Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Eric in Korea]

Hello,

Anyone know about bringing animals back to America??

[ttompatz]

[warmachinenkorea]

Hi THere, thank you so much for wanting to take your cat back! I hope many will follow your example

It is quite easy to fly a cat to America. I can explain the basic rules here, but you will have to double check with your state. Some states have stricter rules, rarely but it does happen. You can check here for state rules: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml

1. The good thing is you can fly a cat in-cabin but you will want to call ahead to make sure they have a flight available for your cat (each airline has a number of animals allowed in cabin and under the plane, so it is important to call early and reserve a pet on your ticket)

2. Cats do not have any required vaccinations for nation-wide importation. However, your airline or state may have different regulations. http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/cats.html

3. You also do not need a health certificate to import a cat (different for dogs) into the states, however i would still travel with one. I think Korea may require a HC in order to export, and airlines require it for them to fly in cabin. (for this same reason I would also get the rabies vac)
How to do this:
A). Get a certificate from your vet stating the vaccinations she has had, including the dates and his signature. (this should not be more than a week old)
B) Then you will have to take this to the airport to get an international certificate. If you are not is seoul, you can do this at your local airport a few days before you fly. I would call ahead and make sure the " Animal quaratine office is open." It generally takes only 30 so minutes to complete at the smaller airports.

If you live near Incheon, or want to wait until the day you fly then the Incheon airport office is open during normal business hours. However depending on your flight will depend if you can get it the same day at ICN. If you get there in the morning and your flight leaves at 5pm then you would have enough time, but if you get there at 8 and your flight leaves at 9 then you will not have enough time. Additionally, if you have a red eye flight you will have to arrive at the airport before the office closes. (beaware if you call Incheon airport they do not distinguished between terms. The office that issues the certificates is NOT open 24 hrs, but the office that checks animals flying into the airport, or flying out is open 24 hrs...however they use the same term for both of these functions)
(the first time we flew a pet home, I was really worried about this detail so if you have any further questions feel free to email me at [email protected])

C). Make sure you have a soft sided carrier that can fit under the seat. DO NOT take cat litter, read why here: http://daegufatty.blogspot.com/

Quick recap, double check your airlines and your state requirements, for CDC it is pretty easy and simple. Then prepare your paper work and you will be fine.

THANK YOU again for taking your feline home

Helpful sites:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel_basics.shtml
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_pets.shtml
http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/cats.html
http://www.petairline.co.kr/