About NorCal Shiba

Shiba people taking care of Shibas.

A small Northern California team that rehomes Shibas in need, boards them while owners travel, and trains the ones who need behavior work. Since 2019.

Mission and values

How we work.

Rescue first

Every dollar of the rehoming fee goes back into the dogs.

Breed honesty

We will tell you a Shiba is wrong for you if it is.

In our home, not a facility

The dogs live with us. No kennels, no separate buildings.

Lifetime support

After handover, we do not disappear. You have us for the long haul.

Our story

How NorCal Shiba started.

Jonathan cofounded NorCal Shiba in 2019 after years of owning and loving the breed, and watching too many Shibas land in shelters because the families who took them home weren't prepared for what a Shiba actually is. The bridge between Shibas in need and families ready to do it right became the whole point. Eric runs operations today.

Boarding and training came next, because Shiba owners kept asking. We were already doing it for the rescue dogs in our care. Opening it up to other Shibas was the obvious next step, and it helps fund the rescue side of the house.

Want to ask us something? We answer every email personally.

How to reach us →

The team

The people behind every match.

A small, hands-on group. Founders up top. The rest of the team is one click away.

Jonathan K.

Cofounder

Cofounded NorCal Shiba in 2019 and set the early bar for how every match is made. No longer involved in day-to-day operations.

Eric L.

Operations Manager

Runs day-to-day. Intake calls, waitlist, vet visits, family meet-and-greets. Usually the first person you'll talk to.

Meet the rest of the team

Sarah H.

Adoption Coordinator

Handles family interviews and matches, the right pup for the right home. Ten years in dog placement and welfare work.

Maya T.

Lead Trainer

Works with every pup before placement. Basic obedience, socialization, early behavior shaping. Certified positive-reinforcement trainer.

Dr. Daniel R., DVM

Veterinary Partner

Performs every intake exam, vaccinations, microchipping, and the genetic-defect screening that backs our written health guarantee.

Priya N.

Foster Coordinator

Manages our foster network. Makes sure every Shiba is loved while they wait for the right family.

James M.

Specialty Placements

Handles Shibas who need extra care, training, or rehab before they're ready for placement with a family.

Lila C.

Family Liaison

Stays in touch with adopters long after pickup. Answers questions, troubleshoots training, celebrates milestones.

Partners

The network behind us.

We do not do this alone. A short list of the people and groups we rely on.

Vet partner

Dr. Daniel R. and his practice handle every intake exam, vaccinations, microchipping, and the health screening that backs our written guarantee. We tell families which vet, when, and why.

Foster network

Families across the Bay Area who house Shibas while we match them with permanent homes. Every foster is screened, briefed on the dog, and supported by Priya during the stay.

Transport

Volunteers and contract drivers for out-of-area pickups. We pull Shibas from shelters as far as Sacramento, Reno, and the Central Valley when the right dog needs out.

By the numbers

What we have done so far.

2019 Founded in Northern California

250+ Shibas placed since 2019

5 Active foster families

120+ Dogs boarded annually

4 Training programs completed

Honesty about fees

Where your money goes.

Our rehoming fee covers the actual cost of bringing a Shiba home: vet care, vaccinations, microchipping, foster food and supplies, transport, and placement work. Boarding and training are paid services that help fund the rescue side of the house and pay the team that does it. When a family is right but the fee is a reach, community gifts help us close the gap.

Support the work →

NorCal Shiba is privately operated, not a 501(c)(3). Contributions are not tax-deductible.

Get in touch

Got a question?

Anything not covered on the site, we are happy to answer. We reply within one business day, usually much sooner.

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Email us, fastest replynorcalshiba@gmail.com

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Or send a text(707) 718-3579