Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pelletin]

Last year I adopted a cat from someone who couldn't keep her and now I'm getting ready to take her home with me to Canada. I've looked into what I have to do but I just want to make sure that I'm doing everything right and avoid any last minute surprises.
I've taken her to the vet and gotten her rabies vaccination and the vet gave me a certificate. He said that I bring her to the animal quarantine office at the airport where they give me other documentation that I bring with me to Canada.
Does this sound right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Milwaukiedave]

I don't know personally, but one concern I would have is how the cat will be on the plane. My cat doesn't travel well, maybe yours is different. When we moved up from Gwangju a few years ago, I took him on KTX and the vet gave me a small amount of a sedative to keep him calm. At the time I didn't have a car (I do now). As much as I feel he is part of my family, I'd hesitate to take him on a plane.

How long does the cat have to be in quarantine? I think it is probably not as strict in Canada as it is in the US.

[SeoulShakin]

Two years ago when I brought my dog home with me to Canada, I had to make sure that I had the rabies certificate and my vet also gave me another booklet that had a list of all her vaccinations and dates. You should get one to make sure she is up to date on her vaccinations as well.

The paperwork at the quarantine office in Incheon is correct. They will need to see the certificate for rabies/ vaccination record, and there will be a fee associated with getting the paperwork from them. I think it was around 30,000? I can't remember off the top of my head, but it didn't break the bank.

When I landed in Canada (Toronto, through to Halifax) there was another fee I had to pay (around another $30 or so) just to get the officer to look at the record I had from Korea. They wouldn't look at it or let her through without the money paid. You should be prepared for that as you land, and make sure you have some Canadian or American cash on hand to pay for it.

Hope this helps.

[SeoulShakin]

So long as she has the proper documentation for rabies and vaccinations, the cat will not need to be in quarantine.

Vets do not recommend (and neither do airlines) that you sedate your pet for flights any longer. If they are sedated they do not have the control over their bodies necessary should the plane or baggage shift in flight. They can get thrown around and injure themselves.

[kimdeal54]

Check with your airline. You may be able to have your cat in the cabin with you... stowed under your seat. Depending on a number of factors (size, weight, if any other pets are travelling that day, how much noise your cat makes, etc.), I think that this would be the best option. I'm not sure which airlines allow this, and I know that you need to book in advance.

My friend did this when she was bringing her kitten from New York to Seoul last year. On a side note, she fell asleep, the kitten escaped, and went for a wander. My friend was woken by a stewardess asking, 'Is this yours?'

[pelletin]

Thank you everyone so much for the information!!!! It's been VERY helpful. I've checked about taking my cat with me in the cabin but she's too heavy. I think I'm on the right track with everything and hoping things go smoothly.