Moving a pet to South Korea
Titer testing required, but compliant pets clear on the day of arrival.
Destination requirements apply to every origin. Document steps below reference USDA APHIS/VEHCS because they are the most common departure route; if you are moving from another country, the equivalent filing is handled by your national veterinary authority.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 2–3 months |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | Yes — FAVN ≥ 0.5 IU/mL |
| Import permit | No |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days if fully compliant |
| Microchip mandate | ISO 15-digit required |
| Primary failure point | A titer test older than 12 months at entry, or a result below the 0.5 IU/mL threshold. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
Entry rules depend on both your departure country and your destination. The endorsement steps below are written for the US-departure route (USDA APHIS via VEHCS); from any other origin, the equivalent step is an export health certificate endorsed by your national government veterinary authority.
- 1
Pets must be at least 90 days old.
- 2
Implant an ISO-compliant microchip before rabies vaccination.
- 3
Maintain an active rabies vaccination.
- 4
FAVN rabies titer test ≥ 0.5 IU/mL, conducted within the 12 months preceding entry.
- 5
USDA-endorsed health certificate through VEHCS.
- 6
Fully documented pets clear inspection at Incheon International Airport on the day of arrival without detention.
Breed & airline warnings
Carrier brachycephalic embargoes apply on trans-Pacific cargo routes.
Restricted guarding breeds require IATA CR1 reinforced kennels where accepted.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your South Korea timeline
Build my pet's relocation plan
Your plan appears here
Tell us where your pet is travelling from and to, and we'll build a route-specific plan: the earliest realistic travel date, the steps that actually determine it, every deadline, and any quarantine on arrival.
- • Rules resolved per corridor — never a generic US or EU timeline.
- • Counts what your pet has already had done.
- • Tells you plainly when a corridor still needs verification.