The Shiba Inu is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. First originated in Japan, these dogs have recognizable features that make them extremely iconic-looking. If you are interested in the Shiba Inu breed or want to adopt one, this guide is worth the read.
While buying from breeders may sound like the best way to get a Shiba Inu, adopting is also a sound option. When adopting, you are saving a dog’s life while saving a ton of money in the process.
Luckily, there are tons of Shiba Inu rescues all over the country. In this guide, we have rounded up the best ones for your convenience.
RECOMMENDED READING: Most of the Shiba Inu rescues in this list follow the same adoption process. If you want to ace your application, I suggest that you read our ultimate adoption guide which features key tips and techniques starting from choosing the breed to home introduction.
Top 10 Shiba Inu Rescues to Find Shiba Inus for Adoption
A good rescue organization is one that has a long track record, fantastic customer service, and awesome community feedback. All of these are present in the top 10 best Shiba Inu rescues listed below.
Careful research has led us to these reputable rescues in different parts of the United States. The rescues listed here are in no particular order so you can expect a pleasant experience in any one of these. Read along to find out which one is for you!
1. Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) – Ohio
Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) is an Ohio-based rescue dedicated to saving Shiba Inus. They are a 501c non-profit organization that thrives entirely from donations.
Much like most dog rescues, SHAR uses donation money for all of its dog-related expenses. These range from everyday dog food to medical expenses such as spaying or neutering.
SHAR is run entirely by volunteers. Most of their dogs are located in Vermillion, Ohio. One thing to note about SHAR is that they do not ship their dogs which means, if you live far from Vermillion, you might need to drive a bit to adopt a dog from them.
Moreover, this Shiba Inu rescue does not implement a first come first serve basis. They scrutinize all the applications they receive to pick the best home for each of their dogs.
If you are interested in adopting a Shiba Inu from Safe Harbor Animal Rescue, you may file an application through their website. You may also want to browse their Facebook page to look at testimonials and plenty of adorable photos of their Shiba Inus.
Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR) Information and Details:
Website: Safe Harbor Animal Rescue (SHAR)
Address: 15901 Darrow Road Vermilion, Ohio 44089
Email: info@safeharboranimalrescue.org
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
2. NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) – New York
NYC Shiba Rescue is an all-volunteer group based around the New York City metropolitan area. While they are primarily situated in New York, NYCSR also serves New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
The adoption process in NYCSR is quite straightforward. They review all the applications chronologically and pick whichever they deem deserving.
They allow aspiring adopters to pick at most three dogs from their adoptable dogs. However, the final verdict is still up to the rescue.
If an aspiring foster parent passes the first screening, NYCSR will conduct a home visit. They require all members of the household to be present during the home visit. This includes all members of the family and existing pets.
After the home visit, NYCSR conducts a meeting with its members to come up with a decision. Afterward, they inform the adopters whether or not the adoption should move forward.
If you are interested in their adoption process or if you have further questions, you can check out their website. While you’re at it, take a moment to read their Shiba Resources page for some useful information about the breed.
NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) Information and Details:
Website: NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR)
Address: PO Box 20271 Greely Square Station New York, NY 10001-0003
Phone: (917) 591-3408
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
3. Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ) – New Jersey
For aspiring Shiba Inu owners in New Jersey, Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ) is a nearby rescue worth considering.
SRNJ is a group of families dedicated to saving abandoned Shiba Inus. Alongside their main service area in New Jersey, they also operate in Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.
SRNJ prides itself as one of the few active Shiba rescues on the East Coast. While they are mainly focused on the Shiba Inu breed, they also occasionally provide homes for other abandoned animals.
To adopt a Shiba Inu from them, you must be at least 25 years old. You will also need to fill out their adoption form to be considered.
In case you are unsure if a Shiba Inu is the right companion for you, you may opt to join SRNJ’s fostering program in the meantime. Fostering will allow you to spend time with a Shiba Inu while waiting for a more permanent adopter.
If you want to look at a few SRNJ alumni, check out their alumni page. Those dog photos will surely get you excited about adopting a Shiba Inu!
Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ) Information and Details:
Website: Shiba Rescue of New Jersey (SRNJ)
Address: Toms River, NJ 08753
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
4. DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) – Columbia
Located in Washington, DC, DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) is another non-profit organization dedicated to saving unwanted Shiba Inus.
