3 retired detection dogs and 3 prospective adopter families bond over overnight trip in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province; previous adopters share settling-in tips

A prospective adopter bonds with a retired quarantine detection dog at Sono Pet Club & Resort Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on Saturday. [Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency]
A prospective adopter bonds with a retired quarantine detection dog at Sono Pet Club & Resort Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on Saturday. [Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency]

Detection dogs that spent their careers stopping the illegal import of agricultural and livestock products at the border set off on a special overnight trip to meet their prospective new families. Over two days, the dogs and their would-be owners ran, walked and grew accustomed to one another — joined by families who had already adopted retired detection dogs and were on hand to help the newcomers settle in.

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency announced Monday that it held the retired quarantine detection dog bonding program "From Detection Dog, To Companion Dog" at Sono Pet Club & Resort Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, from Saturday to Sunday, in partnership with Trinity and Sono Pet Club & Resort.

The event brought together three retired quarantine detection dogs and three prospective adopter families who had cleared a preliminary screening.

The dogs awaiting new homes are Fury (7), an English Springer Spaniel described as intelligent and loyal; Nuri (9), another English Springer Spaniel known for a bright and energetic personality; and Delta (9), a Beagle with a friendly, approachable look.

The prospective families spent time bonding with the dogs through running, a treasure hunt and walks. They also received guidance from a professional dog behavior trainer on post-adoption care and training methods, and were briefed on the adoption process.

Three families who had already adopted retired quarantine detection dogs also took part, sharing their experiences helping the dogs adjust to a new home and offering practical care tips to the prospective adopters.

The event was organized through a collaboration between the government and private companies. Trinity handled program planning and coordination, while Sono Pet provided space for the dogs and families to spend time together and supported professional trainer sessions.

The quarantine agency has also been broadening adoption opportunities for retired detection dogs. It has accepted adoption applications on a rolling basis since last October, and in July introduced a QR code to simplify the application process.

"It is deeply meaningful that a foundation has been laid for these detection dogs — national service animals who dedicated themselves to defending quarantine sovereignty on the front lines of the border — to meet good families and enjoy a happy second life," said Choi Myeong-cheol, head of the agency's Incheon Airport regional office. "We will continue to make diverse efforts to improve the welfare of retired quarantine detection dogs and promote civilian adoption."


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