One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, the Shiba Inu, certainly doesn’t leave anyone without a comment. Coming from distant Japan, this dog has a recognizable appearance that makes them very unique in every possible way.
If you want to become a proud owner of this dog breed, then your first thought was probably: Where can I find good Shiba Inu rescues? Are there some near me?
Fear not. Help is on the way. Those of you who live on a budget or simply don’t want to spend too much money on commercial breeders will find adopting to be the best option. You will be saving a dog’s life and saving money too!
There are numerous Shiba Inu rescues across the USA, but we’ve gathered the 10 best ones for you. Take a look at our list and see if there’s at least one you should consider contacting.
1. NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) – New York
Volunteers operate the first Shiba Inu rescue on our list. The NYC Shiba Rescue is based in the New York City metropolitan area, just as the name suggests. Also, they operate in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
These guys aren’t as strict as most Shiba Inu rescues are. The adoption process is quite simple. When they receive an application, they go through all of them chronologically and decide which seems like the best fit. They allow the adopters to choose three dogs at most, but they still have the final say in which Shiba Inu gets adopted.
If you pass the first screening, the NYCSR will come to your house and evaluate it. All members of the house should be present during the evaluation, including pets.
If you pass the home visit, the adoption committee will discuss whether you’re a good fit or not.
If you’re interested in adopting from these guys, you can visit their website for further information. They have good tips about the breed, especially for first-time owners.
NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) General Information:
• Website: NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR)
• Address: PO Box 20271 Greeley Square Station New York, NY 10001-0003
• Phone: (917) 591-3408
• Social media: Facebook
2. Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) – Ohio
When a rescue organization depends only on donations, we can only say those guys are the real MVPs. The Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) is located in Ohio. This 501c non-profit organization has the sole purpose of saving Shiba Inu dogs.
These guys use only donation money for their dog-related expenses. Everything from dog food to meds or special medical treatments is covered by the donation fund.
The SHAR is operated by volunteers from Vermillion, Ohio since this is where most of their dogs are located. In case you want a SHAR Shiba Inu but live far from Vermillion, you will have to travel there to get your dog. This organization doesn’t ship dogs and adopts only in their area.
Like many Shiba Inu rescues, SHAR doesn’t operate on a “first-come, first-serve” philosophy. They go through their applications, run a thorough evaluation, and then decide if a certain person can adopt their dog.
You can get an adoption application on their website. But, their Facebook page is an open book of many testimonials and adorable photos of the adopted Shiba Inus.
Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) General Information:
• Website: Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR)
• Address: 15901 Darrow Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
3. Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ) – New Jersey
If you live in the New Jersey area, but the NYC Shiba rescue doesn’t have the dog for you, then you should try your local shelter. The Shiba Rescue of New Jersey is also worth considering.
This organization is run by a group of families. Their goal is to save abandoned Shiba Inus. Besides New Jersey, the rescue operates in Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
There aren’t many active Shiba Inu rescues on the East Coast. The SRNJ is one of them. What’s so special about this organization is that they rescue other abandoned pets too!
But, there are conditions you need to fulfill before going through the adoption process with the SRNJ. First, you must be at least 25 years old. Then, fill out their adoption form.
These guys also offer a fostering program in case you’re worried about committing to giving Shiba a forever home. Fostering is an excellent way to help you get to know the breed or simply to make yourself feel useful while taking care of the dog until they find a permanent adopter.
The SRNJ alumni page will definitely make you want to join the large Shiba Inu family.
Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ) General Information:
• Website: Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ)
• Address: Toms River, NJ 08753
• Social media: Facebook
4. Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) – Illinois
The Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue, or MSIR, was founded back in 2002. This Illinois-based non-profit organization also works outside the area in Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Kansas.
The curiosity for this organization is that they rely only on foster homes. They have no main facility. Also, donations and fundraisers are what support these Shibas.
The adoption process is quite simple, but don’t expect to get the Shiba you want right away.
The MSIR has high standards for future adopters since they go through the application in detail and assign a dog to an individual that seems like the perfect fit. In other words, they get to decide if you’re worthy of their Shiba.
When adopting from the MSIR, you won’t have to worry about your Shiba’s health condition. All of their Shibas are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and treated for heartworm and fleas.
The adoption fees are affordable, ranging from $150 to $400, depending on whether you’re getting a puppy, an adult, or a senior Shiba Inu. Puppies are usually the most expensive.
Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) General Information:
• Website: Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR)
• Address: PO Box 8163, Gurnee, IL 60031
• Phone: (630) 225-5046
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
5. DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) – District of Columbia
Located in Washington, DC, the DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) is another non-profit organization. Rescuing abandoned Shibas is what these guys do.
As for their adoption process, the DCSIR is just like the other Shiba Inu rescues. You will need to fill out and submit their application form and send an email. Your application will be evaluated by volunteers.
Once they accept your application, you will go through a phone interview, and if you do well, you will meet their adoptable dogs.
