Our veterinary team visits our shelter to do vaccinations, spay and neuter, and health check-ups after each rescue. Two vaccinations are required for the U.S. and Canada, DHPPL and Rabies. We use Vanguard Plus 5L4, and for Rabies we use Defensor, Rabisin, or Nobivac -1.

In the case of puppies less than six months, we normally do four shots, including kennel cough and parvo. We also run heartworm test for each dog. Those who are malnourished must wait till they’re fit to take the vaccinations and treatments. Dogs go through a de-worming process for one week after vaccinations with Drontal, and are then sterilized. We spay/neuter all dogs 6 months and older. The age exception follows for treating heartworm, as it is only found in those about 12 months of age and older. Not all dogs have heartworm, but chances are high to turn to positive for heartworm if a dog is more than a year old.

The government quarantine office of South Korea requires a physical inspection of the dog along with the Korean vaccination and health certificates. They will then provide an approved quarantine certificate prior to departure that permits the dog to fly. The U.S. team manages the US import paperwork and works with a live animal Broker to facilitate customs clearance upon arrival to the US.

See the photos below.

For de-worming, Drontal is used for the first week followed by Metrogyl or Metronidazole for tapeworm.

For heart worm prevention, Heartguard on a monthly basis; We administer 1st day of  every month.

For fleas and ticks (only during summer).

Please note, for dogs that test positive for heartworm, two of our three vets Dr. Han and Dr.Lee treat them based on the protocol. It normally takes a couple of months to treat, from pre-medication to the Immiticide and the “big shot” injection, to post medication follow-up for two weeks to a month depending on the stage of infection. We go by the “Standard 1” of the treatment protocol. In total, it takes three to six (3 – 6) months to clear a dog of heartworm. We do have adopters who choose to receive their dogs first and do the treatment in the U.S. and Canada.

Due to the large number of dogs we rescue and our limited space at the Sanctuary, we are not able to potty train the dogs. All of our dogs live with more than one kennelmate. Given that these dogs are rescued from meat farms where they’ve been kept in cages for the entire time they’ve been alive, they only understand doing their business wherever in the kennel. When considering an adopter, this is why we prioritize homes with a fenced yard.

For the U.S. & Canada:

For now, dogs are flown to the following international airports where direct flights from Seoul/Incheon International Airport. The SaveKoreanDogs Sanctuary is located 1-2 hours from the airport depending on the traffic. We use only direct flights as it takes 11 hours to West Coast and 13 hours to East Coast. We fly dogs on Korean Air and Asiana, there is a comfortable live animal compartment with auto temperature control. Small dogs with a total weight with crate less than 5 kg are allowed to fly in-cabin placed under the passenger seat in front of you.

Cities with direct flights from Incheon/Seoul Korea:
There are daily/weekly flight to the below destinations. It takes 45 minutes more or less for the passenger to clear customs and come out with the dogs. Please use a flight tracker as flights may arrive earlier or later than scheduled.

West Coast: Los Angeles CA; San Francisco CA; Seattle WA; Vancouver BC
Most flights to West Coast arrival time are from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Los Angeles: Korean Air KE017 Asiana OZ202 arriving LAX at 9 am + 1 hour
Settle: KE019 Asiana OZ272 arriving at 11 am + 1 hour if delayed
San Francisco: KE023 Asiana OZ212 arriving SFO at 9:30 am + 1 hour

We use Air Canada for Vancouver and Toronto.
Vancouver: Air Canada AC064,  KE071 arriving YVR at 11 am + 1 hour

East Coast: New York, Washington DC, Toronto
New York: Korean air KE081  Asiana OZ222 arriving JFK at 10 am
Washington: Korean Air KE 093 arriving Dulles airport at 9 am + 1 hour
Toronto: Air Canada AC062, Korean Air KE073 arriving Pierson airport at 9:30 am + 1 hour

Other Cities: Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas/Texas
Chicago: Korean Air KE037 arriving O’hare at 9 am + 1 hour
Atlanta: Korean Air KE035 arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson at 9:30 am + 1 hour
Dallas/Texas: Korean Air KE031 arriving Fort Worth at 9 am + 1 hour if delayed

FLYING DOGS CARGO: Airline cargo requires a minimum 4 business days booking in advance. Upon approval of your application for adoption, we make arrangements for the quarantine papers and book the cargo space for the dog. Once your payment is made (for the transporting costs), I can put the dog on a flight.

Korean Air Destinations
USA
New York (JFK), NY, United States – John F. Kennedy
Washington (IAD), DC, United States – Dulles
Chicago (ORD), IL, USA – O`Hare
Los Angeles (LAX), CA, United States
Seattle (SEA), WA, United States
Dallas (DFW), TX, United States – Fort Worth
Detroit (DTW), MI, United States – Metropolitan Wayne County
Houston (IAH), TX, United States – George Bush Intercontinental
Atlanta (ATL), GA, United States – Hartsfield-Jackson
San Francisco (SFO) United States – San Francisco

CANADA
Toronto (YYZ), ON, Canada – Pearson
Vancouver (YVR), BC, Canada

Korean Air branch offices at those direct flight destinations will call you to inform you where to pick up your dog(s) and customs clearances, or (if less than a week booking) you call the office with the reservation confirmation/airway bill number I send you a couple of hours later upon booking.

