Korean K9 Rescue Awarded $100,000 Grant to Expand Operation 1M in 2026
We’re proud to share that Korean K9 Rescue has been awarded a $100,000 Shelter Support Program grant from SPCA International to expand Operation 1M in South Korea in 2026.
Operation 1M was created to address a largely unseen crisis affecting rural dogs across South Korea — dogs living tethered on short chains, with little protection from the elements, limited veterinary care, and no access to preventive services. While these conditions are often overlooked, they represent one of the most widespread and preventable forms of long-term suffering.
Through Operation 1M, fixed chains are replaced with humane pulley-style long-line systems, durable and weatherproof doghouses are installed, and dogs receive free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and essential medical care. The program focuses on prevention, sustainability, and accountability, ensuring that each intervention creates lasting change.
With the support of this grant, Korean K9 Rescue intends to scale Operation 1M in 2026, working toward 500 rural sterilizations and the installation of 200 insulated shelters equipped with humane tether systems.
“This grant allows us to scale sustainable change and improve the lives of so many rural dogs suffering on short chains with no protection,” said Gina Kim-Sadiku, Executive Director of Korean K9 Rescue. “Operation 1M is not just about providing shelter — it’s about preventing suffering at its source through sterilization, education, and long-term community engagement.”
The urgency behind Operation 1M became clear following wildfire rescue operations in Andong earlier this year, when our teams encountered widespread neglect well beyond emergency zones. What began as a disaster response quickly revealed a deeper, systemic issue — one that required long-term intervention rather than temporary relief.
In 2025, Korean K9 Rescue sterilized more than 160 dogs and installed 75 doghouses through the early stages of Operation 1M. With this new funding, the program will continue to expand through field installations, spay and neuter clinics, and follow-up visits to ensure humane care is sustained over time.
“This is what real change looks like — one dog, one home, one meter at a time,” Kim-Sadiku added.
Founded in 2017, Korean K9 Rescue operates across South Korea to rescue dogs from the dog meat trade, puppy mills, high-kill shelters, and extreme neglect, while advancing humane reform through prevention and education.
We are deeply grateful to SPCA International for their partnership and belief in this work, and to our community for helping make Operation 1M possible. The work continues — and we’re just getting started.