Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AbraxasZ]

Hi everyone. I've been on the lookout for a cat, but have had very little luck. I don't want a pure-bred and would prefer to adopt a cat in need. I see there's a post here for a black and white cat, but it's listed as "not terribly friendly" and I really only want a friendly cat. Kittens can be trained, but older cats can who're stuck in their ways can be difficult.

If anyone is looking to get rid of a cat or knows where one can be adopted, I'd appreciate the information. I live in Bundang, an hour or so outside of Seoul. Cheers.

[DallasTexas]

I copied this from Karenb's post in the pet adoption section:

At one website it looks like about 20 new animals are posted every day:

http://karama.or.kr/community_7.asp

Shih-tzus, spaniels, schnauzers, poodles, mixes... not to mention all the cats and a few rabbits!

I believe that shelter is located north of Seoul, in Yangju.

(I'm going to try and find the place and adopt a dog this weekend)

[AbraxasZ]

Ah great Dallas, thanks. I'll have to get someone who speaks/reads Korean to help me find the address, but it looks like they have quite a few.

Thanks a lot and good luck finding a dog!

[Vicissitude]

No one speaks English at this place. So unless you are a fluent Korean speaker, you will need a LOT Of help. I had a Korean friend call them and ask a lot of questions. They have a serious adoption procedure! Before they will let you know what animals are up for adoption, you must fill out an adoption application in Korean and give them a Korean social security number. So you better make sure your Korean friend is willing to do this. Next, they set up a time for a phone interview where they ask you questions in Korean. So you have to make sure that your Korean friend who gave his/her social is there for this. If that phone interview goes well, then you have to make a trip which is several hours by bus from Seoul to this place. Make sure to bring that Korean friend with you too because they will only be talking to your Korean friend. My Korean friend who called them said they were not going to promise if they would adopt out a pet to a foreigner and they didn't sound very positive about the whole idea whatsoever. I was very disappointed!

Oh a few more things. They have a spay/neuter policy whereby you have to have the pet fixed before you take the pet home. So I am willing to bet you have to make another trip down to pick up the animal after it gets fixed. Don't forget that you have to bring back your Korean friend for this too.

All of this trouble is a whole heck of a lot to ask of any friend. Who has time for all this?! Even if I offered to pay for all this trouble, it would still be a lot to ask from anyone (for a pet). Most Koreans would laugh at the idea and try to talk you out of it because it is such a huge bother for you and them.

This red tape is such a pity!

Don't forget that this is a shelter. Such places can be infested with deadly diseases that can easily pass from one animal to another. The cages are open air and right next to each other so the pets can touch one another. Such diseases I would want any dog tested for are definately: parvo, corona, distemper and heartworm. They are very serious problems here in Korea..... most every puppy on Chungmoro in those stores die of those diseases within days/weeks of bringing the pet home. So my guess is that the shelters could very well have the same problem. How would you like to go through all the trouble of adopting an animal from this shelter just to bring it home and have it die or get seriously ill from a deadly disease like parvo and corona? Even if you have the animal tested at the shelter, it could be a false negative because it can take up to two weeks for a newly infected animal to be tested as a positive. It takes time for viruses like corona and parvo to show up in the blood tests and stools.

[Demonicat]

Dimes for doughnuts, but those guys seem like complete asses. Why not wait a week or two for the inevitable person looking for a home for kitty? Expats here re constantly leaving and either don't have a place to take the pet, are worried about customs (aussies), and some worry about the effects of a 24+hour ride (North Americans)

[aek541]

I got a cat off of Daveeslcafe....and the ad said that she didn't really like women....well It was right........when I first got her....she was a tempermental...B(*(*$#....and so I just took it slowly....now....she loves when people come over to visit and everything........however....I also got another cat shortly after i got the grouchy one...and that made matters a little more difficult.......but now....she is Ssooooooooo loving....andshe was a full grown cat. So you may not be able to teach an old cat new tricks....but if you love you cat and give it some space....it will come to you and love you back....or from what I've found

[Vicissitude]

[AbraxasZ]

Thanks for all that information Vicissitude. Sounds like you just saved me a lot of hassle. And I know what you mean about people changing their minds or giving the cat away to someone else after back and forth communication. These have happened to me too. Well, I guess I'll just keep looking and hope for the best.

aek541, I know what you mean, but I've also had the opposite experience. I had cats back home and some of them have started off skiddish and remain skiddish years later. I'm not saying it's not worth saving these cats, but this time around (it being my only pet), I'd like to adopt one that's friendly from the start.

Thanks again guys. This information is very helpful.

[Gamecock]

double post

[Gamecock]

I got a kitten two years ago in Osan and he has been a fantastic housecat. There is a guy in front of the main gate every weekend selling puppies and occasionally has a kitten or two. Mine cost me 20,000. If you get desperate you might want to check it out. I know you probably don't want to buy a cat, but I'm pretty sure my cat was not having a high quality life when I got him...

[AbraxasZ]

Hey thanks, gamecock. I wouldn't mind paying 20,000 for a cat; I just don't want to pay for a pure-breed. Do you know where Osan is in relation to Seoul? I wouldn't want to travel out of my way just for the possibility of the guy having a cat, but if it's close it would certainly be worth checking on.

Thanks for the idea!

[kat2]

There's someone getting rid of a cat on pusanweb.com classifieds now. Check it out. I commend you for adopting one instead of buying one.

__________

Cat looking for nice home
Cat needing a caring owner!

Please call Dave at 011-9550-7020
General details:
Posted by: dave getz (0 / # 0)
Email: [email protected]

[fiver]

I've got a cat if you want. Nearly four years old. Housetrained, keeps to himself, friendly and likes lots of attention. PM me.

[AbraxasZ]

Thanks kat2. I checked out the site, but couldn't find the post you're talking about. I also assume that site deals mostly with the Busan area; am I wrong?

Fiver, I've PMed you.

Again, thanks everyone!

[karenb]

I have a few comments to add in response to Vicissitude's post about adopting from KARAMA. I haven't adopted from them, but I had a Korean friend call as well to get info, and two of my friends visited the place and wrote about their experience.