After the dogs get on board and moved to the live animal compartments, REAR 5 of the aircraft and it has auto temperature control in it.

Vet bills, health and vaccine certificates

1. ) We take care of all the vet bills such as all the required vaccinations, spaying/neutering and heartworm treatment.
2. ) Issue of veterinarian health and vaccine certificates, health check and quarantine certificates.

Airport expenses

1. ) quarantine inspection fee at the airport.
2. ) Toll fee of two highways to the airport & parking fee at the airport.
3. ) Crates, harnesses, leashes, collars, water bottles, jackets (for winter)
4. ) Crates sizes are from the smallest 250 international standard to the largest 550. Those bigger than 550 will need the super giant size (or 550 wooden bar extension) for large breeds such as Hound or Retriever. We go by CM in Korea. International standard crate size 450 is 65cm X 76 cm X 110 cm and a bigger size standard 550 is 74 cm X 60 cm X 110 cm.

We take care of the check-in process at the airport

We bring the dog to the airport on the day of travel, if it is early morning flight like to East Coast, JFK, Dulles, Chicago, Dallas and Toronto, we have the quarantine inspection done before the day. This means two trips are required for a dog flying to East Coast. After the inspection at the Animal Quarantine before the day of departure (for East Coast) or on the day of departure (for West Coast), we move to the departure terminal where we meet the flight volunteer at the passenger check-in counter. And for cargo we move the dog to the cargo terminal where another inspection is done by airline cargo officials with the Live Animal Check List Standards.

How to Pick Up Your Dog at the arrival airport.

You will pick up your dogs at the arrival airport. the US team will email you flight info and pick up instructions 1-3 days prior to arrival including the dog’s import paperwork and health and vaccine certificates. For dogs flying with a flight volunteer, you will meet the passenger and your dog in the airline arrivals hall. It takes 45minutes or so to clear customs and bring the dogs out.

For dogs flying cargo, you will pick the dog up from the airline cargo office, which is off-site, usually within 1/2 mile from the airport terminal. There will be a cargo office fee (separate from the cargo flight fee) of $100 – $160 depending on the airline. Please show your ID and the import paperwork provided to you and wait for the dogs to clear customs. It takes about 1-2 hours for the dogs to be transported from the airport terminal to the cargo facility and to clear customs. The Airline cargo staff will let you know when the dogs have cleared and bring them out to you.

We would love to have some photos/videos of your dog landing at your pick up airport. For these dog meat trade survivors getting out of Korea itself is a success stories. Please share in our group page. We would really appreciate it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/263016840787841/

To the adopters, please DO NOT OPEN THE CRATE or let the dog out in the arrivals hall, airport parking lot, or any roadside rest areas. Keep the dog safe and secured in the crate until you are in an enclosed area. Once you arrive home with your dog/s, they may need extra time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please give the dog plenty TLC as he/she has just endured a long journey.

Bringing Your New Dog Home

Preparation, patience, and love are key to building a happy home

To help your new dog make a successful adjustment to a new home, be patient, and provide them a calm and safe space. It can take anywhere from three days to three months (and for very traumatized dogs even longer) for you and your dog to adjust to each other and your other family members. The following tips can help ensure a smooth transition.

First, gather your dog’s supplies

Prepare the things your dog will need in advance. You’ll need a collar and a harness and leash, food and water bowls, food, and, of course, some toys. And don’t forget to order an identification tag right away. Please have your dog double leashed, a harness is a must when you take your dog for a walk. Your dog may want to explore the new world and sniff around. We’ve had cases where dogs run away during the walks, please make sure you have the harnesses, make sure double leashed. Please double check that collars and harnesses fit snug before walking.

**** Important! Please double leash the dog, a collar and a harness while you walk the dogs.  It’s a must to have a GPS tracker if your dog has trauma, is skittish, or afraid of strangers.

Plan your dog’s arrival

Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together.

If you have other pets in the home, be sure to use slow and controlled introductions. You may have to separate the dogs for some period of time as they get to know each other. Be patient and enjoy the results

You will need the following information when filling out the application form.

1. The nearest international airport from your home
2. Your full name as it appears on your ID, full address, cell phone number and email address.
3. At least three photos of your home/house (fenced front/backyard are preferred) and three of your family photos are required. (or your dog’s photos).

Dogs are tested for heartworm and positive dogs will be treated, which takes 4 to 6 weeks depending on the stages. Dogs less than a year old do not have heart worm.

Temperature plays a BIG part in the life cycle of heart worms. “Temperatures must remain above 57 degrees F (14 C) for at least 45 days straight and at least 2 weeks of temperatures over 80 F (If these conditions are not fulfilled, the parasite cycle cannot be completed and your dog is safe)” – American Heartworm Society.

For more info on heartworm, here is a useful link.