“We extended our hands 187 times.”
On April 6, 2025, Lucy’s Friends concluded their emergency rescue efforts in Andong, South Korea, after wildfires devastated the region. Since March 23, their team has been on-site rescuing animals injured, displaced, or abandoned during the fires. In total, 187 animals were saved from extreme conditions like burns, exhaustion, and entrapment. Some were even reunited with their guardians and will be returned after receiving veterinary treatment.
From the earliest days of the wildfire, Lucy’s Friends quickly mobilized a disaster response team. They worked in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the City of Andong to establish an emergency veterinary clinic in the heart of the disaster zone.
They also pioneered the first-ever Animal Welfare Situation Room inside the government’s disaster response headquarters. This collaborative hub between NGOs and local government officials helped coordinate rescue missions in real-time, making it a model for disaster-response partnerships.
Thanks to this joint effort between nonprofits, local agencies, veterinarians, and volunteers, all 187 rescued animals are now safe. Many are already receiving the care and comfort they need to begin healing — physically and emotionally.
But the work isn’t over.
A Long-Term Commitment to Recovery
Lucy’s Friends is committed to supporting both the animal and human communities long after the fires have subsided. Their next phase of work includes:
• Spay/neuter programs for outdoor dogs in rural areas
• Animal welfare outreach and shelter condition improvement
• Expanded pet registration to help with future reunifications
• Support for community cat feeding stations and TNR programs
They’re also formally advocating for a new law: the Pet Evacuation Act, which would ensure that animals can evacuate with their guardians during disasters. Over 2,000 people have already signed the petition calling for its passage — a powerful sign that South Koreans want animals to be seen as part of the family, even in emergencies.
Disasters don’t discriminate. And neither should safety.
How You Can Help
Korean K9 Rescue is proud to support Lucy’s Friends and their extraordinary work. We are committed to raising awareness, funds, and support for the dogs rescued from these wildfires.
👉 Please consider donating to our emergency fundraiser on Kakao Together to help provide ongoing care for the rescued animals.
Special Thanks
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to the following veterinary hospitals and animal medical centers for their tireless dedication during this mission. Their expertise and compassion saved lives:
Daegu & Gyeongbuk Area
Dasom Animal Medical Center (Geumjeong & Main Branch)
Jukjeon Animal Medical Center
Tops Animal Medical Center
W Animal Medical Center
Park Soonseok Animal Medical Center
Barun Step Animal Surgery Hospital
Songjeong Animal Medical Center
Lee Seungjin Animal Medical Center
Lee Seongjun Animal Hospital
Eple Animal Hospital
Choonhyun General Animal Hospital
CARA Animal Hospital
Sky Animal Medical Center (Yongin)
Yeowool Animal Hospital
Pyungchon Daon Animal Hospital
Seoul, Gyeonggi & National Support
The HUE Animal Medical Center
Beomeo Animal Medical Center
Bundang Leaders Animal Medical Center
Bless Animal Medical Center
Standard Animal Medical Center
Yeonhui Animal Medical Center
Jamsil ON Animal Medical Center
Times Animal Medical Center
FM Animal Medical Center (Gimpo)
SD Animal Medical Center
SNC Animal Medical Center
SUN Animal Hospital
Konkuk University Veterinary Hospital
Kyungpook National University Animal Hospital
Gwanggyo Wooridul Animal Hospital
Gwangmyeong 24hr ID Animal Medical Center
Gunpo Sol Animal Hospital
Green Bell Animal Medical Center
NEL Animal Medical Center
To every vet, volunteer, and supporter — thank you. You’ve made a difference.