

  • Why is there an adoption donation?

    BosleyLhasa Happy Homes is a 501c3 non-profit that relies solely on donations for its existence. We pay all expenses out of pocket, which include adoption fees to the shelter, vet exams, medications, vaccinations, spay/neutering, grooming, flea control, microchipping, de-worming, surgical procedures, specialists and/or x-rays where indicated and behavioral training. We spend upwards of $60-80,000 annually in medical alone for the dogs we rescue and another $15,000 for training!  Dogs, like children, are expensive!!

    Additionally, Lhasa Happy Homes provides each adoptive family with a gift of a leash, collar and identification tag. Without donations, Lhasa Happy Homes could not survive.   Thank you!

  • Do you have a refund/return policy?

    The “fee” paid for the dog is a donation, we maintain a “no refunds” protocol. We want adopters to be committed to their decision and to be sure they are making the right match. That being said, in rare cases we may choose to return the fee, based on the circumstances. We disclose all information we may know/have on the dog, but adoption is on an “as is” basis. 

  • Are Lhasa Apso good with children?

    While we steer away from stereotyping any dogs, it is our professional opinion that there are other dogs that are more appropriate for young children. We have a policy that prevents us from adopting to any family with children under 8 yrs old. In some cases, with Board approval, we can push that to 5 yrs old, if we know that the dogs have been and/or are good with children. There are some Lhasa who are absolutely wonderful with children, and so it is not fair to put such a stigma on this breed, and we will adopt to a home with children 5+ if the dog has proven to be good with kids.

    Sometimes Lhasa mixes have better temperaments, as they have “less attitude!” If you are interested in adopting a Lhasa, and you have young children (under 8), be very careful in your selection and do not get a puppy. Adopt a dog that is a couple of years old, whose temperament is more mature and can be evaluated…one who demonstrates an easy going, friendly nature. We would highly recommend that you research any breed you are unfamiliar with before making a decision to adopt.

  • Are Lhasa Apsos hypoallergenic?

    While there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, Lhasa Apsos have minimal dander, which is the allergen that causes a reaction in most people. They shed very little and therefore need to be groomed on a regular basis.

    Some people are highly allergic and can be sensitive to minimal dander or even saliva. Your best bet is to spend time with a dog you are considering adopting, let them lick you, put your hands in their fur and then on your arms/face and see if you have a reaction. A day of discomfort (if you are allergic) is better than a lifetime of itching!!

Adoption Events

We do not have a public viewing facility; however, we hold bi-monthly adoption events in Santa Monica. Please check our calendar for changes and cancellations due to holidays or weather.

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 11am – 2:30pm

2116 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 [Map]

Metered street parking.

Please bring pictures or video of your home/yard if we have not yet done a home visit (preferred).

And…don’t forget to bring your dog(s), if you have any. They make the final decision!