Korean Job Discussion Forums

Plutocracy · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

Im Coming to Korea this June. I had written off the idea that I could take my cat with me. But another thread has me wondering.

Does anyone have first or second hand experiance with taking a pet from Canada (or another country) to Korea?

Though willing to leave it behind, Im attached to my cat. Embarassed

Thanks.

Koreabound2004 · Joined: 19 Nov 2003

I was in the same situation before I came. I had grown very attached to my cat(had him for 3 years)...like a child to me. Not kidding.

I really wanted to bring him...but I am sooo glad that I didn't. It broke my heart not to bring him...but he is in good hands, being watched by a family member for the year.

I don't think he would have been too happy to be on a direct flight for 13 hours...since he doesn't even like going in a car for a 15 min ride to the vet. I thought he may not even survive...so why risk it? Also, he may have been quarantined or something...and if he gets sick here I wouldn't want to deal with a vet in Korea. Costly, might not speak English...might not know how to deal with cats very well. Cats are not popular pets here! In fact, I would say most people here think they are evil.

I also live in a very small town, they don't sell any food or supplies for cats, plus my apt doesn't allow pets. Also, I have vacations to go on, and no sitter for him here....

Granted I do miss him...but he is better off at home! My advice is to leave him in good hands back home if you possibly can!

jjurabong · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

If you are in Seoul, there is at least one vet I know of that specializes in cats. If you decide to bring the little one, I can pass on the name and address of the clinic.

Eunoia · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 5:14 pm Post subject:

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

jjurabong · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

My cat's tail is permanently curled up in a ball, so it looks like it's been cut off. He was also born that way. Honestly, if it were me, the only concern I would have would be the plane ride. If you are careful and attentive, your cat can enjoy a happy life here. Cats are more feared than hated, so most people steer clear of them rather than seeking them out and hacking off their tails. Very Happy

However, I think this only applies if you are living in a large centre. I agree with an above poster that small towns may make it difficult and expensive to get medical treatment and supplies.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Answer: Cat's... not problem. Dogs are a different story, and is dependent on how hungry the customs agents are at the time.

trevorcollins · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Don't bring a cat if you'll be sharing an apartment.

Plutocracy · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

Thanks for some of the info. Is there a quarentine from Canada to Korea?
Can I get a baggage seat for my cat on the plane (y'know, put my cat carrier under the seat)?

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

If you have your cats shots and medical forms all up to date there probably wont be a quarentine period.

The psychological damage to your cat...well thats a different story. Poor thing not being able to meow in Korean.

Cedar · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 6:58 pm Post subject:

Took my Korean cat to the US and back to Korea. He was fine. I held him on my lap (supposed to be under my seat in the carrier), and took him to the bathroom with a plastic bag of kitty litter (he used it). They'll charge you extra, there can only be 1 or 2 small pets in the cabin on a given flight, notify them in advance. Extra charges about 100 dollars. If you contact Korean Customs, get the latest info on shots and paperwork, then it's possible to have no quarantine. If you do have quarantine, it's about 10 days, they just sit in a cage near GImpo. Sad, lonely, eating dogfood... but you get them back. I didn't regret it.

whatshisname · Joined: 15 Mar 2004

Hi, I ran into the same basic problem coming here. Seperating from the felines I had for 9 years. Came to Korea, but left the cats at home. I found a woman here that was willing to pass hers onto me when she was leaving and I have 2 fantastic cats. She lived in Seoul, so she found a few places that dealt with cats. In the smaller centers, nobody wants to have anything to do with them. Litter and food will set you back 30.000 for a package of each. Damn near as expensive to feed them as it is to feed me. Problem is you might have a larger issue with bringing them back to the real world with you when your time is up here. It might be better for you and the cats involved to avoid long international flights and possibly get a cat from someone leaving Korea. There seems to be a fair number of them on this website.

Just a suggestion....