South Korea Pet Import Guide

Shipping a Pet to South Korea from the United States

South Korea enforces strict pet import regulations administered by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA). Dogs and cats traveling from the United States must meet microchip, rabies vaccination, and FAVN titer test requirements -- and the process differs significantly depending on whether your pet is traveling as accompanied baggage or unaccompanied cargo, and whether your destination is the mainland or Jeju Island.

The Pet Porters manage the complete South Korea relocation process -- from microchip verification and FAVN titer test coordination through USDA health certificate endorsement, airline cargo booking, and APQA arrival inspection. Preparation timelines typically run 3-6 months depending on your pet's vaccination history and whether a titer test is required.

Pets that meet all APQA requirements are released to their owners after arrival inspection with minimal or no quarantine hold. Pets with incomplete documentation may be held in government quarantine at the owner's expense.

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South Korea Pet Import At a Glance
  • ISO microchip (before vaccination)
  • Valid rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel)
  • FAVN titer test -- 0.5 IU/ml minimum result
  • USDA-endorsed international health certificate
  • APQA arrival inspection at Incheon
  • Additional requirements for Jeju Island
  • Quarantine possible if requirements not fully met
3-6
Months prep
FAVN
Test required
ICN
Main entry point
Jeju Island Special Requirements: Jeju Island has stricter pet import rules than mainland South Korea. Pets traveling directly to Jeju may face additional quarantine requirements and documentation. If your destination is Jeju Island, contact us before beginning preparation -- the process differs from standard mainland Korea entry and may significantly affect your timeline.

Planning Timeline

South Korea Pet Transport Timeline

The South Korea timeline depends on your pet's vaccination history and whether a FAVN titer test is needed. Most pets traveling from the USA will require a titer test, extending the timeline to 3-6 months.

Pet Has Valid Vaccination and FAVN Result

If your pet has a current ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a passing FAVN titer result on record, the preparation timeline is significantly shorter.

  • 4-6 Wk.Confirm all records and FAVN validity
  • 10 DaysHealth certificate from USDA-accredited vet
  • ASAPUSDA APHIS endorsement submitted
  • BookingAirline cargo booking confirmed
  • TravelPet departs -- APQA inspection at Incheon
Pet Needs Vaccination and/or FAVN Test

If your pet needs a new or first rabies vaccination and a FAVN titer test, the timeline extends to 3-6 months minimum.

  • 5-6 Mo.ISO microchip implanted (if needed)
  • 5-6 Mo.Rabies vaccination administered
  • 4-5 Mo.FAVN blood test drawn and submitted to lab
  • 2-3 Wk.FAVN results received and confirmed
  • 10 DaysHealth certificate + USDA APHIS endorsement
  • TravelPet departs -- APQA inspection at Incheon

Step-by-Step Requirements

South Korea Pet Import Requirements -- In the Correct Sequence

Each step must be completed in order. Documentation errors or out-of-sequence steps may result in your pet being held in quarantine at the APQA facility on arrival.

1
ISO Microchip -- Must Come First

All dogs and cats must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip before any rabies vaccinations are administered. APQA officers scan the microchip on arrival to verify your pet's identity matches all import documentation.

If your pet has a non-ISO microchip (common with older US-implanted chips), a second ISO-compliant chip must be implanted. The vaccination sequence must then restart from the date of the new chip -- any prior vaccinations will not be valid for Korean entry.

Do This First Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Confirm your pet's existing chip is ISO-compatible before proceeding.
2
Rabies Vaccination Must Be Current at Time of Travel

All dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after the ISO microchip is implanted. South Korea requires the vaccination to be current at the time of import -- an expired vaccination will result in entry refusal or quarantine.

  • Must be administered after the ISO microchip is implanted
  • Must be given at least 30 days before travel
  • Must be current and valid at the time of arrival in South Korea
  • Must be documented with vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date
  • FAVN blood test must be drawn after the rabies vaccination is on record
Validity Check Confirm your pet's rabies vaccination will still be valid on your travel date -- not just when the health certificate is issued. An expired vaccine at the border means quarantine.
3
FAVN Rabies Antibody Titer Test Required for Most Pets

South Korea requires a FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) titer test for most pets traveling from the United States. The test confirms your pet has sufficient rabies antibody levels from vaccination.

  • Blood sample must be collected after rabies vaccination is documented
  • Must be tested at a Korean APQA-approved laboratory (Kansas State University VDL is the primary US-approved facility)
  • Result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml rabies antibody titer
  • Unlike Japan or Australia, South Korea does not impose a mandatory 180-day waiting period after the FAVN test for pets from the USA
  • A passing FAVN result allows for faster clearance at APQA inspection on arrival
  • Allow 2-3 weeks for lab results to be returned after blood draw

Pets without a passing FAVN result may face additional inspection, extended hold, or quarantine at the APQA facility upon arrival.

Key Advantage vs Japan/Australia
South Korea does not require a 180-day wait after the FAVN test. This makes the Korea timeline significantly shorter than Japan or Australia for most pets.
4
USDA-Endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate

Within 10 days of departure, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete an official international health certificate confirming your pet meets all South Korea import requirements.

