Moving to South Korea with a cat can feel like a big challenge, but it doesn’t have to be!
The process has its ups and downs, but it’s totally doable with the right preparation.
Having relocated with two Ragdoll cats from China to The Netherlands to Iraq (and back to The Netherlands) and finally to South Korea, it’s clear that the journey is full of unique experiences.
When we flew with our cats to South Korea, we had an awful start…; in this guide, I will explain how to avoid that so you can have a ‘paw-sitive’ experience! 🐾
Please know that the regulations can change regarding flying with pets to South Korea; always check the official websites for the latest info.
Read my full guide on flying with cats.
Moving to South Korea with a Cat – Key Takeaways
- Don’t forget to check if you’re country is rabies-free
- If you’re not coming from a rabies-free country, do a blood test before departing
- Bring your own chip reader, just in case
- Decide if you want to take your cat in cargo or cabin
Table of Contents
Purr-fect Preparation
Getting ready to move to South Korea with a cat involves some crucial steps. From making sure your feline friend is healthy to finding the best airline for travel, preparation will help make the transition smoother.
Vaccinations, Rabies, Blood Test, and Health Check-Ups
Let’s start with one of the most important things you should have before departing, the blood test.
This is the one document we were missing because the rabbies vaccinations were still valid, so why need a blood test? You have to do that in any case.
Because of this slip-up, our cats had to go into quarantine for several days, which I’ll tell more about later in this guide.
Before embarking on the journey, the cat must be up-to-date on vaccinations. South Korea requires specific shots, including rabies vaccination, which must occur at least 21 days prior to travel. A vet visit is a must to confirm health status with a clean bill of health.
It’s wise to keep a record of all vaccinations, as South Korean authorities will ask for proof. An international health certificate is required and should include details about the cat’s health and vaccination history.
Additionally, a microchip is mandatory for identification. All these steps ensure the cat is ready for international travel, keeping them safe and sound during the move.
Check here the South Korea Pet import regulations.
Check here if you’re country is on the rabies-free countries list
Checklist
- Microchip & Rabies Antibody Test
- If your furry friend is 90 days or older and coming from a country that’s not rabies-free, they’ll need:
- A microchip implant.
- A rabies-neutralizing antibody test done by an approved lab or the exporting country’s official authority. The test must be within 24 months after taking the blood sample.
- If your furry friend is 90 days or older and coming from a country that’s not rabies-free, they’ll need:
- Documents for Arrival
- Bring a health certificate from the government of the exporting country. It should include your pet’s microchip number and the rabies antibody test result.
- Hand this over to the animal quarantine officer when you arrive.
- Smooth Entry or Extra Quarantine
- If your pet’s documents check out, they can go home with you the same day.
- BUT if their microchip isn’t readable, doesn’t match the paperwork, or they haven’t had the rabies test (or their test results show less than 0.5 IU/㎖), they’ll need to:
- Get a microchip implanted.
- Have the rabies test done in Korea.
- Stay in quarantine while this is sorted out, all at your expense.
- Don’t Forget the Health Certificate!
- No certificate? Your pet may be sent back to the exporting country.
- How Long is Quarantine?
- On average, it’s 7 days, but it could take longer depending on the situation. Our cats were in quarantine from Saturday to Thursday morning,
- Micro Chip Reader
- Bring your own microchip reader just in case; you can buy it at Amazon.
Selecting a Pet-Friendly Airline
Choosing the right airline is crucial for a comfortable journey. Look for airlines with strong pet policies and experience handling animal travel. Some airlines allow cats in the cabin, which can be less stressful than placing them in the cargo hold.
From my experience, Turkish Airlines, KLM, China Eastern, and Korean Air are all pet-friendly airlines.
Cargo or Cabin?
You’ll have to make this decision based on your cat’s personality.
Will he or she be less stressed when there are no people around, but you won’t be there either (cargo), or will the cat be less stressed when he or she sees you, but there will also be more people around (cabin)?
I’ve flown with our cats once in cargo (they seemed fine when I picked them up), but I always opt for cabin. This way I can calm them down, and give them a treat.
The cabin is also smart in case there is a huge delay. This way, you can still care for them instead of not knowing what is happening to them.
Our 12-hour flight with Cats to South Korea
I’ll be honest; this flight was challenging.
We departed from Amsterdam on the day there was a worldwide computer crash!
Many flights were canceled or delayed, so we already got off to a bad start. Our flight was in the evening. Luckily, the crash was fixed just before our flight. But we had to go to the airport early because of the computer crash. This made the trip much longer for ourselves and our cats.
Not only did we fly with our two cats, but we also had our baby son with us. The whole gang was moving to South Korea!
Our cats have flown many times before, but because the flight took so long, they got restless halfway through. Our backpacks have lots of space, but I needed to let them out for a bit.
So, at night, I went to the bathroom, where they could walk around for a bit. It’s probably not allowed, but I didn’t see any other option. I stayed there with the cats for 15 minutes, gave them snacks in the bathroom, and returned to my seat when they were a bit more relaxed. I had to do this twice.
Then after 12 hours we finally arrived…
Our Cats in Quarantine
After our long flight, we got the awful news at customs that our cats had to go into quarantine for a few days because we were missing the blood test.
Our vet in the Netherlands told us that the Netherlands is a rabies-free country, that’s what we assumed as well
When we Googled it, we found that the Netherlands was rabies-free since 1923(!).
We found out that the Netherlands wasn’t on the Korean list of rabies-free countries when we arrived.
We were devastated because we didn’t have the blood test for our cats.
