Korean Job Discussion Forums

robyn1882 · Joined: 19 May 2006

I am wondering if it is common for people to bring their pets to Korea? I am moving to Gangnam at the end of June and I have given my cat, who is about a year old, to my sister in law and I guess he has been very stressed and is acting bad and they may not want him anymore, so I am wondering if many people bring their pets with them? If so is there a process you need to through before you leave or when you get there? Thank you so much!

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

There's no problem with bringing a pet along. It's possible some landlords might object like they might back home. Veterinary care and all the necessities are readily available here.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:25 pm Post subject:

a year old? in other words it was a kitten play thing? if so find a home for it where you come from

or if you bring a cat to Korea make sure you're prepared to take out of korea afterwards, even if another expat seems willing to care for it, because the cat should have 12-15 healthy years ahead of it and deserves to be cared for

taking cats out of korea is a good thing

bringing cats into a country that hates cats, kicks cats, kills and drinks cat soju and thinks them evil and dirty and worse... isn't wise in most cases

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

A year old is basically an adult for cats.

robyn1882 · Joined: 19 May 2006

[quote="VanIslander"]a year old? in other words it was a kitten play thing? if so find a home for it where you come from

Actually, it wasn't a "kitten play thing", which is obviously why I posted the question in the first place. I obvioulsy had no idea I was moving across the world when I got my cat a year!

If anyone has any serious advice to offer up it would be greatly appreciated as I would love to bring my cat but I don't want him to be stressed and locked in a small apartment in Korea, yet I would rather do this then give him to someone I do not know. Thanks:)

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Honestly I would think about the expense involved in bring your cat here. Also when you take the cat home you may or may not have problems with your country (not sure which one you are from) allowing it back in.

If the cat means that much, maybe money isn't an issue.

cypher · Joined: 08 Nov 2003

I'm assuming you're moving here to teach English. It is not the most stable of jobs. Despite the research you might do before coming, there still maybe problems with your school. Then you have to think not only of yourself but also the cat. IMHO, if there's anyway you can leave it at home, do it.

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:36 am Post subject:

sorry about the kitten play thing comment. I'm sure it hurt you a lot to try and give your cat away to your sister-in-law in the first place. well, i'm not sure, but you deserve the benefit of the doubt. i've seen so many people love kittens but when they become a year old - still a child cat in many ways - they often find themselves shipped out. too many years of volunteering at animal shelters has made me emotional on the issue. nothing personal. sorry again about that.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Sure cats aren't normally considered a domestic pet, and people don't like strays, but Koreans aren't monsters. I've seen Koreans who love cats. My vets treat my cat very well, even if they're not used to treating cats very often.

red dog · Joined: 31 Oct 2004

robyn1882 · Joined: 19 May 2006

Thanks for the advice guys. I really am genuinly concerned about the welfare of my cat which is why I made the post. He is my first cat and when I heard he was not adjusting well and seemed stressed in his new home I was very worried and thought that perhaps the best thing to do, for both of us, would be to bring him along. I did not mean to imply that I didn't want him anymore because he was no longer a kitten, and after reading my post I am still unsure how some ppl have come to that conclusion, because if that was the case I wouldn't be posting about ways to keep him. I gave him to my sister in law as my cat, Frodo, knows her and her animals, but she says he is meowing alot and isn't as playful and affectionate, and I know animals do get depressed so I thought if I could get some advice about bringing him, his problem would be solved and he would be happy again!! SO thanks to you all for your advice! You have really helped me out!!

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I have my first cat here (not counting childhood cat) and she's getting along fine. She loves going to the vet. She hates going outside.

By the way, if you do end up bringing your cat, I really hope it's an indoor cat. There are a lot of dangers in the streets and angry kicking Koreans is just one of them.

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=15517&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:21 am Post subject:

Pets are not like children.

You can not just give them to anyone.