Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mej]

I'm due to move to Japan from Korea with my dog. Have you done this? Was it easy in terms of quarantine etc.

[PootyTang]

I found this:

Korea

Before shipping your pet, you must have a health certificate, from a a civilian "federally accredited" veterinarian, filled out an signed within 10 days of arrival. Your dog and cat must have a current rabies vaccination certificate (current is defined as greater than 30 days but less than one year).

The following vaccinations are not required, but are strongly recommended:

Dogs: Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. You may consider Bordetella if you are planning to board your dog.


Make sure you have the original plus three copies of the health and rabies certificates.



Shipping Your Dog
By Cara Christenson -- uploaded April 1998

Almost everyone has their airline horror stories, but there are times that we cannot avoid flying our dogs. What is the best way to ensure a safe flight for your dog? Following is a checklist you can use.

Be sure that the captain and crew of the airline are aware that there is a dog on board. Most crews will take extra care while carrying animals to make sure they are handled properly.

Check temperatures carefully. Do not fly your dog in extreme heat or cold. Remember that a plane is made for people, and all those comforts such as heat take priority in the cabin. The cargo bins usually get the residual heat from the electronics, and if the fan that draws the heat into the bin fails, no heat will go into the bin. Temperatures can get as low as 40 degrees below zero.


Fly with your dog if you can. On many airlines, small dogs can go under the seat for around $25.00 if they fit into a crate of 8-inches high, and if the dog can stand up in the crate.

When you check in your dog, the dog is provided with one section. The baggage handler who takes the dog to the airplane takes the second section, and hands a copy to the captain of the aircraft. The airline attendant then brings the last copy to you so you can be assured that the dog has made it safely on the airplane and that the crew is aware that there is a dog on board.

If you can't fly with your dog, the next best alternative is to fly the dog counter-to-counter, priority parcel or Delta Dash. These programs are a bit more expensive, but the dog actually gets to ride inside the aircraft instead of in the cargo area

Make sure your dog is loaded last, especially during extreme weather conditions. This will also ensure that the dog is taken off the plane first.

Speak up! Be very aware of how your dog will be being handled on the airplane, and don't be afraid to ask questions or to say something if you're not comfortable. After all, the airline is charging you for extra handling, and you have a right to expect good service for your pet.

Tipping. It's a good idea to have a sizeable tip for skycaps at the point of origination and on arrival, as they will give extra attention to your dog.

Be sure to pick up the dog on time. Get to the airport even before the plane lands. Make sure that the airline personnel know that you are there to pick up a dog.

Find someone helpful. If you find that the airplane on which your dog is arriving has had problems, find a sympathetic person who is willing to help and give you information.

Be sure that your dog crate is marked clearly with contacts for arrival and departure, and if possible at any connection points.

Make your dog personal to handlers. For example, put signs on the crate saying, "Hi! I am a Belgian Sheepdog girl puppy. This is my first time away from my brothers and sisters. Please treat me kindly" or "Hi! My name is Patches. I am on my way to Florida for the first time. Please handle me gently." It is not a good idea to put something like "This is a very expensive show dog," but instead to emphasize that the dog is a beloved pet and personalize it as much as possible.

Make sure there is no dry ice on the airplane. Dry ice is deadly if your dog crate is placed anywhere near it.

*******************


Book tickets according to seasonal temperature variances. Airlines do not have temperature controlled cargo areas and do reserve the right to refuse animal service if the conditions are too extreme. During summer months it is best to fly at night, while in winter it is best to fly during the day.
Double check airline policies. Cover yourself by documenting all conversations, including a list of whom you spoke with, where and when.
Visit your dog's veterinarian a few days before you leave and ask for a current health certificate and an updated vaccinations certificate for your dog. Some county, national park and border patrol officials may require proof of an up-to-date health certificate.
Get an airline-approved crate. Some airlines allow owners to carry small crates for tiny dogs, as long as they fit under the seat.
Reserve tickets as early as possible for both you and your pet. Your pet may be able to travel in the cabin if there aren't too many animals booked on the flight and if it meets size specifications.


********************


Give your dog an Identity


Your dog should carry an identification tag that lists your name, address and telephone number. For the flight, put a small luggage tag on the collar displaying your temporary residence information for your destination.
Never put tags on choke chains, as they fall off easily.
The best way to keep track of your dog is by having a microchip inserted in the dog's neck. Ask your veterinarian for more information.



When you're ready to go...


Make sure that the information on your dog's ticket corresponds exactly with the information on yours.
Inspect every tag attached to your dog's crate.
Mark your crate with your dog's information and your flight information.
Include a food and water pack with the crate. If the weather is hot, use a cold pack.
Attach a feeding schedule for a 24 hour period to the kennel in case your pet doesn't make it to the final destination. Airline attendants tend to make it a point to take good care of animals.
Arrive at the airport in good time, having made sure that your dog is relieved, well exercised, and comfortable.



Once you're at the destination airport...


On arrival, let the gate attendant know that there is a live animal on board and that you'd like it unloaded as soon as possible. Once the attendant has made the call, head straight to baggage claim.
Time permitting, try to check on your dog during a layover, especially if there are extreme weather conditions outside. If the layover is more than a couple of hours, ask to claim your pet at the layover and re-check it before your connection leaves.
Make sure your dog has boarded the plane before you get on. Fly direct whenever possible, if there is a plane change, repeat your original boarding routine.

[IconsFanatic]

Be prepared for jokes from Japanese immigration!

[atina]

I think there's a quarantine section on one of the immigration websites.

I believe quarantine is about a week but not sure.

Do you really want to bring the little guy here- it's not a great life in many ways.

[The Man known as The Man]