However, the only downside is that the DCSIR doesn’t ship dogs. You will need to drive to their facility and get the dog yourself.
But don’t let the long drive discourage you from adopting a Shiba Inu. Adoption is actually a pleasant experience. Not many Shiba Inu rescues offer social events, interesting community programs, as well as full transparency about the dog’s history.
The adoption fees for a DCSIR Shiba Inu are nothing compared to commercial breeders. Here’s how much a puppy, adult, and a senior DCSIR cost:
• Puppy Shiba Inu: $500
• Adult Shiba Inu: $350
• Senior Shiba Inu: $250
DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) General Information:
• Website: DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR)
• Social media: Facebook
6. Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA) – Illinois
Another Illinois-based Shiba Inu rescue is the Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA). Fostering every abandoned, neglected, or unwanted Shiba Inu is their mission. Also, they foster Shiba Inu mixes like the Shiba Inu Husky mix or Shiba Inu German Shepherd mix.
SIRA works outside Illinois, too, in Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Missouri. If you live in one of these areas, then you should pay attention to their work.
To adopt a SIRA Shiba Inu, you should be over 21 years old, fill out an application form, and pass a home visit.
As for the adoption fees for SIRA Shiba Inus, they’re not that intimidating:
• Puppies under six months old: $500
• Puppies six months to one year old: $400
• Adults dogs one to three years old: $350
• Adult dogs four to six years old: $300
• Adult dogs seven to nine years old: $250
• Senior dogs: $200
Adoption fees for younger dogs and puppies are always higher than fees for adult dogs. Want to see which Shiba Inus are up for adoption? Go to their adoption page!
Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA) General Information:
• Website: Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA)
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
7. Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx) – Texas
A Shiba Inu rescue with a long tradition.
The Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas or SIRTx was founded way back in 1999. This is a small organization based in Austin but operating in neighboring states too!
What’s so special about SIRTx is that they rescue Shibas that are at a higher risk of being put down. Such a noble thing to do!
When adopting a SIRTx Shiba, you will need to fill out the application form first. If the volunteers decide you, your lifestyle, and your home are suitable for adopting a Shiba Inu, they will contact you and assign you a Shiba. No first-come-first-serve policy. The SIRTx only wants the best families that suit their dogs’ personalities and habits.
Their website is a great source of information about their adoption process as well as the breed itself.
Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx) General Information:
• Website: Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx)
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
8. America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) – Indiana
Located in Indianapolis, America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) is a rescue organization with a long tradition.
This non-profit organization was founded back in 2008, and its mission is to save Shiba Inus and African Basenji dogs. Most of their dogs were surrendered by previous owners or adopted from shelters. But, not only unwanted dogs get saved. The ABR takes care of mistrained dogs too! If a dog shows signs of aggression or it’s misbehaving, corrective training is in order.
Another great thing about this organization is that they provide temporary homes for dogs with health problems whose owners can’t afford to treat them.
Since this is a non-profit organization, they support themselves only through fundraisers and donations. They’re 501(c)(3) recognized and tax-deductible.
The ABR also sells merch like pet gear and dog treats to raise more money for the rescue center.
If they seem like your ideal Shiba Inu rescue, then you should check out ABR’s website and their guide on the Shiba Inu breed.
America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) General Information:
• Website: America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR)
• Phone: (317) 619-6444
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
9. Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF) – Florida
Shiba Inu lovers in Florida are all familiar with the Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida or SIRF. This organization tends to save all Shiba Inus as well as Shiba Inu mixes that need a forever home.
The SIRF organization has operated since 2012. Despite that it’s relatively new, the number of rescued Shiba Inu dogs and the number of successful rehomes is beyond average.
The SIRF organization is run only by volunteers. They are simply dog lovers working full-time and taking care of pets in need. This only shows how devoted the team is.
Just like the other Shiba Inu rescues, the SIRF does the whole package prior to adopting: microchipping, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations.
The team takes great care in choosing the right family for their Shibas.
If the SIRF is your #1 choice for adopting, you should pay a visit to their website and see which dogs are up to adoption. The website contains a brief history about each Shiba and also carries a special section for those special pups with needs.
Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF) General Information:
• Website: Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF)
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
10. Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. – Ohio
Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. is a Shiba Inu rescue based south of Dayton. Their goal is to save, foster, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for unwanted Shibas and Shiba mixes. This is another Shiba Inu rescue without a physical facility. All of their dogs are in foster homes.
Just like all the other Shiba Inu rescues, the organization takes care of the dog’s vaccinations, gets them microchipped, dewormed, spayed or neutered, and treated for heartworm and fleas.
If you want a Tri-state Shiba Inu, you will need to drive to Dayton since they don’t ship dogs.
The organization has numerous successful adoptions you can see on their ‘happy endings’ page.
However, unlike other rescues, the Tri-state rescue prefers homes with fenced backyards.
As for the adoption fees, you can expect to pay from $250 to $500. All their available dogs are listed on their adoption page.
Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. General Information:
• Website: Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc.
• Address: PO Box 1705, Miamisburg, OH 45343
• Phone: (937) 626-8248
• Email: [email protected]
• Social media: Facebook
Other Sources To Adopt A Shiba Inu
If none of these sources suit you, or an organization doesn’t allow you to adopt their Shiba, then you should consider other places. The adoption process can be long and tiring, but it’s worthwhile.
• Petfinder – Petfinder brings you adoptable dogs from the entire country. They link 11,000 adoption organizations and provide a detailed search based on your location.
• Petango – Petango was established in 2009. This organization has helped over 9 million pets. Adoptable Shiba Inus are quite common on Petango.
• Adopt-a-Pet – Also known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet, Adopt-a-Pet is one of the most popular adoption services. Adopt-a-Pet has helped over 21,000 shelters in rehoming pets. They have plenty of Shibas waiting for you.
• Local ani mal shelters and rescue organizations – If everything else fails, then you should turn to your local shelter. You never know when you’ll find a Shiba Inu dog looking for love and care. Your dream Shiba might be just around the corner!
Top 4 Tips For Becoming The Ideal Adopter
Photo from: @thedailyshibainu
The adoption process may take a while. It’s not something everyone enjoys, but when you think of the end result, it all seems worth it. These rescue organizations we’ve listed can be quite strict with the adoption process. They will go into detail with each application to determine whether you’re a good fit or not. To get you some bonus points, here is some advice you should follow:
• Gather information about the breed. Learning everything about the Shiba Inu breed and becoming an expert on them is probably the best way to put you at the top of the adoption list. Volunteers usually interview the adopter to see if they have any knowledge about the breed. If you want to learn more, then you can check out our source.
• Dog proof your home. Dog proofing is a thing. You can’t bring a dog to a place where potential dangers lurk. Before the organization comes to visit, you should prepare your home for a dog. A nice and clean corner would be just fine.
• Prepare your family members. Besides prepping your home, you should also prepare your family members for a newcomer. Everyone should know what to do and what not to do around Shibas.
• Feel free to ask questions. Show how eager you’re to adopt a Shiba by asking the volunteers many questions. Ask anything you want. There are no stupid questions.
FAQs
Photo from: @thedailyshibainu
Why Do Shibas End Up In Rescue Centers?
Although they might seem a bit intimidating at first, Shibas are actually generally loving dogs. But, not everyone knows how to handle them. Many people surrender their Shibas for certain reasons, e.g., lifestyle changes of lifestyle, can’t cover expenses, etc.
Here’s why Shibas usually get put up for adoption:
• The owner can’t cover the expenses that come with Shibas.
• The owner’s lifestyle has changed and doesn’t match the Shiba’s needs.
• The family is moving to a new home where they can’t have a dog.
• The owner has health problems that don’t allow them to take care of the Shiba Inu or has suffered a life-altering injury or disease.
• The family got a new baby, and they can’t share their time with the dog anymore.
Hearing a Shiba being put up for adoption is heartbreaking, but it’s always the best choice for a dog. Someone else will give that Shiba all the time, love, and care it deserves.
How Much Does The Shiba Adoption Cost?
Adopting a Shiba Inu from a shelter is always a better option than buying from a commercial breeder. Puppies from breeders are always expensive, but by adopting, you get a chance to get a puppy and save a life.
Shiba Inu puppies from breeders can cost around $1,000 to $2,500. Adopting will cost you no more than $600!
To paint a better picture, here’s a full list of the average initial cost of adopting a Shiba Inu puppy:
| Expenses | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vaccines | $80 |
| Vet Checkups | $65 |
| Heartworm Test | $15–$35 |
| Spay/Neuter operations | $200 |
| Flea/Tick Treatment | $50–$200 |
| Deworming | $60 |
| Microchipping | $50 |
| Dog Crate | $20 |
| Dog Bed | $30 |
| Dog Toys | $10 |
| Collar, ID Tag, and Bowls | $50 |
| Total | $630–$800 |
Is Adoption From A Shiba Inu Rescue A Tiring Process?
Fear not. Adopting is not difficult at all! However, it does take time to adopt a Shiba Inu from a rescue organization.
This is a normal procedure, and it only makes sure you and the selected dog are a good fit. Organizations want to make sure they’re giving their dogs to the greatest and the most loving homes!
Compared to other rescue groups like the Doberman Pinscher or Great Dane, Shiba Inu rescues are more approachable.
Final Thoughts: Which Shiba Inu Rescue Is Right For Me?
Always choose a Shiba Inu rescue group in your area. It will save you money for transport and make you involved in the rescue community.
Choosing the right one for you among these top 10 Shiba Inu rescues is not that difficult. They’re all great. Just judge them based on your preferences.
Read Next:
• Top 8 Dog Rescues In New York: Instead Of Shop, Adopt!
• Best Dog Rescues In Michigan: How Many Are There?
