1. Start preparing 2-3 months ahead!

First, you must check out both of these government websites for official rules and requirements.
It can be quite confusing so you need to read them thoroughly.
USDA https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-korea
Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency https://www.qia.go.kr/english/html/Animal_livestock/02AnimalLivestock_007-8.jsp
After you read them, come back and see how we did it. 😊

2. 15 digit ISO compliant microchip -$25

HAPPY was already microchipped from the shelter but it was not ISO compliant which is a requirement for traveling to Korea.
So I found out http://911petchip.com is a 15 digit ISO compliant microchip.
Then I found a low cost mobile vet who does this microchip in Los Angeles area. http://www.1stcarevets.com
It was $25 for a tiny chip which is smaller than a regular chip.

3. Rabies Vaccination - $16

(3 Months before your departure, 1 month before the Rabies Titer Test)
HAPPY also needed to get a Rabies Vaccination.
HAPPY had his Rabies Vaccine almost 3 years ago and was almost due for another one.
I wasn't sure if he's going to pass the titer test. So he got a new shot.
It was $16 at 1stcarevets and they were great! Check them out if you are in LA area.
You need to wait a month to develop rabies antibody for the titer test.
Make sure to keep the Vaccination Certificate, you will need it!

3. Vet Checkup + Rabies Titer Test $54 + $262.50

(2 Months before your departure)
Then you need to get a Rabies Titer Test.
http://www.ksvdl.org/rabies-laboratory/favn-test/index.html
You need to find a vet who will draw a blood sample and take care everything for you.
We recommend finding a vet who knows about the whole process for international traveling.
I emailed a couple of vets near we live (near downtown LA area) and decided to go with DTLAVETS. We will write about our experience on our blog soon.
They were so helpful and professional and knew everything about dog traveling internationally.
HAPPY needed a checkup before his blood drawn and it takes about 4-6weeks for the result.
*Make sure to tell the vet to use the 15 digit ISO compliant microchip number, if your dog has two microchips. (I forgot to tell them, but they already knew about it.)

4. International Travel Health Certificate $110

(Within 10 days of your departure)
You need to go back to your vet and get an International Travel Health Certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
We also got this done at DTLAVETS.

5. Get the Certificate above endorsed at USDA APHIS office $121 (Cash not accepted)

Find a USDA APHIS locations below and get your International Health Certificate endorsed(stamped). This is also needed to be done within 10 days of your departure.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/service-centers-endorsement-offices

*Make sure to take the Rabies Vaccination Certificate and double check all your papers!
*They close at 11am and expect a long wait. No dogs allowed.(Except service animals.)

6. Check in with Customs at the Airport in Korea

Next to the customs, you will find an animal quarantine area.
They will check your paper works and scan the microchip.
It was super fast and easy process.

Overall, it was little overwhelming and complicated for us.
Please have patience and take it step by step carefully. You will get there soon!😆


Also check out this post and see how was HAPPY's flying.😍
Dog In-Cabin on United Airlines International Flight Review
http://www.happyhazel.com/2017/08/dog-in-cabin-on-united-airlines.html

💖WISHING YOU A GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG💖

🐾Follow us on Instagram @happpyhazzzel for our Korean Adventure!🐾