Foster a Shiba
Become a Foster Home

We are in desperate need of foster homes! This is the key part of SIRA. Without foster homes we cannot save the needy Shibas. Please consider opening your home and heart to a homeless Shiba. For more information on fostering please read below.


Thank you for considering becoming a foster home for Shiba Inu Rescue Association. Foster homes are the backbone of our group. As a foster home you will care for a needy Shiba in your home until it is adopted out to its forever home. You will find that fostering is the most rewarding volunteer opportunity in dog rescue. There is nothing better than to see a dog, who has been neglected and/or abused its entire life go to the loving home it should have been with all along.

What types of dogs are available for fostering?
All types of dogs are in need of rescue. SIRA is dedicated to rescuing Shibas and Shiba mixes. Most of our foster dogs come from puppy mill/commercial breeder releases. These dogs usually need more TLC as they are just beginning to learn what it means to be loved and cared for by people. Puppy millers are often very good with other dogs but are generally shy around people and new situations. We also get dogs from shelters or owner surrenders. While these dogs are generally more confident they usually need some guidance in obedience. Often these dogs were purchased as cute little puppies from a puppy store. Once they grew and became naughty adolescents (ie. chewing, running, just be typical Shibas) the owners were unable/unwilling to deal with them any longer. We get dogs at all ages though typically most are between the ages of 8 months to 3 years.

What support does SIRA offer to me and the foster dog?
Throughout the fostering process you will be able to contact SIRA at any time regarding the foster dog. As a foster home you will be invited to join SIRA-Shibas our online yahoo talk and support group. If at any time you have questions you may email
adoption@savingshibas.com directly, and you will be responded to immediately.

What if I have to go out of town while I have a foster dog?
That is fine. To keep costs low we try to find a vacation foster home that can care for the foster dog while you are away. If this is not possible the dog will be boarded at a SIRA approved facility (Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital if possible) again to keep costs minimal. If you know that you have a long trips or several short trips in the near future it's probably better to wait to take on a foster until after you get back home.

How do I become a foster home for SIRA?
Becoming a foster home is a very similar process to adopting. First you must fully complete the foster home application available for download below. Once we have received your application we will perform a reference check. Then you will be contacted by a SIRA volunteer to arrange a home visit. For more detailed information on this process please visit the
Adopt a Shiba page.

Any other questions about fostering? Please email
adoption@savingshibas.com.

Here is our Fostering Guidelines and Checklist. Please read it fully before submitting your foster home application.

Download SIRA's Fostering Guidelines and Checklist

Click here to fill out SIRA's Foster Home Application