Transparency

We are a small privately operated business doing work that depends on trust. This page is here so anyone can see how we operate.

Who we are

NorCal Shiba is operated by Eric L. as a sole proprietor in the state of California. Jonathan K. cofounded NorCal Shiba in 2019 and is no longer operationally involved. Eric runs day-to-day operations today with a small network of foster families, contracted trainers, and veterinary partners.

We are not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are a for-profit small business. Fees and contributions are not tax-deductible.

Where the dogs come from

The dogs in our care come from:

• Owner surrenders (people who can no longer keep their Shibas).
• Shelter pulls (we work with shelters across Northern California to take in

Shibas that would otherwise be euthanized or sit in kennels).

• Strays where ownership cannot be established.

We do not breed dogs. We do not buy dogs from breeders for resale. We do not work with backyard breeders.

How fees work

Adoption fees cover:

• Veterinary care during our care of the dog (vaccinations, spay/neuter if

not already done, parasite treatment, routine wellness).

• Microchipping.
• Foster supplies and food during the care period.
• Transport from intake location.
• Staff and partner time on placement work.

Boarding and training fees fund the operational side of the business and contribute to the rescue work. Eric earns income from the business. We pay our partners (vets, fosters, trainers, contractors). We pay hosting, software, and required business expenses.

We are open about this because rescues that pretend they make no money mislead the public. NorCal Shiba is a small business operated as a small business.

How adopters are screened

Every applicant submits a written application. We require Household Acknowledgment from every adult in the household. We may contact references, landlords, employers, and veterinarians to verify information. We decline more applications than we approve. Approval is at our discretion and we may not provide a reason.

How surrenders are handled

We accept surrenders from California residents. We process the Lifetime Placement Promise events at no charge for adopters who purchased the Promise. We process Surrender Concierge cases for a fee. We may decline surrenders if we lack capacity or cannot safely place the dog. We document every surrender with a Surrender Intake Agreement before physical transfer.

What we cannot do

We cannot guarantee future behavior or future health of any dog. We cannot guarantee a specific placement timeline. We cannot serve owners outside California for placement and care. We cannot make decisions for adopters or surrenderers about their individual situations.

If we are no longer operating

NorCal Shiba is heavily dependent on Eric. If Eric is no longer able to operate the business, we make reasonable efforts to transfer obligations (including the Lifetime Placement Promise) to a partner rescue or successor entity. We cannot guarantee a successor will exist or accept the obligation. Adopters who hold the Promise should plan accordingly and maintain pet insurance as a backup.

Questions

Email norcalshiba@gmail.com with "Transparency question" in the subject.