Are you travelling on a direct flight from Incheon to Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco? You could save a precious life!

Apply to be a Flight Volunteer

What is a Flight Volunteer?

Flight volunteers (also known as flight couriers, companions, or angels) are an integral part of the adoption process – they help our rescue dogs unite with their forever families in Canada and the US. The traveller provides us with their flight information, and upon receiving it, we promptly proceed to contact the airlines to arrange the dog’s accommodation.

Our dedicated team handles the entire process, including covering the expenses of the dog’s flight. Once the flight arrangements are confirmed, we provide the flight volunteer with a comprehensive guide and clear instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for the dog(s).

Please be aware that Air Canada imposes summer and winter embargoes from June to September and mid-December to early January. During these periods, dog transport may be restricted. We recommend checking with us if you plan to fly during these times. In contrast, Korean Air operates throughout the year and offers a live animal compartment equipped with an air temperature controller, ensuring safe and comfortable travel for our furry companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it doesn’t cost you anything to be a flight volunteer. Our organization will take care of all fees, expenses, and arrangements.

While Free Korean Dogs covers all fees and expenses associated with our rescue dogs, we do not cover the cost of the traveller’s airline ticket.

In order to make the proper arrangements with the airline for our dogs, we will require flight details. This includes the airline reservation number, departure and arrival dates/times, English name as written on your passport, birthdate, and email used for registration. Your personal information is used solely for the purpose of your flight volunteer registration.

Free Korean Dogs respects your privacy. The information provided is used only for flight booking/coordination purposes and is not shared outside our organization.

No, the dog(s) will be declared under the ownership of Free Korean Dogs for adoption purposes. You are only assisting in the travel process and do not have any legal responsibilities for the dog(s).

Any adult (aged 18+ years) or minor travelling with an adult can be a flight volunteer. They must be travelling from Incheon to Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco on a direct flight. Please register as soon as possible, as each flight has a limited number of spots available for dogs.

Not at all! We have all documents ready and prepared for you. You only need to present them during the customs check. We have had many non-English speakers successfully volunteer as flight volunteers without issue. We also have team members who are fluent in Korean, Cantonese, and Mandarin as well as of course, English.

Yes! As long as the final segment of your flight is direct from Seoul to Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, you can be a flight volunteer. For example, if you are flying from Tokyo to Seoul to Toronto, you can be a flight volunteer. We ask that you have a minimum layover of 4 hours to ensure you don’t miss your connecting flight.

Unfortunately, no. Travelling is stressful, especially for dogs. For the safety and comfort of our dogs, we only send them on flights that travel directly from Seoul to Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. If you, for example, fly from Seoul to Tokyo to Toronto, you cannot be a flight volunteer.

No, being a flight volunteer has no impact at all on your visa status whatsoever.

On average, the process at Incheon Airport and customs clearance at the destination take around 30 minutes each. Our agent(s) and dog(s) will meet you at the airline check-in counter at Incheon Airport to assist in your boarding and check-in process three hours before departure. Upon landing at your destination, complete the immigration procedure and pick up your luggage and the dogs at the oversized luggage and animals area. (Use the Porter service if needed. We’ll cover the cost). On the way out, stop by customs for the dog inspection (either the porter or officer will guide you). Submit the documents (dog vaccination paper, etc.) you received in Korea to the customs officer. Once the dog inspection is done, come out with the dogs and meet the adopter at arrivals.

No, you are still allowed to bring as much personal baggage as you are permitted. The dog is booked as extra baggage on your air ticket, and the fees will be covered by Free Korean Dogs.

The number of dogs that can be accommodated on a flight depends on various factors such as the airline, time of year, and availability of cargo space. For instance, Korean Airlines generally allows passengers to bring up to 3 dogs (2 dogs in cargo and one small dog in the cabin). However, the maximum number of dogs allowed per plane is five dogs.

Air Canada, on the other hand, permits passengers to bring two dogs (one dog in cargo and one small dog in the cabin), and the maximum number of dogs allowed per plane typically ranges from 3 to 5. It’s important to note that due to space limitations, you should inform us of your travel plans as soon as possible to secure a spot for our dogs on the flight.

A small dog weighing under 6 kg (13 lbs) can fly in the cabin, but this option is available only if the flight volunteer specifically chooses it. When a small dog accompanies the flight volunteer in the cabin, it must remain in a carrier, securely placed under the seat. Most dogs stay quiet and often sleep in their carriers during the flight. The flight volunteer has no additional responsibilities or tasks related to the dog during the journey. Travelling with a furry friendcan create cherished memories and provide a unique experience for you and the dog.

No, it will not be an issue at all. Before departure, our team will bring the dog to the airport and meet you at the check-in counter to check the dog(s) as “extra baggage” (this does not affect your baggage allowance). Upon arrival, you can utilize the airport porter service, which will be covered.

Our staff and volunteers will guide you every step of the way – from providing you with all information before your travel date, meeting you in person at the airport, and communicating with you via messaging system when you land in Canada/the US.

Free Korean Dogs is a registered charity in Canada, and Free Korean Dogs US is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit charity in the United States.

We have local representatives in Korea and our destination cities to ensure safe and smooth travel for our volunteers and dogs. Volunteers are the essential final link in helping our adopted dogs get to their forever homes. Since 2015, we have facilitated the adoption of over 1,500 dogs.

Before you consider volunteering with an organization, consider the following:

  • Is the organization a registered nonprofit or charitable organization?
  • Is the organization knowledgeable about the flight and customs process?
  • If issues arise, are there staff and volunteers who will be responsible?

Flight Volunteer Application

Flight Volunteer Application

Flight Destination

Please complete this application only if you are travelling on a direct flight.
For Canadian travellers, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. For US travellers, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival date.

Personal Information

Please enter your name and info as it appears on your passport. Free Korean Dogs respect your privacy. The information provided is used only for flight booking/coordination purposes and is not shared outside our organization.

Booking Information

For example, did a travel agent or your partner book this trip?

Please provide the name and details of the person who booked your flight.

Flight Information

Please upload a photo or PDF of your itinerary to verify your flight information.

Confirmation

You’re almost finished! Please take a moment to review each step of your application and ensure everything is correct. When you’re ready, submit your application.

If you’re flying with others on the same reservation, we must know each person’s name in order to book our dogs.