Korean Job Discussion Forums

EasternEvasion · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Location: Ansan

I currently teach in Korea, but my cat is back in the states with my brother.

Should I choose to renew my contract, I want to go back for him. Does anyone have price estimates on flying him over? How about information on the quarantine process?

Also, how are the local veterinarians? My cat has diabetes. Sad

Any advice will be much appreciated.

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

*heavy southern accent*

We don't like cats around these parts maam'a

Best you don't be bringin' no cats around hea now mmmk?

We be makin' musical instruments outta dem if'n you know whot a mean.

Rock · Joined: 25 Feb 2005

EE., A cat shouldn't cost much. It depends on weight, and you might even be able to bring it in the cabin with you.

1) Contact your airlines from point of departure.
2) Call the Korean airport quarantine office.
3) Call a vet back in the states, preferrably near your hometown.

I don't think, however, quarantine, for cats, should be a problem at all. I brought a dog there and they didn't hold him at all.

Rock · Joined: 25 Feb 2005

Oh yeah, remember there are a lot of ferral alley cats in Korea. This one will have to be a house cat. But the vets there are good, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO LIVE! In a decent city, people cater to kitties quite well, and the vets aren't bad.

EasternEvasion · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Location: Ansan

hlferris · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

I know that you have to have a rabies cerificate showing that the cat has had his/her shots in no less than 30 days to a year. (So today's date is Oct. 22nd so your cat should have had it's shots no later than Sept. 22nd to a year.) If you have the papers from your vet at home saying that, then there shouldn't be any quarentine problems.
Are you flying back with the cat? I know that if you fly separately, it costs more. If you are on the same flight, it's less. I fly my lab here with me and it costs me anywhere from 300 - 500 (strange I know but the price shifts depending on our direction) so you will be under 300. You can also take your cat as carry on for free but cats tend to freak out so you'll have to be the judge of your cat's temperment. Also, people have allergies so I think it's more considerate to put the cat on as cargo rather than carry-on but that's just me.
Cats are getting more and more popular here so you should be ok finding a vet and cat food. I would bring some back with you though as well as an assortment of toys as those things are limited.