Moving a pet to South Korea from the USA
Titer testing required, but compliant pets clear on the day of arrival.
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
- 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
Plan backwards
Complexity: High
Lead time: 2–3 months
Governing body: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
Quarantine: 0 days if fully compliant
- T−187d
FAVN rabies titer blood draw
Blood sample sent to an approved laboratory; must return ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
- T−180d
180-day waiting period starts
Counted from the date the laboratory receives the sample. Served in the United States.
- T−75d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−68d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.