How To Bring Your Pet From South Korea To the USA

*Updated for 2023*

Moving across the world is stressful. You have to sort out your own logistics, flights, where you’re going to live, and what job you’re going to have when you get back. Add in your fur baby and it’s a bunch of extra steps to an already stressful situation. In this detailed guide, I’m going to teach you how to bring your pet from South Korea to the USA.

Having a fur baby abroad makes it that much less lonely. I adopted my best friend in Korea after searching high and low, putting in tons of applications, and being rejected constantly. Honey Bear is the best dog I could have ever asked for. If you’re looking into how to bring your dog from South Korea to the USA or how to bring your cat to the USA, then this guide is everything you need to know when relocating from the Land of the Morning Calm and the repatriating.

Blog Posts You Might Like

• How To Adopt A Dog in Korea
• What To Pack For Korea
• Why I Left Korea

Your Pet’s Paperwork

Be very thorough completing your pet’s paperwork. You wouldn’t want your furry friend thrown quarantine upon arrival.

IMPORTANT: Please check all the CDC Guidelines for exporting your pet into the United States.

Microchip (Optional)

This is not a requirement for dogs or cats, but it’s great for your peace of mind. If your bestie gets lost, you’ll have a higher chance of having them returned to you. When microchipping your dog, I recommend getting the international 15 digit microchip that meets ISO standards 11784/11785. Because it’s the world standard, you won’t have to microchip your pet again if you choose to leave the United States.

Your local vet should be able to provide and ISO standard chip and if they don’t have one on hand, they can order one for you. It costs about 50,000KRW to microchip your pet and the process is quick. Using a slightly larger needle than that for a shot, the microchip is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Your vet will then scan the chip to make sure it works and provide you with documentation.

Rabies Vaccination

The United States requires an up to date rabies vaccination. The shot should be administered no less than 30 days before your flight and no more than a year before. You must take your dog to the vet and have them fill out the form below to provide proof of the rabies vaccination.

DOWNLOAD THE RABIES CERTIFICATE HERE

If you have a cat, the process is much easier. The U.S. doesn’t require proof for a cat rabies vaccination upon entering the country. However, some states will require your cat to be vaccinated so be sure to check with the authorities at your final destination. Cats being imported into Hawaii and the territory of Guam are subject to quarantine. For more information, check here.

Animal Health Certificate

No more than 10 days before your departure you need to go to your vet to fill out the animal health certificate. This certifies your pet is healthy and it is safe for them to travel. Download the form below, print it, and bring it to your vet.

DOWNLOAD THE ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE HERE

Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency

Once you have the above paperwork completed, you can move onto the next step. You must bring the rabies vaccination certificate, animal health certificate, and your pet to the Animal Plant and Quarantine Agency. At the Animal Plant and Quarantine Agency, they will give you a document stating your pet has been inspected by the Republic of Korea and they are free to import into the United States of America. The fee for this is 10,000 won.

IMPORTANT: The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency will give you two copies of that certificate. They will give you an original and a copy. Do not let the staff at the airport counter take the original copy. Give them the copy or ask to make a copy of your copy.

Plant and Animal Quarantine Office at Incheon Airport

If you choose to take your pet to the Plant and Animal Quarantine Office at Incheon Airport, then you will take your pet, the rabies vaccination certificate, and the animal to the office at Incheon Airport. Below are maps, locations, and operating times of the offices in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours earlier than you normally would so you can get the paperwork done in time. The staff will check your forms, the animal, and ask a few questions to fill out the paperwork. They will then issue you the official document with a seal that costs about 10,000KRW.

Local Plant and Animal Quarantine Office

Pro Tip: If your flight leaves early from South Korea, then it’s best to stop by your local Plant and Animal Quarantine Office so you don’t have to stress about the paperwork at the airport. Again, you can take your pet to any of the offices 10 days before your flight departs. For a list of all the Animal and Plant Quarantine Offices in Korea, click here.

Since my flight from Korea left at 10:20am, I had to take Honey to my local office in Seoul near Gimpo Airport. The process was quick and easy. They asked me a few questions about where I was departing from and landing. They asked for both my Korean and American address. It took about 10 minutes and I was given an official document with a seal. This document costs 10,000KRW.

