How to Adopt a Korean Rescue Dog: The Process Explained

Multiple organizations facilitate overseas adoption of Korean rescue dogs to the US, Canada, and Europe. Each has different processes, costs, and available dogs. Before applying, read their process pages, adoption policies, and transport information. Understand their fee structure, including what is and isn't included in the adoption cost.

Organizations active in overseas Korean rescue adoption include Jindo Love Rescue, Flying Jindo, Adopt Korean Rescue, and Two Dog Farms. This is not an endorsement — do your own research.

Most organizations require a written application covering your living situation, household members, pet history, and reasons for adopting. Some applications ask specifically about Jindo or Korean rescue dog experience. Be honest and specific — vague answers slow down the process.

Common application questions: housing type, fenced yard, other pets, daily schedule, experience with independent or fearful dogs, vet reference.

Approved applications are usually followed by a phone or video interview and a home check. The home check may be done by a volunteer in your area, via video walkthrough, or by photos of your home and yard. Rescues are looking for secure fencing, appropriate space, and evidence that you understand the dog's needs.

Be prepared to show your secure fencing setup, where the dog will sleep, and how cats or other pets are managed.

Once approved, you are either matched by the rescue with a dog that fits your household profile, or given access to available dogs to express interest in. The foster caregiver's observations of the specific dog's behavior are the key input for matching.

If you have cats, children, or other dogs, the rescue needs accurate information from the foster about that specific dog — not a breed-level guess.

Before a dog can be transported internationally, several medical steps must be completed. This is handled by the rescue organization and their partner vets in Korea. Typical requirements include: rabies vaccination (and titer test for some destinations), core vaccines, internal and external parasite treatment, microchip implantation, spay/neuter (if not already done), and an official health certificate.

Medical preparation timelines vary by destination country. The US, Canada, and European countries each have specific import requirements. Confirm what documentation you will receive.

Korean rescue dogs typically travel by air — either as cargo in airline-approved crates, or via a flight escort who accompanies the dog in the cabin. Some organizations use ground transport for the final leg from a hub city to your location. Transport is usually coordinated in groups, which reduces per-dog costs.

Pickup location may be an airport, a transport hub, or a regional meet point. Confirm exactly where and how you receive your dog before travel day.

Pickup is the highest-risk moment of the entire process. Your dog has just completed an international journey, is in sensory overload, and is meeting you for the first time. Have an escape-proof harness fitted before the dog exits transport. Use a double attachment if possible. Drive directly home.

See our full guide: First 72 Hours With a Korean Rescue Dog.

Some organizations charge no adoption fee; others include it in total cost.

Usually included in the total quoted cost.

Group transports reduce per-dog costs. Confirm what's included.

Confirm the full cost breakdown with your specific rescue before applying.