The adoption process in DCSIR is comparable to other Shiba Inu rescues. Aspiring adopters will need to download and read through their application form. The form is then submitted via email and reviewed by DCSIR volunteers.
Once an application is accepted, adopters can expect a phone interview. If things go well, a meet and greet with their adoptable dogs will follow through.
One thing to note about DCSIR is that they do not ship their dogs. If you want to adopt a Shiba Inu from them, you should be willing to drive to Washington, DC to meet their pups.
That said, adopting a DCSIR Shiba is a pleasing experience. This rescue provides lifetime support for their dogs alongside occasional social events and community programs. They also guarantee adopters full transparency when it comes to the history of their dogs.
As for adoption fees, the asking price for adopting a Shiba Inu from DCSIR depends on the dog’s age. Here’s their current adoption pricing:
Puppy Shiba Inu: $500
Adult Shiba Inu: $350
Senior Shiba Inu: $250
Keep in mind that these prices may change without prior notice. Keep yourself posted by regularly checking out their Facebook page.
DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR) Information and Details:
Website: DC Shiba Inu Rescue (DCSIR)
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
5. Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) – Illinois
Founded in 2002, Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) is an Illinois-based non-profit organization. Their service areas include Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana among others.
They do not have a physical facility to house their dogs in. Instead, MSIR relies solely on volunteer foster homes. Much like other rescues on this list, MSIR thrives on donations and fundraisers.
If you are interested in adopting a Shiba Inu from MSIR, you would be delighted to know that the process is straightforward. However, this is not to say that you will be able to adopt a Shiba Inu from them right away.
MSIR holds high standards for aspiring adopters. They scrutinize every application they receive to match their dogs to the families that they deem most deserving.
Prior to adoption, every MSIR dog is fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and heartworm-tested. This means you can rest assured that you are getting a healthy dog should you decide to adopt from MSIR.
The adoption fees for MSIR dogs range from $150 to $400 depending on the age of the dog. Puppies younger than one year old tend to be the most expensive among the bunch.
Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) Information and Details:
Website: Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR)
Address: PO Box 8163, Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (630) 225-5046
Email: adoptions@shibarescue.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
6. Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA) – Illinois
Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA) is another Illinois-based rescue. Their goal is to foster every abandoned, unwanted, and neglected Shiba Inus. Occasionally, SIRA also fosters Shiba Inu mixes as well as other mixed breeds.
Currently, SIRA’s service area includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. If you live in one of those states, then you’re in luck! SIRA is a viable rescue option for you.
One thing to remember if you are interested in adopting a SIRA Shiba Inu is that you must be at least 21 years old. You will also need to prepare for a home visit should your application be accepted.
In terms of costs, here are the updated adoption fees for SIRA Shiba Inus:
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
As expected, adoption fees for younger dogs cost more than the adoption fees for older dogs. If you want to see SIRA’s available adoptable dogs, visit the adoption page on their website.
Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA) Information and Details:
Website: Shiba Inu Rescue Association (SIRA)
Email: fostersirashibas@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx) – Texas
Founded in 1999, Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx) is one of the earliest Shiba Inu rescues in the state of Texas. This Austin-based rescue is a network of volunteers stationed in Texas as well as other surrounding states.
Despite their long history of working as a rescue, SIRTx is a fairly small organization. That said, they prioritize Shiba Inus that are at a high risk of being put down.
When adopting a Shiba Inu from SIRTx, you will first need to fill out their application form. If they think your lifestyle and your household are suitable for a Shiba Inu, they will contact you for the next step of the adoption process.
If all goes in your favor, SIRTx will select a dog for you that they think will best match you. They do not operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Instead, they wait for the most suitable families that will match their dogs’ personalities and needs.
You may visit their website to check out the available adoptable dogs. While you’re at it, you can also educate yourself about the Shiba Inu breed from the articles they published.
Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx) Information and Details:
Website: Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas (SIRTx)
Email: texasshibarescue@aol.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
8. Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF) – Florida
For folks residing in Florida or nearby areas, Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF) is a rescue organization worth checking out. SIRF fosters all Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixes needy of a home.
