Adopting a dog is a beautiful act of compassion. But when you adopt a survivor from the dog meat trade, you’re doing more than giving a home; you’re giving a second chance at life. No Dogs Left Behind, a global rescue organization, specializes in saving dogs from East Asia’s illegal slaughterhouses and transporting them to loving homes across the world.
If you’re ready to welcome a survivor into your life, here’s what you need to know about the process, from fees to flights and everything in between.
Understanding the Pay-It-Forward Adoption Fee
When you adopt from No Dogs Left Behind, the adoption donation isn’t just a matter of paying for costs. It’s part of their Pay-It-Forward approach, where every adopted dog makes it possible for another dog to be saved.
The average adoption donation is between $1,150 and $2,000. That may sound expensive at first glance, but consider this:
- Rescue & medical expenses (vaccinations, sterilization, emergency procedures)
- Shelter operations & day-to-day care
- International transport arrangements
And don’t forget this is not a profit. It’s a donation that goes straight back into helping save more dogs who are still waiting in line.
Logistics of Getting a Dog Home
After you’ve selected your new canine family member, the next process is transport. No Dogs Left Behind does most of the work, but there are some key timelines and expectations. Dogs are flown in via international airports in the U.S. and Canada. The volunteers escort dogs safely from Asia to North America. Here’s how it works:
- Once your dog is eligible to fly, you’ll be matched to a flight based on destination availability.
- Most transport happens in cargo (pet-safe) with trusted airlines.
- Upon arrival, adopters meet their dog directly at the airport.
Navigating CDC Regulations for East Asia Rescues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is very strict about the dogs coming into the U.S. from high-risk countries for rabies, such as China and other East Asian states. No Dogs Left Behind is compliant and expert in handling these regulations. According to recent regulations, dogs are required to:
- Carry a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
- Be microchipped prior to rabies vaccination.
- Pass a veterinary exam by the CDC.
- Enter through a CDC-approved airport with preapproval.
There could also be quarantine or hold times, particularly during major tourist seasons or when documents are slow to come through. No Dogs Left Behind takes care of all the paperwork, but it’s helpful to remain patient and flexible along the way.
Why It’s Worth It
Taking from No Dogs Left Behind isn’t just a good option – it’s a movement. Each adoption is a small revolution against cruelty. Each survivor who goes on to a loving home brings us closer to the demolition of the international dog meat trade.
Your new fur baby may have once existed in fear, but now, through your support, they will live their life in love, security, and belly rubs.
As another adopter put it: “The instant she got here and leaned against my chest, I knew she had forgiven the world. All she needed was love.”
Final Thoughts
Taking a dog from No Dogs Left Behind involves working a few extra steps than your neighborhood shelter, but the difference is immense. With the Pay-It-Forward fee, strict CDC rules, and meticulous transport arrangements, each step is handled with care to provide these dogs with the life they deserve.
