ISDF is dedicated to saving the lives of street dogs around the world.
Our main mission is to raise awareness of issues facing these dogs. We believe that change begins with awareness. There is no more effective method of getting governments who allow inhumane treatment of dogs to change, than for them to feel pressure from the international community. If they believe their global public image is being tarnished and therefore, their tourist revenue is being affected, history has demonstrated time and again that they will start paying attention.
ISDF also rehomes dogs in extreme need. We believe each life counts and each dog placed in the USA helps to support the main mission of raising awareness. That one dog, saved and now living the American dream, will have their story told over and over again, thus spreading the word in the most effective way â through firsthand experience.
We may not be able to change the world overnight, but we will not allow that to be an excuse to do nothing. We all can do something to help spur change. ISDF is working to change the worldâ¦one dog at a time. Please help us in our mission â the dogs of the world are counting on us! ISDF has no paid employees and no overhead costs so you can rest assured 100% of your donation goes to improving the circumstances of dogs around the world.
ISDF would never want adoption costs to drive away potential adopters - however, having said
that, it is important to note that the cost of adopting an overseas dog can be expensive. Flight
costs, travel cages, pre-flight veterinary exams and export paperwork can run anywhere from
$300 to $1000 depending on a number of variables (which airline, the absence or presence of a
flight volunteer, the size of the dog, the size of the travel cage, whether any boarding is
required during transit).
We feel it is important to outline these costs here, since although the low end is comparable to
many animal shelter and rescue adoption fees, the high end can potentially be prohibitive for
some adopters. We also feel it is imperative to point out that the remainder of the transit cost,
left over after what is paid for by you, must be funded by ISDF.
Although some of our adoptable dogs have flights that have been paid for partially or even fully
by ISDF fundraising efforts, there are always other costs involved with transport: extra
paperwork, pet taxis, boarding at layover sites, cargo fees and taxes when we pick up the dogs
at the airport - as well as fostering, feeding, and veterinary care costs spent prior to flying and
after flying, but before adoption.
Additionally, most of our dogs are not funded in full, despite our best efforts, so we must
constantly borrow against helping future dogs for fees outside what we fundraised. With this in
mind, please understand that we suggest a minimum donation of $300, if at all possible (again,
to reiterate, we would never want adoption costs to drive away potential adopters, so please
know this is a guideline for giving only) so that we may continue to help the maximum number
of seriously needy dogs.
With no paid staff and no overhead costs, 100% of all donations from adoption fees and our
fundraising efforts goes towards helping not only the dog you adopt, but all others going
forward in future. The more ISDF must pay out per dog, the less we are able to help
the many others awaiting homes of their own.
We are happy to go over your particular dog's estimated costs in greater detail during the home
visit, should you have more questions - but at this time, we would like an idea of what you
think you would be able to cover. This also helps us guide you when advising you about the
many dogs available for adoption.
