We are always in 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! We currently CANNOT accept applications from people outside of the Midwest region. Our service area includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Any other questions about fostering? Please email fostersirashibas@gmail.com!
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.
How do I become a foster home for SIRA?
Becoming a foster home is a very similar process to adopting (see ADOPT tab for an explanation of that process). First you must fully complete the foster home application HERE. 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” page.
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, 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.
What support does SIRA offer to foster home 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 our Facebook Foster Home Forum and support group. If at any time you have questions you may email adoptsirashibas@gmail.com, our foster home coordinator or our Outreach Coordinator for help. All our Board members and coordinators are easily accessible.
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 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. Mill dogs 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 from puppies to seniors and everything in between.
Current foster homes - you can complete your required foster update form by clicking HERE!
Here is our Fostering Guidelines and Checklist. Please read it fully before submitting your foster home application.
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