Frequently Asked Questions
Our dogs are rescued from some of the most horrific conditions and scenarios imaginable. Our dogs are from dog meat trucks and slaughterhouses. Others are abused, abandoned or stray. A lot of our dogs get pulled from the local shelter in Harbin.
Yes! Saving Harbin Dogs is a registered 501(c)(3) charity. Your donations and sponsorships are tax deductible. We rely on donations to save lives.
Sponsorship saves lives! Please visit our donation page to sponsor a dog already in our care. You can also use the contact us form should you have any questions prior to sponsoring a dog or if you would like to sponsor an incoming dog.
Thank you for wanting to open your heart and home to a Harbin rescue dog. These dogs have been through hell. They require patience, understanding and love. We do direct adoptions and have also aligned with some rescue organizations outside China to provide this opportunity. Please visit our adoptions page to see the dogs that are available for adoption or use the contact us form for more information and an application for adoption.
Yes. All dogs are spayed and neutered before they leave China. They are also tested for any infectious diseases. Each dog receives vaccinations just like any dog in the US. They will have their rabies vaccination as well as DHLPP (which is distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo and parainfluenza). Every dog also gets microchipped. If you adopt a dog you will get the records to share with your vet.
Most likely not. While some of our dogs have been lucky enough to be in foster homes in China others are in boarding or local veterinary facilities until adopted. It will take time, patience and consistency to properly house break your new dog.
We will try. However, due to demand it can be hard to notify you of when we rescue a specific breed. Please check our website or Facebook page often to see our current adoptable dogs. Please also note that since these are rescues we cannot guarantee their pedigree. We will advise on what we and our veterinarians believe is the primary breed. You can use the contact us form to request additional information.
Your new rescue will need a bed, toys, lease, harness and/or collar, id tag, food of choice, treats, food and water bowls. Other items to consider are pee pads and baby gates. Speak to your veterinarian about other needs you dog may require.
The adoption/transport fee can vary depending on the airline and the size of the dog. Please contact us for more information.
The transport fee includes a portion of the flight volunteer airline ticket, airline fee for the dog, export paperwork, crate, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and brokers fee for the import.
No. Unfortunately the adoption/transport fee is not tax deductible because the IRS considers that you received "goods or services" in exchange.
No, we have flight volunteers that fly dogs to you. You will however have to meet your dog at the airport for pick up on the day and time of arrival.
We fly mainly to the US and Canada. We have regular flights monthly to New York's JFK airport. We also fly to Miami, Los Angeles and Boston. In Canada we fly to Toronto. Other locations such as the UK are sometimes an option, please contact us if you are interested and live outside these areas.
We are always in need of flight volunteers to fly designated dogs out of China for re-homing and adoptions. As a tourist, you can bring dogs back to the USA when you are departing China. We would need some information from you such as your flight number itinerary so we can make arrangements and a copy of your passport pending approval. The dogs will be checked in as over-sized luggage. You will be met at the airport by one of our volunteers at least 3 hours prior to flight departure. We need your flight itinerary at least 3 weeks in advance of travel. Please visit our volunteer page for more information.
Spread the message. Raise awareness. Animal activists within China need your support to push for change from within. The focus must be on the year-round trade in dog meat which is rife with abhorrent cruelty and blatant illegality. Do your research, find groups which are working responsibly on the ground to stop the dog meat trade all year round, throughout China, and help them achieve their goals. Donate, raise awareness, volunteer, sign petitions – do what you can because it all makes a difference. It's time for China to enact much needed anti-cruelty and companion animal protection laws. Please visit our learn more page for more information.
If you are a rescue organization interested in joining our mission to rescue and rehome Harbin Dogs, please use our contact us form. Your message will be forwarded to our founder Eva who can provide more information. You can also view our volunteer page for more information.