Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MollyBloom]

My husband and I bought a cat nine months ago from a place in Seoul. She's almost all up-to-date with shots and is in perfect health. We will be visiting the US for a month in January 2014 and want to take her with us because we are having trouble finding someone to stay at our place to watch her. Boarding her and/or having her stay at another house is not an option. We are thinking about flying straight from Seoul-NYC in order to avoid connections and possibly scaring her even more. My questions about this situation:

1. For those of you who have traveled long distances with your cat, how did it deal with the long flight?

2. From what I have read on US/Korean gov't websites, documentation with proof of immunizations is all that is required to gain entry into those countries, but has anyone else experiences something different?

Thanks!

[faeriehazel]

You can get better information at the Animal Rescue Korea Facebook page. I flew from Chicago to Seoul with my cat and she was fine, but it really depends on the cat (mine is super laid back). Also some airlines won't take on pets as cargo in the extreme winter or summer, so that's something else you should confirm with your airline (although if you have a small cat, she can ride with you in the cabin).

[SeoulNate]

I looked into this because I was considering going home last year, but ended up staying.


From what I understood you need two things:

1. The cat/dog needs up to date (within a few months of boarding the plane) up to date shots, including rabies (which is NOT a one and done process). These shots must be documented by a vet and you will need that information in English. However a quick google will turn up quite a few vet clinics that can help you out with the pet documents. (will also need the documents in Korean if you are coming back) MIGHT need to get the documents again in US, not sure on this policy.

2. Need a RFID chip implanted into the pet. Possible at many of the larger pet hospitals in Korea. (this may be to get back into Korea... I forgot)

Also, as the above poster mentioned. Must be careful with the flights, many will simply deny entry. Always call, email and triple check.

IMO - 1 month? Thats way too much stress to put on your cat. Whats the problem with having someone take care of it for a month? Plenty of people out there would pet sit for you I would imagine.

[watergirl]

Hi I took my cat on a long flight as well. He was ok, but I'm sure it wasn't pleasant for him. He had to stay in baggage, but it might be better for the cat as they won't be surrounded by other strangers.
You're supposed to remind the stewards to turn on the temperature or air con or whatever so the area where the cat is safe for them.
I was really worried but he did seem ok, although you should look carefully at the airline you're with. I myself wouldn't trust say northwest us air as they seem so bad.
My airline, I had to reserve a spot for a pet, as they section off the baggage area to allow for enough air breathing space.
Have you heard of a cat hotel they have in Korea here? I can't remember the name, but it really is better than typical boarding.
The cats have a big room, with perches, possible 'common room with other cats, your cat can join for a few hours, if the owner wants.
And, I think the staff will give medicine.
It's really different than anything I've seen. That is all they do there

[MollyBloom]

[faeriehazel]

Probably this one: http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/blog/dbis/momo-cat-hotel

[MollyBloom]

Thanks!