Address: RM#171, Gimpo International Airport, 38 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Pet Airline Reservation

As of December 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its final ruling that Emotional Support Animals are no longer considered service animals. As a result, most airlines will charge you for bringing your pet on board if it is an ESA.

Flying In-Cabin With Your Pet

If your pet meets the airline’s weight and size restriction, you can carry your pet in-cabin with you. This means you do not need to check your animal in and you can take them on the plane. Most airlines will require you make a reservation if you bring your animal on board. They also require your pet remains in the carrier under the seat at all times. Every airline has different requirements so be sure to double and triple check. Here is the list of airlines that allow you to carry pets on board.

• Asiana Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Korean Air
• United Airlines
• Air Canada

These are the only airlines from Korea that allow pet travel in-cabin. If your airline is not on the list, then don’t book it for a smoother flight experience and transition. Be sure to double check Delta because there are destination specific restrictions and regulations.

In-Cabin Pet Travel Cost

• Asiana Airlines – 32kg or less ($200 or 200,000KRW)
• Delta Airlines – $200
• Korean Air – 32kg or less ($300 or 300,000KRW)
• United Airlines – $125
• Air Canada – $100

Pet Weight Restrictions

The rules vary by airline, but just so you know, Korean Air and Asiana follow their rules to the letter. They will definitely tell you if your pet is too heavy to be a carryon and pay extra to transport your pet as cargo. These restrictions are based on the weight of your pet plus the carrier.

• Korean Air & Asiana – 7kg (15 pounds)
• United, Delta, and Air Canada – no weight limit

Pet Carrier Restrictions

Every airline has different pet carrier restrictions. The airline staff will check if your pet fits comfortably in their carrier. If your carrier isn’t the right size, your pet is uncomfortable, or it is too big to fit under the seat, then you will be asked to purchase a different carrier from the airline at the desk. It’s also possible you can be turned away and refused pet boarding.

I’ve tested out multiple pet carriers throughout the years. Especially now that I work for an airline. The best pet carrier I have tried is the BEIS Regulation Pet Carryon. Honey loves it and every time I take it out, she can’t wait to jump in and go. Use my link for $15 off your your order and 150 points toward future purchases.

Most Airlines Require:

1. Your pet must fit comfortably in their carrier.
2. The kennel must fit directly under the seat in front of you.
3. Both soft and hard kennels must be leak proof and have ventilation openings on three sides. (Or four sides for international travel.)
4. Your pet must remain inside the kennel with the door closed during boarding and deplaning.
5. Your pet must be between 9-16 weeks old for international travel.
6. One pet is permitted per kennel with the exception of 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months, providing they are small enough to fit into one kennel and are compatible.

Flying With Other Animals

Some airlines allow you to fly in-cabin other animals besides dogs or cats on routes to the U.S. Korean Air and Asiana allow you to bring birds. United Airlines allows you to bring rabbits and birds with the exception of cockatoos.

Booking Your Ticket

After you book your ticket, call the airline immediately to reserve a space for your pet. Most airlines have restrictions for how many pets can fly in-cabin. I flew with Korean Air and only four animals were allowed to fly in-cabin per flight. Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

When you reserve a place for your pet, the airline will ask about your pet’s breed, size, and weight. They do this to make sure your pet will fit under the seat. Since Honey is a Pomeranian, they only asked me her breed and weight.

In my opinion, it’s best to do a direct flight to your final destination. I flew into Dallas Fort-Worth and had a five hour layover. If your airline has a time restriction, (Delta only allows a flight time of 12 hours for warm-blooded animals) then it’s best to have a layover of 4-5 hours at your destination. Both you and your pet can stretch, use the toilet, and get some food. Alternatively, you could also choose a 24 hour layover and stay in a pet friendly hotel to give everyone a break.

Also, just because your dog has a reservation doesn’t mean they are guaranteed a place on the flight. You must present all the proper documentation and proper carrier size to be allowed on the aircraft.

Pets as Excess Baggage (Accompanied Cargo)

If your fur baby cannot fly in-cabin with you then you have to check your dog or cat in to fly as excess accompanied baggage. When your pet flies like this, it means they will be on the same flight, but they will be below the plane in the cargo area with the luggage.

The cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled just like the main cabin, so you don’t have to worry about your pet being uncomfortable or in danger. Flying cargo can also be better for your pet as there are fewer sights, sounds, people, and smells to stress out your animal.

In addition, there is a heat/cold embargo when flying your pet as excess accompanied baggage. Airlines will refuse to fly a pet during extreme temperatures so your pet will be safe. They will have to go through animal holding areas, terminal facilities, and transport onto the aircraft for departure. Summer and winter are the worst times to fly pets so try to book your ticket in spring or autumn. Below is a list of airlines that allow your pet to fly as accompanied excess cargo without any restrictions. If the airline doesn’t appear below, then you are unable to take your pet as cargo on the aircraft.

• Air Canada
• Asiana
• Korean Air

Prices For Pets as Excess Baggage

If you’re looking to bring your pet as excess cargo, then below you will find the pricing for all the airlines that allow your pet to fly under the plane on the same flight as you.

• Air Canada – $270
• Asiana Airlines – 33kg-45kg ($400 or 400,000 KRW)
• Korean Air – 33kg-45kg ($600 or 600,000 KRW)

Weight Restrictions for Pets as Excess Baggage

Each airline has different restrictions and regulations. Most airlines will follow the crate and weight restrictions strictly. The weight listed below is for both the dog and the carrier. Air Canada, Asiana, and Korean Air all have a maximum weight of 45kg (100 pounds).

Pet Carrier Restrictions as Excess Baggage

Airline staff will make sure the crates follow their restrictions. Below are some regulations on what each crate should include and adhere to.

1. The pet’s weight must be 45kg or less with the animal and cage.
2. Must be equipped with a lock and the floor must be sealed.
3. The cage must be made of strong metal, wood, or plastic.
4. Have ventilation on four sides for travel.

Being a Courier for a Dog

Many animals in South Korea are abandoned each year. No country is perfect, but after having lived in South Korea, I observed dogs and cats are treated more like status accessories more than an actual family member. In many shelters, you will see small size purebred dogs such as Pomeranians, Shitzus, Pekinese, mini Poodles, and so on. My purebred dog, Honey, came from a government run no-kill shelter in the Gangdong area. If you’re interested about adopting a pet from the Gangdong Reborn Center (if you’re in Korea) click here.

Courier flights are much cheaper as the animal can fly accompanied with a person. Many volunteer groups ask people via Facebook to accompany a rescue to their furever home. The most popular flying locations are LAX, SFO, ORD, DFW, and JFK. You can find a lot of these postings in the Facebook group, Airborne Animals.

Flying Pets as Unaccompanied Cargo

Delta Airlines allows you to ship your pet with the special service of Delta Cargo. Passengers traveling with trained service animals, U.S. Military with active orders, or U.S. State Department Foreign Services Offices are always welcome. Please check the official special pet travel page with Delta here.

If you have a giant breed that needs special accommodation, you will need to arrange your pet’s flight with a special pet shipping company. They will take care of all the details for you and help bring your fur baby as safely as possible. The shipping company will give you an estimate based on the breed, weight, size, and carrier. Most airlines will not deal with the pet owner and the shipping company only. This is a super expensive option. If you do choose to go this route, then here is a list of pet shipping companies in Korea that will help you:

• Shindogs Air
• Pet Airline
• The First Class Pet

What To Expect At The Airport

Pre-Departure

If you are going to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Office at Incheon Airport, get there at least four hours early. If you get your paperwork done at your local quarantine office, then you just have to show up three hours early.

At the airline check-in counter, the staff will ask for your and your pet’s reservation. Print out all your flight paperwork beforehand. The airline staff will weigh your pet and check if they fit comfortably inside their carrier. You will then be asked for your pet’s documents including the Animal Health Certificate and the official Animal and Plant Quarantine form. You can let the airline staff take the copy from you, but do not let them take the original.

If your pet is excess baggage, you will bring them to the oversize baggage area. You will be asked to fill out more paperwork where you must provide a phone number. After you drop off your pet, you can make your way to security.

