Pet Import Update: New Regulations for Importing Dogs and Cats to Korea

Beginning on Dec. 1, 2011, the procedure for importing dogs and cats to Korea will be a little different. Here's a basic run-down of the requirements you can expect to encounter when preparing for this move.
 

-Microchips are mandatory for all cats and dogs entering the country, and the microchip number should appear on the official health certificate.

For dogs and cats older than 90 days:

-In regards to the Rabies Antibody Test for pets older than 90 days, the result should be equal or greater than 0.5IU/ml, and the result should be stated on the health certificate. The serum should be collected between three months and two years prior to entry into Korea and the originial test result should accompany the pet(s).

-The rabies vaccination should be older than 30 days but not yet expired.

-An Official Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian should travel with the pet(s) and in addition to the microchip number, the certificate should list the blood test result and collection date as well as the rabies shot date.

For dogs and cats younger than 90 days:

-An Official Health Certificate should be issues by an accredited veterinarian and must travel with the pet(s).

-Microchips are mandatory for all cats and dogs entering the country, and the microchip number should appear on the Official Health Certificate.

-An Official Health Certificate should be issues by an accredited veterinarian and must travel with the pet(s).


Note that pets who don't meet these requirements will be quarantined.


Other things to remember:

-Korea follows OIE standards when determining if countries are rabies-free.

-Korea allows a maximum of four animals per person to be imported.

-Rabies antibody tests can be done at these labs.

For pets coming from Malaysia or Australia:

-The blood test for Nipah and Handra viruses should be done within 14 days of travel and the test result must accompany the pet(s).

OR

-An accredited veterinarian must state that pets have stayed in a place free from both diseases for more than 60 days prior to travel.


Please refer to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service or PetRelocation.com for more information about these requirements.