Replace Cruelty with Compassion
Since 2015, we’ve shut down three dog meat farm operations and found homes for over 1,700 dog meat trade survivors.
Three Pillars
Our work focuses on three pillars: rescue, adoption, and awareness.
Rescue
We rescue dogs from meat farms and high-kill shelters in South Korea. Then we provide food, vet care, and shelter.
Adoption
Through our comprehensive adoption process, we find forever-loving homes for our rescues in Canada and the US.
Awareness
We cultivate awareness and promote compassion for dogs through public events and community action.
Finding Sanctuary
Shutting down a dog meat farm begins a complex process. The dogs need immediate food, shelter, and vet care. Some are adopted. Others are too sick or traumatized. We care for all of them.
Today, we need urgent help to provide essential care for our rescued dogs in Korea. We’re also planning a permanent sanctuary in Canada where our dog meat trade survivors can live in peace.
Our Timeline
Track our story and progress from modest beginnings to the present day.
July 2015
FKD launches as non-profit
EK and her partner Greg launched Free Korean Dogs as a non-profit organization with the mission of rescuing dogs from the Korean dog meat trade, getting them adopted into forever loving homes, and raising public awareness about the dog meat trade in Korea.
May 2016
Jeonju dog farm shutdown
Our first ever shutdown took place during a scorching spring in Jeonju, Korea, where we rescued 46 dogs from the notorious Jeonju dog farm and shut it down forever. Learn more
July 2017
Korea and North America Protests
We organized a coordinated series of multi-national protests during Boknal, the Korean dog meat festival. Demonstrations took place at the Moran dog meat market in Korea, with simultaneous protests in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles.
September 2018
Danjin dog farm shutdown
2018 saw our second dog farm closure, where we saved 83 dogs living in unspeakable conditions at a dog farm in Danjin, Korea. Destroying the cages was satisfying. Learn more
March 2019
FKD becomes a registered charity
We hit a vital milestone in 2019 when the Canadian government granted us charitable status. We became a legit charity complete with tax deductable receipts.
December 2019
1,000 dogs find forever homes
Some say dog meat trade survivors are unadoptable. We proved them wrong when we celebrated watching our 1,000th dog get adopted into a forever loving home.
August 2020
FKD expands adoption to US
Responding to enthusiastic requests from supporters in the US, we expanded our adoption cities to include Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, and LA.
May 2021
3rd Annual Freedom Walk
Started in 2019, Freedom Walk is our annual public awareness and fundraising event. We bring the whole community together to march in Toronto and Vancouver.
May 2022
Siheung dog farm shutdown
Our most ambitious project yet, we closed a massive dog farm in Siheung, which resulted in the rescue of 101 dogs. Many of these dogs are still waiting for a home. Learn more
December 2023
1,500 dogs start new lives
Challenging the notion that dogs from the meat trade can’t be rehomed, we triumphantly witnessed our 1,500th rescues find their loving forever homes.
December 2024
1,700 happy tails
Together, we’ve transformed 1,700 rescue stories into journeys of love and second chances. Thank you for being part of this incredible milestone.
Latest Articles
The Doane Grant Thornton Foundation: Giving Us the Gift of Suki
Free Korean Dogs received a generous grant to honor Suki, a rescued dog from an illegal puppy mill. Despite her battle with cancer, Suki found love and care.
Not “Goodbye”, But “See You Later”
Free Korean Dogs’ 6th annual Freedom Walk was a great success, raising vital funds to support dog rescues and furthering their mission of compassion and care.
Sporting Compassion with Charity Softball Events
A passionate group of softball players gathered in Toronto, raising over $1200 for Free Korean Dogs and Toronto Cat Rescue. It was a great community event.