Q. What is your adoption process?
A. We are very careful about placing the right dog in the right home. Please keep in mind that we are not selling dogs and going through our screening process does not ensure you will be approved to adopt a dog from us. Here is how it works:
STEP 1. Submit Online Application
STEP 2. A representative will call you to discuss your application.
STEP 3. Home check via video call.
STEP 4. Sign agreement, pick up your new best friend!
Due to an increase in volume of applications and inquiries, we will not be able to get back to everyone. Please be patient as HARA is run solely by volunteers with full-time jobs. Feel free to follow up if you have not received a response after a week.
Q. Can I meet the animal first?
A. If the animal is being fostered locally, we can set up a meeting after the initial application has been accepted. HARA is a foster-based rescue, meaning we don’t have a shelter facility and rely on foster volunteers to open their homes to the dogs. For privacy reasons, we will only grant meetings to approved applicants who’ve completed the first step of the screening process.
If the animal is being fostered abroad, the first time you will be meeting the animal is at the airport, after your adoption has been confirmed. We understand that this is a large commitment without having met the animal, and therefore try our best to provide as much information on the animal (profiles, videos) as we possibly can. We are in close touch with each foster family and they know the animal best. Usually, the animal has been with the foster family for 2 months or more.
Q. How do you know what breed mix they are?
A. The simple answer is - we don't. That is part of the intrigue and beauty of a rescue dog. The breed mix is our best guess based on experience with hundreds of dogs and knowledge of dog breeds in the local area or rescue. We do not conduct gene testing due to high cost, and because the results are unreliable (especially so with an international rescue dog).
Q. I have an existing pet and want to make sure they are a good fit.
A. The most important factor is a proper introduction between the resident pet(s) and the new pet. If this is done correctly, most pets will coexist peacefully. Please always consider your existing pet's personality, we also encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have. We can provide personalized tips to ensure that the process is as stress-free as possible for you, your family, and your pets.
Q. What is the adoption fee?
A. Taiwan dogs - The adoption fee starts at $625 for dogs over the age of 1 year and puppies under 1 year of age start at $675 to subsidize for senior dogs ($625 for NYC regardless of age) and may be adjusted to include factors such as special cargo costs, medical treatment, and breed accommodations.
South Korean dogs - The adoption fee starts at $725 regardless of age for both SF & NYC and may be adjusted to include factors such as special cargo costs, medical treatment, and breed accommodations.
We leave it up to our adopters to decide how much they would like to contribute. Our Taiwanese rescues cost an average of $1200 per animal (more if there are medical issues such as injuries or parasites). Our South Korean dogs are from Jeju Island, which means they take two separate flights to reach the US and thus resulting in a much higher cost. The adoption fee is considered your contribution to this amount. The rest is funded by donations and volunteer efforts from the dog’s home country - They would rather see these animals find a home than starve or be euthanized. Local efforts are also being made to spread awareness and educate the public, in order to address current issues and to minimize the number of animals that need saving. Slowly but surely, we will get there!
Q. What is included in the adoption fee?
A. Spay/Neuter, microchip, vaccinations, veterinary health check-ups, a crate during transport, harness/collar and leash, the flight for international adoptions, and a lifetime of love!
Q. Why international rescues?
A. We believe that adopting a dog, is like adopting a human child. It does not matter where they were born, every dog deserves a chance at life and a loving home. There are dogs in urgent need, especially in parts of the world where animal cruelty laws are not in place, or enforced. We take extra care to ensure that our international rescues are not displacing local dogs in need and that our international rescues meet all health guidelines upon entering the United States.
Q. Why should I adopt with HARA?
A. First, thank you for choosing to adopt! We are incredibly proud of our thorough screening process and transparency; we ask for lengthy profiles of our dogs from their rescuers along with plenty of photos and videos to back it up (we are happy to share this information with approved candidates to ensure confidence in this very important decision). Our rescuers have worked very hard to rehabilitate these dogs to get them ready for their new lives and we are committed to carrying that torch with our rigorous process to ensure a mutual fit & long-term success for both the adopter and most importantly, the pup. Many adopters become repeat adopters with us due to our high level of support we provide from beginning to the very end!
We understand our process is not for everyone - and that’s OK! We are just one of MANY amazing rescues and there are plenty of dogs in need who can use the same attention (sometimes more). We encourage everyone to seek their local shelters and other rescues to find their perfect match, even if it’s not with us!
Q. Can I adopt the dog as an ESA or Service Dog?
A. Because we can’t guarantee temperament post-adoption, we do not allow adoptions solely for ESA or to be a service animal. If you have been approved for an ESA, we will need a copy of the letter from your doctor and written approval from your landlord, along with their contact information for us to verify confirmation. H.A.R.A. also reserves the right to reject your application or make alternative suggestions if we do not feel the dog you applied for is ideal to become an ESA or service animal. We do not adopt to families who live in non pet-friendly housing regardless of ESA approval.
SERVICE ANIMALS AND ESA ARE VERY SERIOUS TOPICS WE AT H.A.R.A DO NOT TAKE LIGHTLY. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH ON WHAT CONSTITUTES A SERVICE ANIMAL AND NOT ABUSE THE LIBERTY FOR THOSE WHO NEED THE ANIMAL FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY.
Q: Do you allow out-of-state adoptions?
A. We will consider out-of-state adoptions on a case-by-case basis but will prioritize local applicants if possible. The main reason being we may not have volunteers in these areas who can offer support in case of emergency (accidents, escapes, etc). Those who are approved for out-of-state adoptions are responsible for all transport logistics and costs. In the event the adoption doesn’t work out, and the dog needs to be returned, the adopter must contact HARA immediately and may require to transport the dog back to the team based in the Bay Area or NYC. This decision is at the discretion of HARA and we ask that applicants are respectful of the decision made.
Q. When should I expect to hear back about my application?
A. We try our best to respond to qualified inquiries within 2 weeks. At this time, we only have the bandwidth to screen applicants with a complete (and detailed) application we feel would be a mutual fit with the dog listed. If you don’t hear back from us about the dog you're interested in — 1. Check your spam folder 2. We’ve prioritized another applicant at this time based on suitability. Don’t worry! Your application is kept on file for review when another well-matched dog becomes available in the future.
*Please be patient with our response times — we are a small, but mighty, team of volunteers with full-time jobs and other responsibilities!