Frequently Asked Questions

We assess every adoption application individually and carefully. Important criteria include:

• Experience with dogs, preferably Japanese breeds
• A stable home situation
• Enough time and resources for care
• Willingness to help the dog process trauma

The wellbeing of our dogs comes first throughout the selection process.

Adoption costs vary per dog and cover:

• Medical costs such as vaccinations and microchipping
• Transport and quarantine costs
• Care costs during sheltering

The exact amount is discussed during the adoption process. Please remember there are also ongoing costs for food, care, and medical treatment.

The adoption process consists of several steps:

1. Filling in the adoption form
2. Initial screening and introductory conversation
3. Home visit and detailed evaluation
4. Matching with a suitable dog
5. Meeting the dog
6. Finalising the adoption and transport

We also provide aftercare and remain available for advice.

Visits are only possible by appointment and for serious adopters. This is because:

• Many of our dogs are traumatised
• We want to maintain a stable and calm environment
• We respect the privacy of our resident dogs

Please contact us for more information about visiting possibilities.

Some dogs stay permanently with SHIR because:

• They are too severely traumatised
• They need specific medical care
• They feel best within our resident group
• They are already elderly

These dogs can still be supported through our remote adoption sponsorship programme.

Yes. For owners who cannot keep their dog, for whatever reason, we offer a rehoming platform. Your dog stays at home with you while we help find a suitable new family:

• We start with an honest conversation about the dog, its behaviour and health
• Your dog is listed with photos and a story on our website and social media
• Candidates contact us, and we handle the first selection and screening
• When there is a match, a rehoming agreement is drawn up

Rehoming assistance is free of charge. Our own shelter places remain reserved for former breeding dogs, dogs from Asian shelters and victims of the meat festival, but through our rehoming platform we also help private owners. Read more on our rehoming page (Dutch).

Our resident dogs need ongoing care and support:

• Daily care and food
• Medical treatments and medication
• Special facilities for ageing dogs
• Professional guidance for trauma

Sponsorship helps us keep providing this care and rescue new dogs.

Medical problems are often caused by:

• Years of neglect in puppy farming
• Lack of medical care in the past
• Genetic conditions caused by poor breeding practices
• Trauma and injuries

We make sure every dog receives the medical care needed to live with dignity.

As an ANBI foundation, we are fully transparent about our finances:

• Annual financial accountability
• Clear allocation of donations
• Regular updates about projects
• Minimal overhead costs

Every euro is spent on the care and rescue of our dogs.

ANBI stands for Public Benefit Organization. This means:

• We are recognized by the Dutch Tax Administration
• Donations are tax-deductible
• We meet strict transparency requirements
• We work exclusively for the public benefit

This status helps ensure that we work professionally and reliably.

SHIR stands out through:

• Specialization in Japanese dog breeds
• Focus on severely traumatised dogs
• Permanent care for dogs who cannot be rehomed
• Intensive support for adopters
• Transparent work and communication

We offer a second chance to dogs who are often given up elsewhere.

Although we specialize in Japanese breeds, we sometimes make exceptions:

• When a dog urgently needs help
• When the situation is similar to our target group
• When we can offer specific help

Every case is assessed individually, but our main focus remains Japanese breeds.