FAQ

General

We are a small, US based rescue saving animals from Russia – where the situation for the dogs is devastating, with no resources and so much need. The reason why we have to charge these outrageous fees is because the international transport in the COVID world is completely out of control. We end up paying out of pocket for most the dogs because even our high fees do not cover the cost. And the prices keep creeping up.

Check this recent article about an international rescue that is in the same boat as us.  It explains the dilemma.

There are 2 ways to fly a dog – with Flight Volunteer or Cargo

Costs to deliver a dog with Flight Volunteer ranges between $1300 and $1500

Round Trip Ticket to a Flight Volunteer

$600 to $800

Dog Ticket Cost

$400 – $700
Ranges for dog weight

Dog Carrier Cost

$50 – $150
Ranges for dog size

Russian State Veterinarian Clearance 

$70

USA Broker/Customs

$300

Transport to/from Airports

$100 – $300
Ranges for the distance

Costs to deliver a dog with Cargo

Cargo Costs

$400 to $800
Ranges for the size of dog carrier and weight

Dog Carrier Cost

$50 – $150
Ranges for dog size

Russian State Veterinarian Clearance 

$70

USA Broker/Customs

$300

Transport to/from Airports

$100 – $300
Ranges for the distance

Dog Ticket Cost

$400 – $700
Ranges for dog weight

Animal Rights are non-existent in Russia

there is about 84 stray dogs per square mile in Moscow alone, bringing total population of stray dogs in the capital close to 35000.

Life on the streets throughout Russia is dangerous for dogs. Majority of population looks at stray dogs as they are a nuisance so they are poisoned, tortured, hit by cars, burned alive, shot and even used for food.

Citizens only look to purchase pure breed dogs and then add to stray dog population when they abandon their pets because they grew in size or get ill. Why keep an ill dog if they can get a puppy?  They also add to stray dog population by not sterilizing their pets and letting them out to mate with strays “just for health”. Puppies are then dumped and if they are lucky to survive they make more puppies.

Municipal shelters are numbered and overcrowded. Adoptions are very rare and majority of the dogs live and die at the shelters. 70% of those who do get adopted end up living on the backyards, changed to a tiny dog house, exposed to elements, often with no food and water. Why feed the dog if he can be easily replaced when he can no longer perform his “guard duties”?

The situation in rural areas is even worse. Shelters there are hell for dogs. The conditions in which dogs are doomed to live are horrifying. Dirt, filth, rotten food and no veterinarian care – that is what dogs are subjected to – hunger and illnesses.

Regardless the circumstances,  99% of dogs are absolutely adoptable – they are sweet, loving and smart. The lucky ones who escape this hell and find a family immediately bloom and bring a lot of joy to their owners.

There is no governmental support and no SPCA’s. Welfare of the dogs in Russia lays on the shoulders of volunteers – private citizens with a compassion for animals. They build private shelters, and do their best to help these unfortunate souls spending their salaries to feed and treat them.

Shelter should be a temporary measure and volunteers desperately looking to adopt their dogs out to be able to save more. Since there is no adoption in Russia, they send dogs to Europe, USA and Canada.