Founded in 2012, SIRF is a relatively new rescue organization. Despite their young experience, their goal of rehoming all unwanted and abandoned Shibas is on par with other rescues.
SIRF is backed solely by volunteers. Their members are dog lovers who work full-time jobs and have other pets to take care of. This serves as proof of the dedication and love for the breed SIRF volunteers have.
Like other rescues, SIRF takes care of microchipping, vaccination, and spaying/neutering of their dogs before rehoming them. Moreover, they put in extra care in selecting the best adopters for each of their Shibas.
Should you decide to adopt a Shiba Inu from SIRF, you may take a look at their available dogs on their website. You will also be able to read a brief history of each dog on the said page. They also have a dedicated page for some of their dogs with special needs.
Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF) Information and Details:
Website: Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida (SIRF)
Email: contact@shibainurescueflorida.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
9. America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) – Indiana
Headquartered in Indianapolis, America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) is a non-profit organization established in 2008.
ABR is a rescue dedicated to both Shiba Inus and African Basenjis. Most of their fostered dogs are adopted from shelters or surrendered by previous owners.
Aside from saving unwanted dogs, ABR also caters to mistrained pets. This means they take in dogs that are in need of correctional training. They also provide temporary homes for sick dogs whose owners cannot afford the treatment.
As with other rescues on this list, ABR is funded entirely from donations and fundraisers. This organization is 501(c)(3) recognized, which means all donations are tax-deductible.
Similarly, ABR also sells different kinds of merchandise to raise funds for their dogs. Their products include dog treats, pet gear, and more. You can check out the complete list of their fundraisers on their website.
If you are interested in adopting from ABR, you can start by reading their guide about the Shiba Inu. Afterward, you can reach out to them to proceed with your application.
America’s Basenji and Shiba Inu Rescue (ABR) Information and Details:
Phone: (317) 619-6444
Email: basenjishiba@comcast.net
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
10. Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. – Ohio
Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. is a rescue located south of Dayton. Their mission is to foster, rehabilitate, and rehome unwanted Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixes.
This rescue organization does not have any physical facilities. Instead, all of their dogs are fostered in volunteers’ homes.
Before having their rescue dogs available for adoption, this organization makes sure that their dogs are up-to-date in vaccine shots, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed/neutered.
One thing to know about this rescue is that they do not ship their dogs. This means you will need to drive to Dayton if you decide to adopt from them.
That said, however, adopting a Shiba Inu from this rescue is definitely worth the trip. They have successfully rehomed dozens of dogs over the years. You can check out some testimonials on their page.
Another thing to know is that they prefer families with fenced backyards. They believe that a secured backyard is the best environment to keep their dogs in.
In terms of adoption fees, expect to pay between $250 and $500. Prices depend on the age of the dog. If you want to adopt from this rescue, you may go straight to their adoption page.
Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc. Information and Details:
Website: Tri-State Shiba Inu Rescue Inc.
Address: PO Box 1705 Miamisburg, OH 45343
Phone: (937) 626-8248
Email: info@tristateshiba.org
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the Shiba Inu rescue options from our directory, will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire.
Other Sources for Shiba Inu Rescues or Shelters for Adoption
Finding an adoptable Shiba Inu might take a while. The adoption process is usually a waiting game.
If you can’t wait to adopt a Shiba from the rescues listed in the previous section, you may want to consider using the services below:
Petfinder – Petfinder is a website that aims to bridge adoptable dogs to their forever homes. Petfinder’s service links around 11,000 adoption organizations in the country to millions of aspiring adopters. Plus, there’s a way to narrow down search results based on your desired location.
Petango – Petango is another website that connects rescue dogs to aspiring adopters. Established in 2009, Petango is more than a decade old. As of writing, this service has helped rehome over 9 million pets! Luckily, Shiba Inu listings are relatively common in Petango.
Adopt-a-Pet – Previously known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet, Adopt-a-Pet is one of the most famous services when it comes to pet adoption. Throughout its years of existence, Adopt-a-Pet has already aided 21,000 shelters in rehoming rescued pets. With this service, you will surely find dozens of Shiba Inu in no time.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations – If there are animal shelters and rescue organizations around your place of residence, it might be best to check them out as well. There may be rescued Shiba Inus just around the corner from where you live!
