Can I bring my 200lb. Mastiff with me to live in S. Korea? (I'm in Kansas)?

Ok. I know that flying a dog is possible...depending on the airport. I'd be flying KCI...and so all I need to do is call the airline and find out specifics. What my question really entails is the legistics of S. Korea and whether or not this is a realistic venture to contemplate. I teach over there...and would love to stay a few years (great experience....excellent money)...but I've got my furry brother Zorba that I can't/won't leave behind.

I guess I need someone with experience in this very specific/similar scenario.

The information put out by the Korean State Dept website is not up-to-date. At the bottom of the page, it says last updated in 2000 or 2001. From our own research, we found that all other sites use this outdated info when making "reader-friendly" pages.

We flew our dogs over this fall, and used a mediator at Incheon to help with the forms. We provided the USDA-stamped Certificates of Health, and their rabies vaccine records. We had the dogs in our car on the way home, about 3 hours after their plane landed. There is more than one customs mediator at ICN. We went through a Mr. Choi at Shinhan Custom Clear Office. It was 30 000 won per dog, and very low-stress. I will email you his phone numbers if you like, don't want to post them on a website. He should be able to tell you about any weight or breed restrictions. There are also heat- and cold embargoes in summer and winter.

I'm unsure from your question whether or not you are here currently. If you are, you know the conditions around your housing. If you haven't been here yet, you should know that there is very little grass in the cities. We live next to one of the only patches I've seen in Daegu. Everyone else I know with dogs here have the 4-8 lb toys, and train them to use puppy pads in their apartments. I haven't seen any areas yet for dogs to walk off leashes.

Sure, they will love him there, with a peanut sauce.

Many people choose to bring their pets with them to South Korea and, since the Veterinary Clinic is one of the best services at Yongsan, the animals usually do well. There are, however, strict and specific rules and regulations as to how this is done.

For current, accurate information, contact your local veterinarian or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in your state. Federal certificates of examination are required. Along with obtaining the necessary paperwork to get your animal to Korea, you must also arrange for transportation. Most pet owners prefer to have their animals on the aircraft with them, so be sure to make the necessary bookings at the time your personal flight arrangements are made.

You are urged to check with your Stateside veterinarian six weeks before your departure about an immunization for your pet to guard against a very common disease found in quarantine called "Kennel Cough".



The Republic of Korea does have a 10-day quarantine for all arriving animals. To pick up your pet, you MUST have: 1. Certificate of excess baggage or bill of lading for animals arriving by air freight. 2. Copy of health certificate. 3. Copy of owner's military orders. 4. Proof of identification. 5. Power of attorney if you are acting as the owners representative.

After clearing customs at Kimpo International Airport, the animal will be transported, at the owner's expense, to the quarantine facility at Yongsan, which is the only USFK pet quarantine facility in the Republic. The transportation fee is $30 and there is a daily rate for boarding. Check with your sponsor or gaining unit for accurate boarding rates. Rabies vaccinations must be over 30 days old to stay at this facility (i.e. if your pet had a rabies shot 10 days before your arrival at Yongsan your pet will be required to stay in quarantine for 20 days). You are permitted to visit Your pet during the quarantine. Many owners have chosen to take food to their pets since some may not like the food given to them while in quarantine.

You need to know South Korean laws regarding bringing in animals. Most countries have a "quarantine" period for live animals.

While it's technically possible, you'd only be doing your "furry brother" a great disservice. He'd be forced to live in a tiny cage for up to six months of quarantine, and you'd have to foot the entire bill which can be upwards of $1000. Also don't forget Korea is a small country, and the size of homes reflect that (especially if you're an English teacher). There are no yards, relatively few parks or other (non-mountainous) green spaces, and lots and lots of noise and pollution. I guarantee your 200 lb. Kansas dog (I used to live in Lawrence myself) would be suicidal within a year. I'm sorry to conclude that you really have to choose either Korea or the dog. Good luck!

Hi there! I'm wanting to bring my dog over can you send me the info to contact Mr. Choi?
I am having trouble e-mailing you directly!
Thanks