Adopting a Shiba from NorCal Shiba is a multi-step process. We do it this way because Shibas are not for everyone and a wrong placement hurts the dog more than waiting for the right one. Here is what to expect.
You fill out our adoption application online. The application asks about your household, housing, prior pet experience, and what you are looking for in a Shiba. By submitting the application, you certify that the information is true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
We require written acknowledgment from every adult living in your household confirming they are aware of and consent to the adoption. This is not legally binding for non-applicant household members but eliminates the most common reason adoptions fail later.
We review applications at our sole discretion. We may contact you for more information. We may contact your references, landlord, veterinarian, or employer to verify information. We may decline your application without stating a reason.
If your application is approved for a specific dog, we schedule a meet-and- greet at a location we choose. Before the meet begins, every adult attending signs a Meet-and-Greet Waiver acknowledging the inherent risk of meeting an unfamiliar dog.
You meet the dog with our facilitation. We share what we know about the dog's history, behavior, and health. We do not guarantee future behavior or health. Either party may decide the match is not right and end the process.
If both parties want to proceed, you sign the Adoption Agreement. This is the main contract that transfers ownership and sets the terms of the adoption. The Adoption Agreement controls over anything said in conversation or written on this website.
You may purchase the Lifetime Placement Promise ($295) as an optional rider. The Promise gives you priority access to NorCal Shiba's lifetime return and rehoming program if your life changes and you need to surrender. The Promise is a service, not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
Final adoption fee is paid in person at the meeting where the Adoption Agreement is signed via Zelle to our business account, bank transfer, or check. We never request payment by DM or text. See our Payment Policy for full instructions.
We stay in touch. We require microchip update within 14 days. We strongly recommend you carry pet liability insurance. If at any point you cannot keep the dog, you must return the dog to NorCal Shiba. You may not transfer the dog to a third party, sell the dog, or surrender to a shelter.
Shibas are not right for every home. We would rather decline an application that does not fit than place a dog that will be returned.
Ask before you apply. Email norcalshiba@gmail.com or call or text Eric.
Read the Shiba self assessment, what it costs to adopt a Shiba Inu, crate size and setup and what normal Shiba behavior looks like. Then see Shiba Inu adoption in Northern California.