Why Do People Put Shiba Inus up for Adoption or in a Rescue?
While Shiba Inus are amazing dogs and lovable companions, they are unfortunately not for everyone. Lifestyle changes may force some pet owners to surrender their Shiba Inus to rescues.
Here are some of the reasons why people put Shiba Inus up for adoption:
The owner can no longer support their Shiba financially.
The owner’s lifestyle does not match the needs of their Shiba Inu.
The family is migrating to a new place that does not allow pets.
The owner of the Shiba Inu suffered a life-altering injury or disease.
The family wants to focus on tending to a newborn baby.
These are just some of the most common reasons why Shiba Inus are put up for adoption. While it may be heartbreaking to see a Shiba being sent to a rescue, it is always better for the dog’s well-being in the long run.
How Much Should It Cost to Adopt a Shiba Inu?
Adopting a rescue Shiba Inu will save you a ton of money compared to buying a Shiba Inu puppy from a professional breeder.
To put it into perspective, you will need to shell out about $1,000 to $2,500 when buying a Shiba Inu. On the other hand, adopting will only cost you $600 at most.
At this price, adopting a Shiba Inu is an awesome deal! Adoption fees are even more affordable than the price of the initial expenses when buying a Shiba Inu.
To better explain, here’s a summary of the average initial cost of owning a Shiba Inu puppy:
As you can see, you will need to spend between $630 and $800 for the initial needs of a Shiba Inu puppy. Remember that this is on top of the price of the puppy itself!
Should you decide to adopt instead, you will pay less than $600 for a fully vaccinated, heartworm tested, and spayed or neutered dog. Of course, you will still need to buy some essential items for your Shiba such as a crate, bed, toys, and a collar.
Is It Difficult to Adopt a Shiba Inu From a Rescue?
No, it is not difficult to adopt a Shiba Inu from a rescue. While it may take time for a rescue organization to read through your application, keep in mind that this is standard procedure. It is their way of ensuring that their dogs are going to the best possible forever homes.
Simply put, adopting a Shiba Inu from a rescue has an average difficulty. These dogs are not the easiest to adopt but they are also not the hardest ones to bring home.
Compared to other rescues dedicated to dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher or American Bullies, Shiba Inu rescues are more lenient. While it is recommended, aspiring adopters are not always required to have fenced backyards.
If your lifestyle, household members, and living conditions are suitable for a Shiba Inu, there is a good chance you will be able to adopt one in no time.
4 Tips for Getting Approved by a Rescue to Adopt a Shiba Inu
The process of adopting a dog can sometimes be tedious. The rescue organization will typically scrutinize all potential adopters before handing a dog over. However, with the help of a few tips, you can ace a dog adoption process:
Prepare yourself by taking note of the following tips:
Learn everything about Shiba Inus. Learning everything about Shiba Inus is one of the best ways to get your adoption application approved. Rescues typically interview aspiring adopters to see if they are knowledgeable about the breed. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to learn all about Shiba Inus!
Make your home dog-friendly. Most Shiba Inu rescues conduct home visits to ensure that your place is dog-friendly. Before a home visit, you should make sure to prepare a space for your dog. A cozy and clean corner inside the house will do the trick! Be sure to eliminate all hazards, too.
Prepare your household. Aside from preparing your home, you should also prepare the members of your household. Educate them about the do’s and don’ts of owning a Shiba Inu, especially if it is your first time owning one.
Ask questions to the rescue staff. You can show your interest in adopting a Shiba Inu by asking questions to the rescue staff. Make sure to ask about stuff that genuinely interests you. You may also strike up a conversation about your other pets if you have any!
While these tips are surely useful, these are not cheat codes in acing a pet adoption process. You should also be aware of the policies of the rescue organization you are adopting from.
Don’t worry. If you think you are perfectly capable of caring for a Shiba Inu, there’s a good chance your application will be approved!
Final Thoughts: Which Shiba Inu Rescue Should You Choose?
When choosing a Shiba Inu rescue, it is recommended to pick one near your hometown. Not only will you be able to save on gas money when picking up your dog, but you will also be more involved in your rescue organization’s community.
That said, however, picking a rescue is still up to you. You can pick any one of the rescues listed in this guide and you will most likely have a smooth experience.
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