Korean Job Discussion Forums

[awolfe]

I'll be moving to Seoul this year to teach, but I'm curious if anyone else has attempted to bring their feline companions with them to Korea. Any advice? Know any specifics about medical stuff or airline situations?

[eggs_n_bacon]

[slynne23]

I am thinking about bringing my cat with me to Korea but was wondering about the availability of quality veterinary care and if there are any kennel-type places I could place her in if I decided I wanted to travel for a long weekend or something. I've heard some people say 'none' and others say 'few'. Anyone know? I obviously can't bank on meeting someone over there who would be willing to check in on her if I take off for a few days. She can be cranky, and I am having trouble finding anyone here who wants to take her. I refuse to dump her in a shelter.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

My daughter has two cats. We flew here with Northworst. They gouged us $150 for each cat, but we were able to keep the cats under our seats in the cabin in cages. This is probably much less stressful than being jammed in a dark place alone with suitcases. This is something you will need to check out-- some airlines won't accept pets, and some have blackout for very hot or cold periods.

Korea is much more cat-friendly than it was seven years ago when I first came. Buying food, supplies, and toys online or in supermarkets is much easier. Most apartments are pretty much don't-ask-don't-tell with pets and won't have a problem.

The two downsides is that you want an apartment with a decent balcony space for plants or sunshine. Cats cannot go outside. They will be kicked, attacked by wild cats, or run over pronto. There are shelters, and there are pet stores and clinics which will board cats and give them a modicum of kindly treatment, but they will still be in cat jail.

[slynne23]

Thank you so much! My cat is strictly an indoor cat and has been all her life so I'm not worried about keeping her in. It sounds like the boarding (kitty jail) is pretty similar to how it is here, I just wasn't sure it was even an option.

[jugbandjames]

So, when bringing a pet from the US, do you need to do anything special customs-wise? My situation is a bit different because I've got a pet rabbit.

[slynne23]

There are definitely customs requirements (I've only been looking at cats so I'm not sure about rabbits) concerning required shots and there can be a short quarantine; I think it is ten days. I understand that you may be able to get around the quarantine with certification from your vet but don't quote me. There are also companies that will handle all the arrangements for you but I think they are expensive. Make sure you check with your airline because there are certain blackout times when you can't travel with an animal and they all have different requirements and charges.

Some info to get you started here:
http://www.southkorea.alloexpat.com/southkorea_information/pets_to_bring_into_southkorea.php

and here:
http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWork.iia?_scode=C1202010700&fake=1146343475524

[jugbandjames]

Awesome! Thanks. I'm a bit worried about using a service or doing anything but taking the rabbit on the plane because if its container gets put in with other animals, particularly dogs, because it could freak the bunny's shit. A dog barking at it for a couple of hours could actually scare it to death.

[aaron.southkorea]

It's super easy! I just came over with my two cats (from the USA) and there was no quarantine if you follow all the steps properly.

A) Your vet needs to fill out (and charge you an arm and a leg for) an animal health inspection form from the USDA (for international travel). Then you send it to the local USDA office and they endorse it for about $35.

B) Your cat must have a rabies shot/booster at least 30 days prior to your arrival in Korea. Otherwise, QUARANTINE.

C) Follow the airline instructions to the T. We had our cats in the heated and pressurized cargo area as I thought it'd be easier for them to relax without being distracted by our presence. We had gerbil water things in their cages with some homeopathic stuff in the water. You cannot provide them with food or have them drugged up. Plus, we provided the cats with large cat carriers so they'd have enough space. Make sure you have the cat carrier measurements for the airline as they'll ask for the lateral cm measurements (L+W+H). I think the charge was $220 per cat (Korean Air).

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[noobteacher]

This is all great info! I was curious though, does anybody have any experience of bringing a cat who must go in checked baggage/cargo and doing it during a weather embargo (i.e. too hot or too cold climate)??? I would love to bring my cat but he is too big to be on board with me but I am leaving for Korea in mid-June (from AZ/CA) and wondering if this means that I will be SOL and won't be able to bring him?? Any help or experience would be greatly appreciated!

[slynne23]

I am also interested in anyone with experience with this one. My cat is small enough that I could probably bring her in the cabin with me and I am (almost) certain she won't scream the whole time but was hoping to avoid that scenario. That and I feel bad bringing a cat onto a plane that may be filled with people who suffer allergies.