Guide · LIV · 101
Pets in Korea
Bringing one in, the titer test, mandatory dog registration, and life with a pet here.
In short
- Bringing a pet in: dogs/cats need an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccine, a rabies antibody (titer) test ≥0.5 IU/ml (from countries that aren't rabies-free), and a government health certificate. If all of that is in order, there's no quarantine.
- Already here: all dogs kept in housing for 2+ months must be registered (animal.go.kr or a vet) using your ARC. If you don't, fines go up to ₩1M.
- Korea is getting more pet-friendly, but check your lease. Many apartments restrict pets. Some large/"dangerous" breeds need permits and muzzles.
- Vet care is good and the prices are fair. Pet insurance exists but not everyone has it.
Pet culture in Korea is growing fast. More and more cafes, hotels and parks welcome dogs, and vet care is good. But there are clear rules for bringing an animal in and for owning one here. Always check import details with APQA (농림축산검역본부), the Korean authority.
Bringing a dog or cat to Korea
Do these in order, and start months ahead, because the titer test takes the longest. You want to arrive with complete paperwork where everything matches, so your pet is cleared the same day.
1. Microchip first
An ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. It must go in before the rabies vaccine so the records match up. If the chip isn't ISO, bring your own compatible scanner.
2. Rabies vaccine (current)
For pets 90+ days old. Some routes want it given ≥30 days before travel.
3. Rabies antibody (titer) test
From countries that aren't rabies-free: a titer of ≥0.5 IU/ml from an approved lab, with blood drawn within 24 months of arrival. Korea has no waiting period after the titer (unlike the EU/Japan), so your pet can travel as soon as you have the result. Pets under 90 days or from rabies-free regions are exempt.
4. Government health certificate
Issued/endorsed by your country's authority (US: USDA-accredited vet → USDA APHIS endorsement; UK: APHA; etc.). It must show the microchip number and titer result, and these need to be the same on every document.
5. Arrival inspection
At Incheon/Gimpo/Busan, go to the animal quarantine office with originals + copies. With the right paperwork, pets are usually released the same day. If something is missing or doesn't match, it's quarantine at your cost (avg ~10 days) or entry is refused.
Registering your dog (mandatory)
Under the Animal Protection Act, every dog kept in a home for 2+ months must be registered. The rule is the same for foreign residents as for locals.
- Register at animal.go.kr (Animal Protection Management System) or a designated vet clinic / pet shop, using your ARC number.
- You need an ISO-compliant microchip (a vet can implant one; owner pays).
- Fines up to ₩1,000,000 for not registering in cities where it's enforced (e.g. Seoul).
(Cats don't have the same mandatory registration, but you can register them voluntarily.)
Housing & breed rules
- Some large or "dangerous" breeds (e.g. some mastiff/pit-type breeds) need registration and must be muzzled and leashed in public. The fines for breaking this are heavy.
- Leash law: dogs must be on a leash in public (usually ≤2m), and you need to clean up after your dog. Fines apply.
- Some breeds may also have airline/import breed restrictions, so check in advance.
Daily life with a pet
- Vets (동물병원) are everywhere and good, and costs are moderate. Seoulstart and expat groups keep lists of English-speaking vets. For routine care, a neighborhood clinic is fine.
- Supplies: big pet chains, Coupang and Daiso have food, litter and gear. For premium/imported food, try Coupang/Gmarket.
- Pet-friendly places are growing: dog cafes, some parks, pensions and even cafes/malls (look for 반려동물 동반 가능). Public transport usually requires pets to be in a carrier.
- Pet insurance exists (several insurers), but not everyone has it. It's worth comparing if your pet is older or a breed with higher vet costs.
Taking your pet out of Korea later
When you leave, you'll need a Korean export health certificate (from APQA) plus whatever your destination country requires (often its own titer timing, e.g. the US CDC rules for dogs). Plan this months ahead too. Usually the destination's rules take longer than Korea's.
Common questions
Will my pet be quarantined?
Not if the microchip, rabies vaccine, titer (if required) and health certificate are all valid and match on arrival. If anything is missing, it's quarantine at your cost.
Do I have to register my dog as a foreigner?
Yes. Same rules as locals, through animal.go.kr or a vet using your ARC. Fines up to ₩1M if you don't.
Can I have a pet in my apartment?
Only if your lease allows it. Many restrict pets. Get it confirmed in writing before you adopt.
Are there English-speaking vets?
Yes, especially in Seoul/Busan. Expat groups and directories keep up-to-date lists.
Sources: Korea Animal & Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA / qia.go.kr), Animal Protection Act & animal.go.kr registration rules, USDA APHIS pet-travel (US), and 2026 foreigner pet guides. Titer ≥0.5 IU/ml; registration fine up to ₩1M.
Last verified: July 2026. Import and breed rules change and depend on the country you're coming from, so always check the current requirements with APQA and your country's animal-health authority before travel. General information, not veterinary or legal advice.
Moving with a pet, or adopting here?
Ask others about vets, pet-friendly buildings or the titer process. Post in the community and tag it Living.