Health & Shipping

The health guarantee we offer is not just a document. It’s a reflection of our ethics, our breeding philosophy, and our belief in doing right by the puppies and families we serve. We stand behind the health of every puppy we place because we go above and beyond to make sure they are given the best possible start in life. All of our parent dogs are thoroughly health tested. We screen for known genetic conditions common to the Shih Tzu breed, and we only pair dogs who are cleared and in optimal health. This means we are not only focused on producing beautiful, affectionate Shih Tzus but also on reducing the risk of hereditary illness or long-term health issues.
Each puppy receives veterinary care from the moment they are born. They’re examined regularly by our trusted veterinarian, who monitors their growth, development, and overall condition. We keep meticulous records on each pup, tracking everything from their weight to their vaccination schedule, deworming treatments, and early development milestones. When a puppy is ready to go home, they come with a full health report and a record of vaccinations and preventative care they’ve received. This helps your own veterinarian understand their early history and continue the excellent care we’ve started.
Our health guarantee provides peace of mind. We guarantee that at the time of adoption, your puppy will be up to date on vaccinations and deworming and will have passed a full health check. We also offer a one-year genetic health guarantee against life-threatening congenital conditions. If a veterinarian diagnoses a genetic condition within the first year of life that significantly affects the quality or longevity of the puppy’s life, we will work with you to make things right. In many cases, this means offering a replacement puppy or contributing to the cost of treatment depending on the situation. Of course, there are conditions to ensure the guarantee remains valid. We require that all families take their new puppy to a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receiving them. This visit serves to confirm the puppy's health and establish care with your vet. The health guarantee does not cover illness or injury caused by neglect, accidents, or failure to provide proper veterinary care. We expect our adoptive families to uphold their end of the responsibility—providing high-quality food, routine vet visits, and a safe, loving environment.
We also educate each family on the unique care needs of the Shih Tzu breed. These are not high-maintenance dogs, but they do have specific requirements when it comes to grooming, dental care, and diet. Their small stature, flat faces, and luxurious coats mean that owners need to be mindful of seasonal weather, eye cleaning, brushing routines, and avoiding obesity. We are always available to answer questions and provide guidance. Our relationship doesn’t end when your puppy goes home—we see ourselves as a lifelong resource for you and your pup.
Now, let’s talk about shipping. We understand that not every family lives close enough to pick up their puppy in person. That’s why we’ve developed a secure and comfortable shipping process that gets your new best friend to you safely, no matter where you are. First and foremost, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our puppies during travel. We only ship puppies who are at least 8 to 10 weeks old and are completely cleared by our vet as healthy and strong enough for the journey.
There are typically two main options for getting your puppy to you: flight nanny or ground transport. With the flight nanny service, your puppy travels inside the cabin of a commercial flight accompanied by an experienced pet handler. They are never placed in cargo. This ensures that your puppy is always under human supervision, able to be comforted, and kept safe throughout the trip. When your puppy arrives, they’re delivered directly to you at your nearest major airport. The flight nanny will hand-deliver your pup into your arms, and you’ll be given time to ask questions, inspect your puppy, and go over any documents.
For those who prefer ground delivery, we work with trusted, licensed ground transport services that specialize in pet relocation. These drivers are professionals who understand the needs of young puppies and stop frequently for rest, water, and feeding. Puppies travel in climate-controlled, clean, and comfortable vehicles and are monitored throughout the trip. Ground transport is often ideal for shorter distances or for families who want to avoid air travel altogether.
Regardless of the method, we coordinate everything for you. We keep you updated with photos and videos leading up to travel day, and we stay in close contact throughout the journey. We know how anxious and exciting this time can be, and we want you to feel included and reassured every step of the way. All shipping costs are clearly communicated upfront, and we never tack on surprise fees. We also include a travel kit with every puppy that includes a cozy blanket with familiar scents, a small bag of their current food, toys, and a folder of health records and information. This helps ease the transition from our home to yours and gives your puppy some comfort and continuity as they adjust to their new environment.
We’ve worked with families across the country—from California to New York, Texas to Illinois—and every experience has taught us how to make the shipping process better, safer, and smoother. Our goal is to create as little stress as possible for both you and your new puppy. We want your first moments together to be joyful and calm, not chaotic or confusing.
To further support a smooth transition, we provide a detailed care guide to help you prepare for your puppy’s arrival. This includes tips on crate training, feeding schedules, puppy-proofing your home, and the first 48 hours after arrival. We want you to feel ready, informed, and excited. And if you ever have questions—before, during, or after delivery—we are just a message or phone call away.
Our promise is simple: to raise healthy, loving Shih Tzu puppies and to place them into homes that will treasure them as deeply as we do. The health guarantee and shipping process are part of that promise. They reflect our values and the high standards we hold ourselves to. We know that when you choose Shih Tzu Spot, you’re trusting us with a deeply meaningful decision. We don’t take that lightly.
In every heartbeat, every snuggle, every playful bark, there is a story—a story that begins with how your puppy came into this world and how they arrived in your life. We want that story to be filled with love, security, and joy from the very beginning. And we are honored to be a part of it.
Thank you for choosing Shih Tzu Spot. Thank you for caring enough to ask about health and safety. These are not just words or policies to us—they are our way of life. We look forward to helping you welcome a beautiful, healthy Shih Tzu into your home and heart.