FAQ'S
Helpful Information
Welcome Paws Rescue Adoption Process:
Adopting a dog from Welcome Paws Rescue is a unique experience. Since all of our dogs travel from Korea to meet their new families, our process differs from the traditional "meet and greet." Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand our process. The timeline can vary depending on the availability of flight volunteers. During this period, the dogs will be fully vaccinated (Rabies, DHLPP, Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus, and Canine Influenza) as required by the USDA, CDC, and CBSA.
Please review the following details carefully to understand your responsibilities as an adopter before making a commitment:
​
1. Adoption Application Submission
-
Begin by submitting an adoption application through our website or via email.
-
After your application is received, Welcome Paws Rescue will review it. This process typically takes around 5 business days. Please ensure your contact information is accurate and keep an eye on your inbox for further steps.
2. Interview with All Household Members
-
We will schedule an interview with you and all members of your household to ensure everyone is on board with the adoption process.
-
This conversation will help us understand your home environment and lifestyle, ensuring a good match for both you and the dog.
-
We will conduct virtual home checks to ensure the space is suitable for the dog’s needs.
3. Adoption Agreement and Fee Payment
-
If your application is approved and both parties are comfortable moving forward, we will send you the adoption approval letter to your email address.
-
At this point, an adoption fee is required to help cover the cost of vaccinations, transportation, and other rescue-related expenses. Payment details will be provided.
-
The adoption contract must be filled out and signed prior to your dog’s arrival.
4. Adopter and Foster Communication via Group Chat
-
To help with the transition, we will create a group chatroom that includes you (the adopter) and the dog’s foster family. This will allow for direct communication between you and the foster to discuss the dog’s behavior, personality, and any specific needs they might have.
5. Arrival and Pick-Up
-
Once the dog has completed all necessary vaccinations and health checks, and a flight has been arranged, your new pet will fly from Korea to the U.S.A and Canada.
-
You will be notified of the flight details, and you will need to pick up your dog at the designated U.S.A and Canada airport upon arrival.
6. Post-Adoption Support and Check-Ins
-
After your dog has settled in, we will periodically check in with you to ensure the adjustment process is going smoothly. This is a time to discuss your dog’s progress and address any questions or concerns you may have.
-
Our team is always here to provide guidance as needed during the transition to your new life together.
What is Your Adoption Fee?
​
The adoption fee for dogs from Welcome Paws Rescue ranges from $650 to $900, depending on specific expenses associated with each dog’s transport and care. Below is a breakdown of how the adoption fee is used:
​
-
$300 Airline Flight Fee
This covers the cost of flying the dog from Korea to the U.S. -
$450 Medical Expenses
This includes neutering/spaying, vaccinations (Rabies, DHLPP, Canine Influenza, Kennel Cough, and Canine Coronavirus), and microchipping to ensure your dog is healthy and safe. -
$50-$100 Travel Crate
The travel crate is required for the dog’s flight and must meet airline and safety regulations. -
$175-$250 Customs & Border Protection Fees
This covers mandatory customs brokerage and bond fees required for the dog’s entry into the U.S. -
Miscellaneous Expenses
Additional costs may include administrative, transportation, and other rescue-related expenses. -
Additional Fees for Larger Dogs: Dogs weighing over 70 lbs will incur an additional fee due to the need for a larger crate and the associated oversized baggage fees from the airline.
Why the Adoption Fee?
​
The average cost to prepare a dog for adoption exceeds $950. However, it’s important to note that Welcome Paws Rescue operates with a non-profit mission. The goal is not to generate profit but to ensure the well-being of each dog and find them a loving forever home. All funds are used to cover the necessary expenses to transport and care for the dogs.
Are the Dogs Healthy?
​
Yes, all dogs adopted through Welcome Paws Rescue are fully vetted and vaccinated. Prior to traveling to the U.S., each dog undergoes thorough health assessments to ensure they are in good condition. This includes:
-
Full veterinary exam to check for any signs of illness or underlying health issues.
-
Vaccinations including Rabies, DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Canine Influenza, Kennel Cough, and Canine Coronavirus as required by U.S. regulations (USDA, CDC, and AWA).
-
Microchipping to ensure identification in case of loss.
-
Spaying or neutering to prevent overpopulation and contribute to their overall health.
Additionally, we conduct multiple tests for common diseases and parasites to ensure each dog is in good health before being placed for adoption. These tests may include screening for heartworm, tick-borne diseases, and fecal exams to check for intestinal parasites.
Our goal is to ensure that all dogs are healthy, happy, and ready for their new homes. If any health issues arise after adoption, we’re here to support you with guidance and resources.
Are There Any Hidden Charges?
​
No, there are no hidden charges. The adoption fee you pay covers all expenses related to the adoption process, including:
-
The airline flight fee
-
Medical expenses (spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping)
-
The travel crate
-
Customs & Border Protection fees
-
Miscellaneous administrative and rescue-related expenses
The adoption fee is all-inclusive, and there will be no additional costs unless the dog is over 70 lbs (which may incur an extra fee for a larger crate and oversized baggage charges). We believe in transparency and want to ensure that you are fully informed throughout the entire adoption process.
Where Do the Dogs Come From?
​
Our dogs primarily come from South Korea, where we focus on rescuing dogs from the meat trade and high-kill shelters. In South Korea, millions of dogs face a tragic fate each year, with an estimated 30 million dogs slaughtered for food across Asia annually. By rescuing these dogs, we aim to give them a chance at a better life, free from cruelty and fear.
In addition to dogs from the meat trade, we also rescue those from overcrowded shelters where high euthanasia rates are a harsh reality. Many of these dogs are abandoned, neglected, or mistreated, but through our efforts, they are given the opportunity to find loving forever homes.
​
Our mission is to rescue as many of these deserving dogs as possible, providing them with the care, love, and hope they need to thrive in a new environment.
​
Are You a Legal Rescue?
​
Yes, Welcome Paws Rescue is a legally registered, non-profit rescue organization. We are fully compliant with all U.S.A, Canada and international regulations related to animal rescue, transport, and adoption. This includes adherence to the requirements set by the USDA, CDC, AWA (Animal Welfare Act) and CBSA to ensure that all of our rescue operations are legal and ethical.
We also work closely with certified veterinarians, customs authorities, and other regulatory bodies to ensure that every dog we rescue is safely transported and properly cared for before being adopted.
​
Our goal is to rescue and rehome dogs in a responsible and transparent manner, following all legal procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs, as well as the adopters.
​