Pet News Update: Changes to Korea’s Pet Import Requirements
Nothing stays the same for too long in the world of pet travel. For example, beginning December 1, 2012, a titer test will now be required when bringing pets to Korea. This is important information to keep in mind if you're planning a trip, as the test must be done at least a month before the time of departure.
Here is what else you should know:
New Korea Import Rules
The new rules apply to all countries other than the following rabies-free countries:
Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Iceland, Guam, Hawaii, Samoa, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Martinique, Department of Reunion, Wallis and Futuna, Albania, Dominica Republic, Macedonia, Lichtenstein, Malaysia, Switzerland
It's also necessary to have:
-An ISO compatible Microchip.
-A Rabies vaccine that is valid at the time of import and older than 30 days.
-A rabies antibody titer test completed at an internationally approved laboratory, and the test must be older than three months but less than two years. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or greater.
-The above information must be written on a health certificate, and the validity is determined by the country of export and/or airline.
(This information comes from the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS).)
Other Travel Considerations
Although not required, PetRelocation strongly recommends the following vaccines:
-For dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccines
-For cats: Feline Cat Flu-Feline Calicivirus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Enteritis- Feline Panleukopaenia/Feline Parvovirus
Contact PetRelocation with any questions about moving pets to Korea (or anywhere else, for that matter). Happy traveling, everyone!