Adopt

Shiba Inu Rescue Association Adoption Process

So you've seen the beautiful, headstrong breed known as the Shiba Inu. You've looked at your living situation and decided that you are ready to open your home to a homeless Shiba. Now the question is, how do you adopt one? Below is SIRA's adoption process explained. Please read all the information as our process may differ from other shelters or rescue organizations you may have looked into adopting from. We currently CANNOT accept applications from people outside of the Midwest region. Our service area includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

The first step in adopting a rescue Shiba from SIRA is to fill out our adoption application. This allows us to find out more about you and your family, your living situation and what you are looking for in a forever friend. You must complete all applicable fields in the application and be as detailed as possible. Incomplete applications will be returned for correction. Click this file: sira_adoptionapplication-updated_1-3-16__2_.docx to download the application. When you have completed it, please send it in the form of a word document or PDF to adoptsirashibas@gmail.com. No other formats will be accepted and please do not copy and paste the application into an email. If you have any problems or questions do not hesitate to contact us at the above email address.
Once we receive and review your application, we will call and verify your references. All applicants are REQUIRED to provide TWO non-related references that do not reside in your home. These should be people who have been around your pets or are familiar with your pet experience If that is not possible (i.e. you have never owned pets or have not owned any for many years) please provide references who know you well.
If you currently own or have owned pets, you will need to provide us with your most recent veterinarian's information and please contact them to grant permission to release your records to Shiba Inu Rescue Association. Failure to do so will result in a delay of the adoption process.
If you are renting, you will need to provide us with your landlord's information. Please also let us know of any breed/weight/pet restrictions set by your landlord. We will be calling to verifying all information. It might be helpful to let your landlord know we will be contacting them. If we cannot verify that you are allowed to have a dog, it delays the process.
Once the application is approved and references are checked, we will find a volunteer to perform your home visit. The volunteer will make arrangements to visit with you in your home. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING CHILDREN, MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE ENTIRE HOME VISIT. The home visit gives us the opportunity to discuss with you and your family any issues or potential dangers for the dog (i.e. exposed wires, possible escape issues, etc. ). We can then offer suggestions of how to Shiba-prof your home and management techniques to keep the dog safe and everyone happy. This is also the time for us to find out and discuss with you exactly what your are looking for in a dog, and what will fit best with your family.
Find your forever friend! Once your home visit has been completed and you have been approved to adopt, you may begin the search for your forever friend. Use the email links on the dogs' bio pages to contact the foster families and let them know you are interested in their foster.
Foster families care for the rescued shibas in their home for an average of 6-8 weeks. They evaluate the dogs and find out how they are with adults, children, dogs, cats and other pets if possible. They know how much stimulation and activity their foster dog needs in addition to any training that may be needed in the future.
All potential adopters are required to meet their new dogs in person and resident dogs must meet the foster dog. There is also a 24 hour waiting period before adoption may occur.
If you are not able to adopt the first dog you are interested in, please do not be discouraged. This does not mean you are not a good home for a rescue Shiba, it only means that there was another family who's situation was better for that particular dog. Keep looking and inquire when you see a dog you are interested in. Your perfect match is out there and you will find it. We will help you in the process!

ADOPTION!
Once you have found your perfect match and the foster home has approved you to adopt their foster dog, an adoption day will be arranged. All resident dogs must meet potential new dogs. We require a waiting period as well. Before your forever friend comes home, you will need to be sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for your new Shiba. A Shopping Check List is available for you to use. You will be required to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within the first 10 days of adoption and provide proof of such check up to the adoption coordinator. The final stop in the process is to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee!

Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog:
Puppy under 1 year = $400.00
Adolescent 1-3 years = $350.00
Young Adult 4-6 years = $300.00
Adult 7-9 years = $250.00
Senior 10+ years = $200.00

Shiba Inu Rescue Association reserves the right to deny any applicant at any stage in the adoption process for any reason.

ADOPTABLE DOGS!

HAKU
Haku is a happy-go-lucky 4 1/2 year old male Shiba Inu with lots of love to give his new family in time. He came to SIRA with terrible allergies, no hair on his back and tail, a bum leg, and heartworm positive, earning him the nickname "Hot Mess Haku." Since entering foster care and eating good food and controlling his allergies with medications and medicated baths (which he is SO good for), he has a full coat and no longer itches! Now he is "Handsome Haku!" Haku is currently undergoing heartworm treatment and will not be available for adoption until he gets a negative heartworm test. He also has a torn CCL that will require surgery post-heartworm treatment. Haku is on medical hold in Central Illinois at this time but could be considered for a foster to adopt situation. If you live in the Midwest and you’re interested in Haku or want to apply to be approved to adopt through SIRA, apply now! Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt.

BENJI

Benji is a commercial breeder release fostered in Michigan who is still very timid of humans. He is beginning to trust his foster mom and will allow pets if you have food. He is a work in progress and if you have a heart for working with breeder releases, Benji may be for you. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in Benji, download our application and apply to become approved as an adopter with SIRA!

TINA

Tiny Tina here! This little adorable Shiba girl spent the first seven years of her life in a commercial breeding operation. She came to SIRA and has been the happiest little mill mama! But sadly, when Tina saw the veterinarian, it was discovered she has a heart murmur and has to see a cardiologist. Tina is on medical hold until we can determine the degree of her heart problems. She is currently fostered in Missouri. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in Tina, download an application to become approved as an adopter so that when she is healthy enough to be adopted, you are already approved!