We are not first come, first serve. We are a rescue, and every dog who comes into our care has different needs, history, personality, and safety requirements. We do our best to get to know each dog first, then match that dog with the home that fits best.
Please consider the whole dog, not just the photograph. We know how easy it is to see a beautiful Shiba and immediately think, “I want this one.” But when a dog has just arrived in our care, sometimes even we do not know them well enough yet to say what kind of home they need. A photograph and an intake announcement cannot tell you who that dog is. Before a dog becomes available for adoption, we spend time learning about their temperament, personality, habits, likes and dislikes, comfort with handling, behavior around other animals and people, and any medical or behavioral needs that become apparent. We then build a detailed profile so potential adopters have something meaningful to consider before deciding whether that particular dog may fit their home and lifestyle. Shibas are not interchangeable simply because they are the same breed. They are deeply individual dogs with strong, nuanced personalities. The Shiba who catches your eye in a photograph may ultimately need to be an only dog, may not be safe with cats, may be uncomfortable around children, may guard resources, may have a high prey drive, or may have needs that make your home completely wrong for them. They may also turn out to be an extraordinary fit for you. The point is that until we know, you cannot know either. So if a new arrival captures your attention, follow along and learn about them as we do. Please wait for us to publish their full profile before deciding that this is the dog you want to adopt. Our goal is not to find the first person who wants a dog. Our goal is to find a forever home that makes sense for the dog we actually have.
If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please fill out an application. The application is not a commitment to adopt. It simply helps us prioritize our time and efforts appropriately and begin sorting out potential matches.
While not all fields in an application are required, the more thorough applications give us a better chance at making the best placement.
Even if we do not currently have the right dog for you, you are still welcome to submit an application and tell us what you are looking for, including age, breed preference if any, energy level, temperament, and anything else important to your home.
We may or may not be able to notify you if a dog matching your preferences comes into rescue, but we can certainly try.
Click any dog’s card to open their full profile page with more photos, details, and application information. Dogs are labeled as adopted/found their forever home or are removed entirely when they are no longer available. We may have dogs in our rescue that are not yet listed or available for adoption.
An extraordinarily loving, people-oriented cuddle bug who wants nothing more than to be close to her humans.
A gentle senior looking for a peaceful retirement home. Ronin remains with his family while Shiba Saviors assists with applications and placement.
Found her forever home.
Found her forever home.
Found her forever home.
Gentle, treat-loving boy learning confidence through kindness and routine.
Found his forever home.
Found his forever home.
Found his forever home.
Found her forever home.
Found his forever home.
Found her forever home.
Found his forever home.
We try very hard to make thoughtful placements, not rushed ones. Every dog is different, and every home is different.
Start by filling out the adoption application. You can apply for a specific dog or apply generally and let us know what type of dog you are looking for.
Applications help us know who is seriously interested and where to focus our time first. They are not first come, first serve and they are not automatic approvals.
Many rescue dogs need time before anyone can fairly decide what kind of home is best. We assess temperament, routine, safety needs, social behavior, and overall fit.
If it looks like there may be a good match, we will move forward with conversations, questions, and a meet-and-greet when appropriate.
Our goal is not to move dogs quickly. Our goal is to place them well. The best home is not always the first person who asks. It is the one that best fits that particular dog.
Anyone interested in adopting one of our dogs should fill out the application. It gives us the information we need to start evaluating fit and deciding where to focus our energy.
If we do not currently have the right dog for you, you can still fill it out and tell us what you are looking for. We may or may not be able to notify you if a matching dog enters rescue, but we will certainly try.
