Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BodDee]

Hi, guys and gals! This is my first post, though I have been reading everyone else's for months! I am leaving for SK in January '08. I am getting a dog this Septemeber, alittle male yorkie. I have searching for as much info in bringing and having pets--but still have questions.
First--I'll need to get a plane ticket for it. How much does a ticket cost--how do I get one? Do I have to mention this to my recruiter or at the interview (because they will be getting my ticket)?
Second---I read you MUST quaritine the dog for 7 days--no matter what?
Third--How about coming back into the US? How easy/hard is this?
Fourth---Is Soeul very dog friendly--what about taking it on a bus/subway? It's a real small dog remember, and I'll always have it in a purse or on a leash.
Fifth--Dog food--easy or hard to find? Specifically Purina Dog Food.
Sixth--and last-- Vet's? In or around Itaewon.
Thanks soo much!

[kat2]

[dogshed]

I decided to leave my dog at home.

I'm glad I did. She is having a much better
time playing with my mom's dog in Kansas.

-Jeff

[seoulsucker]

I'm with kat2brains on this one...wait until you get here.

Are you sure your housing will allow dogs? What if you show up and your landlord refuses to accept pets? Get yourself settled, then snag a pooch if the mood still hits you.

[tzechuk]

No pet on public transport? Are you sure about that?

I've seen lots of people with dogs on the subway and buses.

I myself have taken both our dog and cat on the subway.

[teachergirltoo]

I take my dog on buses and the subway frequently. I have her in one of those pooch pouches or in her backpack, but have never had a problem.

I brought her from the US on Asiana. They charged me $200 to ride in the cabin with me.

Some people do not have the option of leaving their pet back home. I have encountered no problems at all bringing mine, and have found finding supplies here, or a vet, no problem at all.

[kat2]

Its one thing to not have a person to leave your dog with at home.

Its a completely different one to buy one just a few months before moving to a new continent.

OP, seriously rethink your plan. You never know what your schedule will be (despite what your school tells you before you show up). Your apartment could be a shoebox. The less hassles the better when you are moving. Wait and, if you still want to after a few months, buy a dog here.

[BodDee]

Well I am so glad to hear it's not as hard as I thought to bring a dog.
It's easy to find a vet/pet supplies. I don't have to quaritine the dog, if he has gotten his shots 6 months before. I can take the dog on subways and buses, always in a purse (remember he is only going to be 4lbs).

I do take the opinion of not bringing a dog over~ however, It will be at least 6 months after I get him. I am planning on aquainting him with as many people,places,things as I can before the trip. Plus researching everything I can, as to what's allowed and not allowed.

Thanks,
Dee

[icicle]

I am suprised that you will take what two people say about taking pets on the subway and not getting into trouble as confirmation that it is therefore legal and ok ot do it.

It is also true that it may very well not be ok to have a dog in your accommodation ... That will in the end be up to your landlord .. It also may not be ok for you to take the dog to school ... How would you feel about having to leave your dog in a small apartment all day while you are at work? The fact that some people are allowed to have pets in their apartment does not mean that you will be allowed to.

The advise that you have been given not to buy a dog when you are planning to move to a foreign country is the best advice so far on this message. To me it is very different to need to bring a pet that you already own and can't find any good alternative options for and another thing altogether to buy a new dog who may or may not be able to cope or behave appropriately (6 months is still very much a puppy) and who you may have to get rid of if it is not allowed in the accommodation which is provided for you by your employer. It is also possible that it will put a pressure on you which you don't need in adjusting to what is a very different cultural and work context to what you are used to.

I stand very strongly with those people who are suggesting that you very seriously reconsider your decision about bringing a pet (which you don't even own yet) to the country. I think that you would be crazy to do it (or even to buy the dog) without even talking to your new employer about it. You are simply asking for trouble.

This is also what the Seoul Subway website says about bring pets on the subway.

"As the metro train is shared by many people please keep from bringing your pets. If it becomes necessary to travel with them please use the designated carrier".

On the subway you will be standing in a crowded environment most of the time.

Icicle

[BodDee]

I really appreciate any advice and recommendations; I am posting this because of my question of bringing a dog. Despite what I may write next, I am still on the fence.
First, I have read so many posts of people who either have brought pets or got them while in SK. The dog, while still being a puppy, will be about 9 months old---I am not getting it until it is 3 months--plus the six I will have it. I am already in contact with a recruiter, and would love to ask the question of where I will be living and if pets are allowed. My desire is to work and live somewhere is Seoul~ at an apartment where pets are allowed. During the interview process, and even recruitment, can't I mention my ownership of a dog---and demand a place where pets are pc?
It's not me just making decisions and HOPING the dog can come along---it's me making decisions based on my ownership of a dog. Does that make sense?
In America, and similar to the way I grew up---a dog is ok with being alone all day while the parents work and the children go to school. I will be gone for work at the most 7 hours--- I believe my dog will be trained enough to handle this....
As for the subway and buses---4 lbs dog in a purse---just how I take it around the US when I get it.
So do you---or others still advice against this? Or has anyone had experience with finding a job based on the fact you have a dog?
Thanks so!

[Wondering]

I always mention that I have dogs when seeking new employmen and stress that I will need dog-friendly housing. This has never been a problem in the nearly nine years I have taught here.

I have brought my dogs on trains, buses, taxis, subways, and planes here in Korea. As long as they are in a carrier, I've never had a complaint. Actually, most taxi drivers have no problem with my dog/s NOT being in a carrier and if they do have a problem with it, they simply keep driving and don't stop to pick me up.

Dog supplies are much easier to come by now than in 1997. Also, once you have chosen which vet you want to use, it's really easy to get that vet to custom order the food you want your dogs to have if the vet doesn't already carry it. Be prepared to pay up front if you don't already have an established relationship though.

Dogs CAN have seperation anxiety when left at home alone for long hours. This can cause problems if your dog barks or howls out of loneliness. Dog-friendly housing can become unfriendly if your dog is disturbing the neighbors. Dogs are very social animals and want/need to be a part of a pack.

[kat2]

I still don't understand why you won't wait until you get over here. Everyone on here is just trying to make your life easier (and your dogs life). It is really stressful moving to Korea. You want as little extra stressors as possible until you get settled. Having to plan for flying your dog and being home on time to walk it everyday and everything else that comes with it are stressors you don't need. While you may think you will only be at work 7 hours a day, how can you know? Your boss is likely to tell you 7 teaching hours a day, but really thats split up over a 10 hour period, in which you don't have enough time to commute home, so your dog is stuck alone for all that time. Please, just wait.

[kigolo1881]

Your dog will end up as some happy korean family's dinner.

[ucfvgirl]

Just a side note: I am taking my dog back to Canada in September and just read on another post that Air Canada is no longer accepting pets on their passenger airplanes. This means no more dogs, cats, or other animals in the cargo hold under the plane. They have not allowed pets inside the cabin for quite sometime now.

More and more airlines are getting strict about their pet policies so you need to check well in advance which ones will let you bring your pet on board with you. Most of them are saying no to pets in the cabin and some are now saying NO to pets all together.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to travel with our pets.

[dean_burrito]