Korean Job Discussion Forums

[superacidjax]

I've tried to use the search function, but for some reason my screen just appears white afterwards, so I apologize if this has been previously covered.

I'm bringing my cat with me when I come to Korea in May and I wanted to know if they usually quarantine the animal at Customs? I have all the proper shots, vet records, etc. My airline will let me carry the thing on board if I want, so I'm not worried about the animal in transit.. I was wondering about once I touch down at the Seoul airport..

Will they lock him up in kitty prison for a period of time (as they do in a few other countries) or will the documents get him through with little problem?

I don't think my cat plans to teach, so I don't think I need to worry about his work visa.

Also, do pet shops in Seoul sell cat stuff? Specifically, I want to be able to get Science Diet food, or something at least that good. Also, cat litter -- do they sell it readily and do they have the clumping kind? Are covered litter boxes easily found or should I ship one over? Any cat toys for sale, or should I bring all of that too.

I'm certainly not bringing catnip with me.. the plastic bags full of shredded green leaves look suspiciously like something about which a Customs Officer might try to give me a hard time.

Anything important I should know about cats in Korea? I'm going to be there at least two years, so I want him along with me. I've been more of a dog person throughout my life, but they're a lot of trouble if you're not always there to take them outside. This darn cat of mine is also a great stress reliever, so he's certainly going to be a great friend to have around!

Thanks for any and all constructive replies!

-
BD

[Morgen]

A workaround for the lack of a search function is to go to Google and type "bringing my cat site:eslcafe.com/korea" or, while you're at it, search for posts by Korussian for more advanced solutions.

Have you read this? http://www.korea4expats.com/article-bringing-pets.html Two things about it are particularly relevant: a) what you really need is proof of a rabies shot less than a year and more than 30 days prior to entry, and b) requirements in Korea are apt to change at any time and enforcement depends on the officer in question and what kind of day he's having. However, I've never heard of anyone's pet being quarantined and don't really even know if Korea has facilities for it.

Re supplies, if you cat is on any particular medicine, bring enough. I have a dog, not a cat, so I don't have any particular knowledge of cat paraphernalia other than that you can buy Science Diet for dogs and I've seen clumping litter, litter boxes and cat toys in passing at all pet stores. No idea about buying catnip, but yeah I would avoid bringing any kind of vegetable matter.

Koreans are not too friendly to cats...I used to live in a country town where stray cats used to be caught and used for soup (I believe it's supposed to relieve back pain). I'd keep mine inside. Be prepared for it to be very stressed out about the change in territory.

[superacidjax]

Thanks for the tips. Good workaround on the search function too. Luckily, the cat will never be allowed outside, so I expect that I won't have to worry much about him getting eaten. If someone were to try and kidnap him, I'd probably start an international incident and me and the cat in question would likely be deported. lol.

I've been to some markets (Moran is one specific one) where I've seen some bad stuff done to cats. Of course, my cat doesn't escape and tends to be rather chilled out, so I don't expect a problem. I will also be living in an Officetel with interior entrances, so if for some reason he does try to run when I'm opening the door or something, I can at least catch him before he ends up on the street and in the soup.

Thanks very much for your help. I'm obviously going to check with the airlines and Korean customs before I leave, but I just was curious about anecdotal experiences..

[oni]

I have 3 cats I adopted off the street in Seoul

It's easy to get cat stuff here though there is more selection at a vet clinic than in the supermarket. They are way more into dogs here so at the supermarket there's lots of selection for dog food but not so much for cats.

Also there are some great websites dedicated exclusively to cats: food, litter, scratching posts, toys etc
I use www.09bob.com
It's in Korean so u may need a Korean to help you. They always put extra free stuff in with my order I love serviceee!!!!
I use a pine litter which is really good.