Pet Import Regulations in South Korea

South Korean expats will see rules and regulations similar to other first world countries when trying to bring their furry friends abroad.

There will be a number of requirements, beginning with an ISO Standard 11784 or 11785-compliant microchip which is the only accepted form of animal identification in the country. When this requirement is not satisfied, the animal must arrive with its own scanner or it will be denied entry and sent home.

Documents for international pet relocation to South Korea are to be submitted to South Korean airport officials and must include rabies and vaccination certificates bearing the animal's microchip number, the date of vaccination and its expiration. A Health Certificate, to be obtained from a government-accredited veterinarian of the animal's country of origin within ten days of departure, should also be secured and must indicate that the pet is free from Aujossky's disease, Distemper, Rabies, Leishmaoiasis, Leptospirosis and Tuberculosis.

When relocating pets to South Korea, all documents submitted must be originals and must come with an endorsement from the pet owner's local government, including the microchip implantation record.

Because regulations may change every now and then, it is wise to hire a pet relocation service to make sure all requirements are submitted correctly. The process of securing these requirements can be tedious, but with the right professionals, expats' work can be cut short without compromising the pet relocation process.