Adopting retired quarantine detection dogs gets easier with QR code system

Adopting a retired quarantine detection dog — one that spent its career protecting public health and safety — has become significantly easier, with prospective owners now able to apply by scanning a QR code on their phones.

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency announced Monday it has introduced a QR code-based mobile application system to make the adoption process more accessible.

Previously, applicants had to visit the agency's website, download adoption forms and related documents, fill them out and submit them by email. The lack of a mobile-friendly page had drawn criticism for poor accessibility.

Under the new system, scanning the QR code with a smartphone takes applicants directly to an online form they can complete and submit on the spot. The existing email-based application method remains available as well.

Dogs eligible for adoption include those that have retired after serving at airports and seaports nationwide, as well as those dropped from training programs due to aptitude issues. Six dogs are currently available — two Labrador retrievers and four beagles. Retired dogs are around 9 years old, while training washouts are around 2.

Prospective adopters can check profiles of available dogs on the agency's website and the National Animal Protection Information System before applying. Final adoption decisions are made after a document review and an on-site assessment conducted in cooperation with an animal welfare organization. The process takes about two months from application to handover.

"We hope the improved QR code-based adoption process will expand opportunities for retired quarantine detection dogs to find new families," said Choe Myeong-cheol, head of the agency's Incheon Airport regional office. "We will continue to improve the adoption system so that these dogs, who have devoted themselves to the nation, can begin a happy second life."