Can You Bring Pets to Korea?
A Korean Local’s Honest Guide for Pet-Loving Expats
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but if you have a dog, cat, or other beloved pet, the question “Can I bring them with me?” quickly becomes one of the most important logistical and emotional pieces of your relocation puzzle.
The short answer is yes — you absolutely can bring your pet to Korea, but there are several rules, preparations, and timelines you need to follow carefully to make sure your four-legged friend arrives safely and legally.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the current requirements, offer practical tips, and share insights that many foreign residents learn only after living here.
What Kind of Pets Are Allowed?
Korea allows most common household pets to enter if they meet health and documentation requirements. The most common are:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Small mammals (like rabbits or guinea pigs)
- Certain birds (with additional permits)
Exotic animals, large livestock, or certain restricted species may require special permits or may not be allowed at all.
Start Early: Veterinary Preparations Before Departure
The single biggest piece of advice I give to anyone moving pets to Korea is this: start early.
Vaccinations
Your pet must be:
- Vaccinated against rabies
- Up to date on all other routine shots
- Treated for ticks and tapeworm before travel
Korea places a strong emphasis on rabies control, so the rabies vaccination and its timing matter.
Microchip
Before Korea will accept your pet, it must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip. This is checked and recorded on your pet’s health paperwork.
Health Certificate
Your veterinarian will issue an international health certificate verifying vaccinations and overall health status. This certificate usually must be issued within a specific window before departure (often 10 days), so planning ahead matters.
Understanding Korea’s Import Requirements
Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) outlines the requirements for bringing pets into the country. Some key points include:
- Pets must have valid rabies vaccinations and certificates
- Microchips must meet ISO standards
- Some countries require additional tests (e.g., rabies antibody titer tests)
- Certain pets must enter through designated quarantine ports
Before booking flights, check the latest APQA guidelines for your pet’s country of origin — rules can change from year to year.
Quarantine Rules — Do They Apply to Your Pet?
Not all pets must go into quarantine, but failure to meet import rules can result in mandatory quarantine.
Pets only avoid quarantine if:
- All vaccinations are up to date
- Required tests are completed within the correct timeframe
- Documentation is correctly certified and translated
If any part is missing, your pet may be held in quarantine for inspection — and that’s stressful for both you and your pet, as well as expensive.
Following the rules precisely avoids this.
Flight and Pet Travel Logistics
Flying with a pet involves planning beyond just health requirements.
Airline Policies
Each airline has its own rules for:
- Cabin pet travel
- Cargo travel
- Size and weight limits
- Crate specifications
Some small pets can travel in the cabin with you; larger pets may need to fly in a secure cargo area. Before booking, confirm your airline’s specific requirements.
Crate Training
Pets must be transported in appropriate crates that meet airline standards. Give your pet time to get comfortable with their crate before travel — it makes the trip less stressful.
Layovers and Transit
If your flight to Korea includes connections, check transit requirements for your pet’s route. Some countries require additional paperwork or prevent pets from being left in transit.
Arrival in Korea: Customs Clearance for Pets
Once your plane lands, your pet will go through customs and quarantine checks. If all documentation is in order:
- Your pet is released quickly
- You can take them home with you
If anything is missing or invalid:
- They may be subject to additional checks
- Quarantine may be required
Having your paperwork organized and clearly translated makes this process much smoother.
Living in Korea with a Pet
Once your pet is here, life is generally pet-friendly in urban areas:
- Many apartments allow small dogs or cats (check lease terms first)
- Pet parks and walking spaces are common in cities like Seoul and Busan
- Local vets know how to care for international pets
Pet supplies — from food to grooming — are widely available, and many neighborhoods have services catering to expats.
Cost and Time: What to Expect
Importing a pet is not cheap or instant. Costs can include:
- Veterinary visits and vaccinations
- Rabies tests and microchipping
- Crate and travel supplies
- Airline fees and possible cargo charges
- Customs or quarantine fees if applicable
Start planning several months ahead. Rushing through any step increases the risk of issues at arrival.
Tips from a Korean Pet Owner’s Perspective
Here are a few things I’ve learned from helping foreign friends move pets here:
1. Keep a Checklist
List every required document, date, and vaccination deadline. Missing just one item can delay travel.
2. Use a Pet Relocation Service if Needed
For complicated cases (multiple pets, exotic animals, or unusual routes), pet relocation specialists handle the paperwork and logistics for you.
3. Prepare for Cultural Differences
In Korea, pets are increasingly part of the family, but the cultural norms around leash laws and public behavior might differ from your home country. Observing local practices helps your transition go smoothly.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
Yes, you can absolutely bring your pets to Korea — and many foreign residents do, every year. But it’s not something you decide a week before your flight. It requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and attention to detail.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Start early
- Follow the health requirements precisely
- Choose the right airline and travel plan
- Prepare for customs and quarantine checks
With the right preparation, your pet can join you quickly and happily in your new life in Korea.