Our cats were already stressed from the flight, and to just hand them over, not knowing exactly what would happen to them, was so sad.
Luckily, I had all their favorite snacks that we brought from our home country. I gave them to the staff, who ensured that they would get all the snacks and food they needed.
Staff at the airport was very friendly and did everything they could to ensure us that our cats would be fine and that they would take good care of them.
Our cats had to go into quarantine from Saturday to Thursday morning.
Costs: 700 dollars…
Seoul Searching for a New Home
Relocating to Seoul with a cat can be a unique adventure. Finding the right place to live and understanding the local customs can make the transition smoother. Here are some important details to consider.
Finding Pet-Friendly Housing
When looking for pet-friendly housing in Seoul, the first step is to check out real estate websites and local listings. Many landlords have strict no-pet policies, so it’s crucial to filter your search for pet-accepted options.
Consider neighborhoods known for being pet-friendly, such as Itaewon, Gangnam, or Hongdae. These areas often have apartments with outdoor areas.
Don’t forget to ask about any extra fees that might apply for having a cat. Some places require a pet deposit or charge monthly pet rent.
We had a great experience with the agent of this website: http://alicerealty.net/
Pet-friendly hotels in Seoul
It was tough to find a place in Seoul that allowed two cats. We got lucky at Orakai Insadong Suites. We had to pay extra money for the cleaning tho.
Overall, the stay was fine, and the apartment had an indoor balcony where our cats could run around more freely. We stayed there for a bit longer than a month.
Korean Cat-tiquette
In South Korea, pets are loved, but there are specific etiquette rules to keep in mind. For example, many shops and restaurants do not allow pets inside unless they’re service animals.
Grooming is a big deal in Korea! Koreans regularly visit a groomer to help their pet look sharp and well-behaved, ensuring a positive perception from neighbors and other pet owners.
You’ll find many places for pet grooming in Seoul, although I’ve never been to one.
Look at this cuty I spotted outside in Seoul.
Korean Cat-care
When moving to South Korea with a cat, it’s important to ensure that your furry friend has access to good veterinary care. This section covers finding a vet and what to do for routine care and emergencies.
Finding a Vet in South Korea
Finding a reliable veterinarian in South Korea can make all the difference for your cat’s health. Expats often recommend starting with online forums, local social media groups, or expat websites for suggestions.
Most larger cities have pet clinics and hospitals, often staffed by English-speaking vets. A good tip is to look for clinics that advertise their services in English to avoid any communication hiccups.
The vet I always went to was the Itaewon Animal Hospital (it sounds bigger than it is).
Open in Google Maps
Costs for two cats, both two vaccinations, so four in total: 120.000 won ( around 100 dollars).
Routine Pet Care and Emergencies
Routine pet care is essential for keeping your cat healthy. Regular check-ups help catch any health issues early. Most vets recommend annual vaccinations and health assessments.
Keep your cat’s vaccination records handy, especially the rabies info, as it’s required for entry into South Korea. Along with vaccinations, routine flea and tick treatments are essential due to varying climates and potential risks.
In emergencies, always have the contact information for your vet accessible. Many clinics may provide emergency services, but it’s smart to know which places offer after-hours care. Exploring local resources before you need them can save time and stress, giving you peace of mind for your furry buddy.
Cats, Culture, and Cuisine
Moving to South Korea with a cat opens doors to a pet-friendly culture and unique culinary options. Cat owners can find products tailored for their furry friends and safe food choices that keep them happy and healthy.
Discovering Pet-Centric Korean Products
South Korea has a booming pet industry. Pet owners can find many products, from cozy beds to stylish carriers. Stores like Pet Cafe and Cat Land are pretty cool.
Cat-themed merchandise is everywhere from cute cat bowls to creative scratching posts. Many shops even hold events focused on pet adoption, making it a great opportunity for newcomers with cats.
Moreover, in some shopping districts, like Myeongdong, there are stores dedicated to cat supplies.
Finding Cat Food in Korea
Food for pets can be found in many places in Korea. Even most 7-Eleven, CU, or other convenience stores have a special section for pet food.
At the Lotte Mart close to Seoul Station, there is a bigger pet store on the second floor. You can find about any brand there.
Open in Google Maps.
E-Mart also has a large selection of pet food.
Open in Google Maps.
If you have any questions about traveling with your cat to South Korea, comment below, and I will respond ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed my cat during the flight?
Giving a few snacks to help them relax will be fine from my experience, but giving a full meal is not smart.
What does it cost to fly with a cat?
Costs can vary when bringing a cat along. Airline pet fees usually range from $125 to $300 per cat, depending on the airline and travel destination.
How old does my cat have to be to fly?
Most airlines require cats to be at least 8 weeks old to travel, but it’s always best to check with your airline.
Can I sedate my cat for the flight?
Consult your vet before sedating your cat. Some airlines even advise against it due to health risks.
I’ve never done it, as it will disorientate the cat.
Can I bring a litter box for my cat during the flight?
Airlines don’t allow litter boxes in the cabin, but you can use absorbent pads in the carrier.
How can I help my cat stay calm during the flight?
Familiar items, like their favorite blanket or toy, can help soothe your cat. Bring a few snacks. Use a carrier that can open from above so you can put your hand inside to pet them.
Moving Jack
Hi! I’m Chris, a traveler who’s explored over 40 countries and lived in fascinating places across Asia and the Middle East. Featured by top travel outlets, I’m here to offer real insights, hidden places, and practical tips to make the most of your travels. Let’s go!
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