Bringing in Pets

All live animals and animal products entering Korea must be accompanied by valid certificates issued by the exporting country's government. Declare all import animals and animal products upon arrival to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service, where they must be inspected. Cloven-hoofed animals and their products that are shipped from import-restricted areas will be sent back or destroyed. For details, please contact the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service. Tel) +82-31-467-1923

On Arrival:
Your dog or cat will normally  be released within 24 hours following inspection by an animal quarantine official at the airport.
If possible, try to book a flight that arrives early in the morning since delivery of your pet from the airport to a residence in Seoul may take five to seven hours.

Required Paper for Admittance:
You must have an Animal Health Certificate issued by the government of the exporting country certifying that a rabies vaccination was performed within less than one year and more than thirty days prior to the animal’s arrival in Korea.

What to bring with you for our pet:

1. Bring a supply of toys for your dog. If you have a large dog, pack large feeding bowls as well as fitted leashes and collars.
2. If you are bringing a cat, pack most cat necessities, including litter, food (special brands) and toys. You will find some of these in Korea, but in limited supply and at very high prices.
3. Also bring a supply of any current medication your pet may be taking as well as its medical file.
4. If possible, bring along a 6-12 month supply of pet food, medications and other goods to last you until you go on your home leave and are able to replenish your stock. Heartworm, flea and de-worming medication can be purchased here from veterinarians (as can a limited range of food).

Procedures for Pets Departing Korea

1. Ten days before shipment, take the pet to the vet and secure an Animal Health Certificate, including a certificate of rabies vaccination.
2. Take the pet and the papers to the quarantine station to have the necessary papers filed.
3. There is a small revenue stamp fee. It is then advisable to contact an airline experienced in shipping animals. Instructions should be included on the cage outlining when the pet should be fed, watered and walked during all stops.
4. Contact the embassy of the country to which you are re-locating as animal importation requirements vary from one country to the other.
   

Editor's Note: The information above is based on the information K4E has available at the time of writing. Given how difficult it is to obtain clear and complete information in Korea as well as how quickly rules can change, please see this as a guide and do follow-up with the appropriate Korean government bodies to confirm its accuracy and/or to get the most current answers. K4E would appreciate your feedback should you find out that our information is out-of-date.