Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
A. At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans. CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT INFO
Q. Are South Korean pugs contagious? Will my pets or my health be jeopardized?
A. All of our pugs must receive veterinarian approval along with a vaccination record before arriving in the U.S. On occasion, medication may be sent for eye issues, etc. If your pets are current on their vaccinations, maintain healthy diets and lifestyles, and are not immune compromised, then the health risk should be minimal. We do strongly encourage you to visit a veterinarian, once your newly adopted pug has arrived in the United States (or within South Korea). Please remember you are adopting a pug that was relinquished or rescued and they are arriving to you in as-is condition.
Q. How long is the flight?
A. At 5,978 miles, the flight time is approximately 11 hours in duration from Seoul (ICN) to Los Angeles (LAX).
Q. What is included with my adoption fee?
A. If you are adopting a pug in the U.S., they will arrive with a kennel carrier, a leash, and a harness. A copy of the vaccination certificate, which is required for international travel, is also included with each pug. If you are adopting a pug within South Korea, and no flight is needed, your pug will not have a kennel carrier. Any records that were provided to the rescuer will be given to the adopter (if available).
Q. What should I expect the first week with my pug?
A. Due to the time difference, your pug will begin acclimating to the new time zone, becoming aware of your surroundings, and adjusting to the other pets and family members in your household.
Q. Why are so many pugs given up in South Korea?
A. Many pugs are given up in South Korea for the same reason they are given up here in the United States; the responsibility of owning a pet became too much, they shed too much, they pee on furniture, they chew, etc. However, owning pets is a relatively new phenomenon in Korea. Previously, animals had a very utilitarian purpose in people’s lives – they were workers or food. As the society industrialized and became wealthier, disposable income became the norm for a growing number of Koreans. And the pet industry entered a boom period.
The majority of dogs sold in pet shops in Korea are from puppy mills (this is true in many other countries as well). A puppy mill is a business that mass produces animals. The mothers are bred in every heat cycle until they are worn out and killed, and are often kept in very poor conditions. Puppies from puppy mills often have illness and conditions that may not be apparent right away.
Q. Why get a pug from South Korea when I could get one in America?
A. There are approximately three registered non-profit pug rescues in the entire state of California, so finding a pug can be difficult. While every effort is made to keep the pugs in their country of origin, their re-home rate in Korea is very low. In these instances, the pugs are then flown to Los Angeles, California to find forever homes. On occasion, we have potential adopters fly in from out-of-state to adopt our pugs due to the lack of pug rescues nationwide.
Q. What are some of the known health issues with the pug breed?
A. The Pug has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and is prone to major health problems like Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), as well as minor concerns like elongated palate, patellar luxation, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), hemivertebra, obesity, and skin infections. Nerve degeneration, demodicosis, seizures, distichiasis, and allergies are occasionally seen in this breed of dog. Its facial wrinkles must be kept clean to prevent skin fold dermatitis, a form of skin inflammation. The Pug is also sensitive to heat and anesthesia.
Q. I adopted a pug from Pug Rescue of Korea and decided I can no longer keep the pug. Can I get a refund, or give the pug to a friend?
A. Due to the amount of time, effort and financial investment we put into finding forever homes for our Korean pugs, we are unable to give refunds at this time. Once the adoption has been processed, all adoption fees are non-refundable. We require all Pug Rescue of Korea pugs be returned to us, or turned in to Pug Nation LA (Carson, CA). Please email for an owner relinquishment form.
For additional questions and concerns please visit AKC or contact us via email.