Going Through Security

When flying with a pet in-cabin, you will then proceed to security and take your animal out of the carrier when it is your turn. The carrier will go through the x-ray machine. You must hold your pet as you walk across the metal detector together. After you both go through security, you will then place your pet in the carrier. Some airports will pat you down or wave a metal detector around your body. In the U.S., I got my hands swabbed. These are just standard precautions the airport takes and it’s nothing to worry about.

Once you get through security and immigration, you are free to take your dog out of the carrier. Your dog can walk around on a leash throughout the airport as long as it is well-behaved. If you’re traveling with a cat, it’s best to have a blanket or privacy flap carrier.

Just remember, this is super stressful for both dogs and cats, so make sure to make your pet as calm as possible.

Before Takeoff

Prior to takeoff your animal must be stowed under the seat directly in front of you. You are not to take them out during this time. Flight attendants will make sure every passenger is following the rules.

Let the passengers around you know you’re traveling with your pet. If they’re not okay with this, it would be a good time for them to change seats so they’re not angry at you for a 12 hour plus flight.

At Cruising Altitude of 35,000 Feet

While in the air with the lights dimmed, I opened the top flap to let Honey sit upright. Make sure your pet is clipped into the carrier so they don’t take off. You can also use a blanket to disguise your pet’s freedom. If you think your pet will be disruptive, then just leave them as is.

If your dog is pee pad trained, you can probably take it to the bathroom to relieve themselves. You should bring your pet inside the carrier so as not to disturb other passengers. Most dogs are too stressed during the flight to go potty, so don’t worry. They will relieve themselves when they feel more comfortable.

Don’t feed your pet approximately 8 hours before the flight and absolutely under no circumstances sedate your pet. Give them food the night before and nothing else except water. When I flew with Honey, I took her outside to use the toilet so she would be ready to go. I had some snacks and kibble on hand I tried feeding her while on the flight, but she didn’t want to eat it. I did slip her some of the meat that came with my dishes and that really calmed her down.

IMPORTANT: Offer your pet water throughout the flight. With all the recycled air and pressure conditions, they get just as dehydrated as humans do. I offered Honey water every two hours which she drank gratefully.

Pet Flying Accessories

I especially love the Starmark Everlasting Treat Ball. It takes Honey about 3-4 hours to finish one if she’s really going at it. But this is a great way to help dogs with separation anxiety as well. I also own collapsible rubber bowls for Honey’s food and water. Bach’s Natural Stress Relief also works wonderfully for pets. Obviously, we cannot have CBD oil or hemp products in Korea because of how strict the law is so please do not buy anything related to that from Amazon and have it shipped over because it will be confiscated and you could be fined.

I also recommend putting in your pet’s favorite toy as well. Honey has a weasel monster toy she loves above all else and that also provided her with comfort.

Landing

During your flight, you will be given a declaration form. You should declare your pet on the form and after deplaning collect your bags and proceed through immigration and customs. Even if you have a connecting flight, you need to do this at your port of entry.

After declaring your animal, you will be directed to a station. This process involves another round of checking the carrier, your pet, and the required documents. If everything is good to go, you can leave the airport or proceed to your connecting flight.

I had a five hour layover at Dallas Fort-Worth and it was the perfect amount of time. They have plenty of pet relief stations and I was able to let Honey off the leash and let her run around, relieve herself, and stretch her legs. Your layover should at least be three hours so you have time to declare your pet, go to the airport check-in counter, go through security, and make it to your connecting flight.

To Conclude

Please be sure after booking a plane ticket you follow that specific airline’s rules and regulations. They all have slightly different requirements and you don’t want to get to the airport only to realize you have he wrong carrier size, no reservation for in-cabin, or you didn’t get the right documents.

If you have any concerns make sure you call the airline and speak with a knowledgable representative who can assist you.

When I packed for my flight, I made sure I had all necessary items two months before so I could train Honey to be in and out of her carrier. I also made sure to have the right snacks and a way for her to access water so she wouldn’t be dehydrated on the plane.

The information here on my blog was taken from the official websites of all the airline carriers and my own experience repatriating to the United States. Got a question? Drop yours in the comment box below.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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