The certificate must include:

  • ISO microchip number matching all prior documentation
  • Rabies vaccination date, product name, lot number, and expiration date
  • FAVN titer test result and date of blood draw
  • Statement that the pet is healthy and free of signs of contagious disease
  • Confirmation of any additional treatments or vaccinations as required

The signed certificate must be submitted to a USDA Veterinary Services office for federal endorsement. The endorsed original must travel with your pet to South Korea.

USDA Endorsement Processing typically takes 1-3 business days. Submit immediately after the vet signs -- the 10-day validity window runs from the vet exam date, not the endorsement date.
5
Airline Cargo Booking & APQA Arrival Inspection

Pets traveling from the United States to South Korea must travel as manifest airline cargo. Most pets arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) and are processed at the APQA inspection station in the cargo terminal.

  • Primary carriers include Korean Air Cargo, Asiana Cargo, and United Airlines
  • Pets travel in IATA-compliant kennels in climate-controlled cargo holds
  • APQA officers inspect microchip, vaccination records, FAVN results, and health certificate on arrival
  • Pets meeting all requirements are typically released to their owners on the same day
  • Pets with incomplete documentation may be held in the APQA quarantine facility pending resolution
Primary Entry Point Incheon International Airport (ICN) -- Seoul. Most US-Korea pet cargo routes arrive here. Gimhae (Busan) may be available on select routes.

How Korea Compares

South Korea vs Other Complex Destinations

South Korea requires a FAVN titer test like Japan and Australia -- but without the mandatory 180-day waiting period, making it significantly more manageable.

Requirement South Korea Japan Australia European Union
ISO Microchip
Rabies Vaccination x2
Titer Test Required
180-Day Wait After Titer
Mandatory Quarantine If non-compliant If non-compliant 10 days
Typical Prep Time 3-6 months 6-8 months 7-9 months 6-8 weeks

Common Questions

South Korea Pet Transport FAQ

No -- this is one of the most important distinctions between South Korea and Japan or Australia. South Korea does not impose a mandatory 180-day waiting period after the FAVN titer test for pets traveling from the United States. Once your pet has a passing FAVN result (0.5 IU/ml or greater), you can plan travel without the extended wait. This makes the South Korea preparation timeline significantly shorter -- typically 3-6 months versus 6-9 months for Japan or Australia.
Pets that meet all APQA requirements -- valid ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, passing FAVN titer result, and properly endorsed health certificate -- are typically released to their owners on the day of arrival after the APQA inspection. There is no mandatory quarantine for compliant pets traveling to mainland South Korea from the United States. However, pets with incomplete documentation, expired vaccinations, or a failed titer test may be held at the APQA quarantine facility until the issue is resolved, at the owner's expense. Jeju Island has stricter rules and may involve additional quarantine requirements.
Yes -- the core requirements for ISO microchipping, rabies vaccination, FAVN titer testing, and USDA-endorsed health certificate apply to both dogs and cats traveling to South Korea. The preparation timeline and sequencing rules are identical for both species. Contact us with your specific pet's vaccination history and we will confirm the exact documentation required.
Yes -- Jeju Island has stricter pet import rules than mainland South Korea. Jeju has historically required longer quarantine periods and additional documentation for pets arriving directly. If your destination is Jeju Island, contact us before starting your preparation -- the process differs from standard mainland Korea entry and may significantly affect your timeline and costs.
In-cabin pet travel policies vary by airline on transpacific routes. Most major carriers operating US to South Korea routes require pets to travel as manifest cargo rather than in-cabin. Some airlines may permit very small pets in-cabin on certain routes -- contact us with your pet's size and your departure city and we will confirm available options. Regardless of how your pet travels, all APQA documentation requirements must be fully met.
Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSU VDL) is the primary APQA-approved laboratory in the United States for FAVN titer testing for South Korea entry. Your veterinarian draws the blood sample and the sample is shipped overnight to KSU. Results are typically returned within 2-3 weeks. The Pet Porters coordinate the laboratory submission and track results on your behalf to ensure the process stays on schedule.
Other International Destinations
Japan

Similar titer test requirement -- but adds a mandatory 180-day wait. Allow 6-8 months minimum.
European Union

No titer test required for US pets -- 6-8 week timeline, no quarantine if compliant.
All Destinations

View pet import requirements for all countries and regions we serve worldwide.
Regulatory Notice: South Korea pet import regulations are subject to change without notice. APQA may update vaccination requirements, approved laboratories, titer test thresholds, or quarantine procedures at any time. Always verify current requirements with the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, the USDA, and your airline before beginning the relocation process. This guide reflects general requirements as of publication and may not include the most recent regulatory updates. The Pet Porters verifies all current requirements before every booking.

Ready to Move Your Pet to South Korea?

Tell us your pet's details, current vaccination history, and target travel date. We will confirm whether your FAVN test is current, build a custom preparation timeline, coordinate all APQA requirements, and manage the process from your home in the United States to arrival at Incheon.