Korean Job Discussion Forums

Cat Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2007

Hi, I am leaving Korean in a few months. I have 3 adult cats and want to bring with me. I am planning to go to China. Have anybody gone through all the procedures? It is better to get them on the same airplane with me or ship them before/after??? Any advice of approx. costs? Do air lines have any specific requirements on the carrying cages and where can I buy the air lines approved cages in Seoul?

The cheapest option will be appreciated.

Thanks

oni · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: Seoul

You need to find out the regulations for China.
I recommend contacting Chungwha Animal hospital in Itaewon they know about taking animals to different countries.
For New Zealand it takes at least 6 months planning before you leave but NZ is very strict!

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

Visit the website pettravel.com. It will walk you through the easy steps involved. All the airlines are listed with their guidelines as well as the immigration information for each country. The last time I checked for China I believe there was only a one week quarantine for pets. I fly with my pets on direct flights so that is what I always suggest to others. At pettravel.com you can also download any immigration forms you will need.

Cat Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2007

Cat Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2007

air76 · Joined: 13 Nov 2007

I have no idea about the regulations in China, but I've taken a cat from Korea to the US, then from the US to Chile, and then from Chile back to Korea.

All you really need is to give the cats rabies shots between 1-6 months before your flight and of course save the certificate, and then leaving Korea you get a health check at the airport (so plan on getting to the airport very early, especially with 3 cats)...if you go to a decent sized vet they will probably know what you need to get.

Airlines generally charge between $100-200 to bring a pet on a flight, of course you need to contact your carrier to find out what they charge.

It will definitely be easier to bring them with you the day of your flight as opposed to sending them separately.

My guess is that for domestic animals there won't be any quarantine, but of course every country is different. In general moving with dogs/cats between non-island nations is a breeze. But Japan, New Zealand, and the UK make it virtually impossible to do so. With China of course you'll have to deal with the issue that official policy and what the dudes at the airport actually ask you for could be quite different. Personally I would never move to China with my cat for fear that what happens at the border would be in complete uncertainty until you actually got there. If you have any questions PM me.

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Cat Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2007

Thanks all for your help. I have one more question. Can I take 3 cats into the passenger cargo?? I am a bit doubting. I guess they will be placed in the baggage cargo. Can anybody confirm this with me?
Thanks

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

I am thinking that you mean that you are wondering if three cats can be in the passenger cabin. As far as I know the airlines only allow one pet per person. Also, I was looking at Pettravel.com regarding China pet immigration. It appears that upon arrival you are only allowed to import ONE pet per arrival per person. I hope this makes sense. So I guess that would mean that you would have to have three people present to claim each cat, or you would have to make three separate trips to bring the cats in. Maybe if a person goes through a pet shipping company there is a way to get around this, but it is something that jumped out at me on the China regulation page.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

According to my research, you can only take pets with you into China if you have a resident card - that means you have to go to China FIRST, get settled before you can send your kitties. There's a quarantine period of 30 days, too.

clyde · Joined: 09 Jan 2006

Im not trolling here and am serious, but I would either babysit a cat or give one a home if you are that desperate. I wish I could give you advice how to transport them, but this is the best I can do. Pm me if it comes to this.

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

Please double-check any information you get regarding this matter on the pettravel.com website. You will find it is not difficult to take your cats with you, but there are some important regulations to keep in mind as you make your arrangements.

jeis · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Location: Incheon City, South Korea

Hi, I'm sorry I can't offer much advice on this. Actually, I'm doing the same as you are, and I'll be taking my two cats with me when I move back to the UK in a few months.

I have a question to tack on, in the hopes someone can answer it.

Do I need an export certificate to get the cats out of the country?

Usually this kind of information is listed on gov't websites. But, SKorea being as it is Wink

of course it isn't.

Also, does anyone know of anywhere I can get travel-suitable cases for the cats that'll fit IATA requirements?

Any light anyone can shed would be marvellous.

Thanks,

J.

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

I don't think it matters much what's listed on Korean websites. Check UK websites to see what's required. I'm going to take my cat to Canada eventually and I know I need a rabies shot and certificate of heath from my vet. I may need it translated. I haven't checked since I'm not leaving too soon. I think the rabies shot needs to be at least 30 days prior. Any vet should be able to hook you up with a regulation carrier. Mine ordered one for me - hard shell and big enough for my giant cat to stand and turn in.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008