Important info on ICN quarantine office!!!!!

[nmendoza]

Just to let the people know who are taking pets with them when they fly the animal quarantine has strict office hours from 9am-6pm. If your flight leaves before 12 noon, you must get the quarantine papers filled out at a different location before the day you fly. We almost didn't get to take our two dogs with us because we were there at 8am and thank god a worker just arrived to help us out but she said normally they don't do anything til 9am. There are several locations around Seoul that do the animal quarantine papers but she didn't say exactly where.

** So just remember, morning or night flight you must get the quarantine papers done before the day you fly!***

[red dog]

Thanks for the information. How many hours before the flight do you have to go to the quarantine office? Snoopy will be travelling with me in the cabin, and our flight leaves at 2:10 in the afternoon.

[LolaMarigolda]

Thanks for the information. How many hours before the flight do you have to go to the quarantine office? Snoopy will be travelling with me in the cabin, and our flight leaves at 2:10 in the afternoon.

From what Gina has posted before, you can go to one of the quarantine offices a couple of days ahead of time. It just has to be within the 7 or 10 days (whichever the destination country requires).

[nmendoza]

I would definitely recommend getting it done before going to ICN as it will save a bit of time and stress on the dog. We were there about 2 1/2 hours before and we got to our gate only 15 minutes before boarding. We were pushin it that's for sure. We flew Korean Air and so we had to go to the main ticket counter and once they verified the paperwork, they gave us a slip of paper and we had to go to the Korean Air ticketing counter, pay the money, and then they issued our tickets. It all together took about 1 1/2 hours. Also, make sure to double check the quarantine paper cuz the girl who filled ours made made 4 mistakes!! Not normal, but still... Also, even though I'm sure you're not supposed to we made several trips during the flight to the bathroom and took them with us so that they could get out of their bag and stretch a bit. Good luck with travels!

[luvadog]

Wow, I never knew this. Thanks loads. I guess I've been lucky and always flew at the right time and never had a problem. I'll be flying home monday at 6:15 pm so I feel at ease knowing they'll be open.

What about holidays?

And I also took Toby to the bathroom a lot to stretch. I put a pee pad on the floor and stood on the seat away from him and he actually used it. haha.

And I got away with murder...he was a baby the first trip and I curled up in a double seat with him under the blanket with me. The steward saw him and just smiled. Later asked me if I needed anything for him. nice...

[Karen]

Thanks so much for this important info! This is so helpful. I've added a link to this thread on the Pet Travel Page (http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/index.php?pageid=pet-travel).

[red dog]

Thanks, I'd better look into all this today.

[Gina]

Oh good thanks. I just visited here to let you know same issue. many people are in trouble with this , and actually last week, my client couldnt bring her pet with her due to this problem. She was supposed fly with morning flight.

Thanks for posting this.!

[luvadog]

Oh good thanks. I just visited here to let you know same issue. many people are in trouble with this , and actually last week, my client couldnt bring her pet with her due to this problem. She was supposed fly with morning flight.

Thanks for posting this.!

So what did she do? Call you to come get the dog and then went on? That would be really hard to do. Thanks for being there to pick up and ship the dog to her if that's what happened.

[red dog]

Oh good thanks. I just visited here to let you know same issue. many people are in trouble with this , and actually last week, my client couldnt bring her pet with her due to this problem. She was supposed fly with morning flight.

Thanks for posting this.!

Gina, can you confirm that they're open Saturdays? The time isn't a problem for me and Snoopy, but if the office is closed all weekend we're really in trouble.

[luvadog]

Thanks for the information. How many hours before the flight do you have to go to the quarantine office? Snoopy will be travelling with me in the cabin, and our flight leaves at 2:10 in the afternoon.

You're good to go. Be there at least 3 hours before the flight...about 11am...and take him to the animal quarantine office on 2nd floor. It took me about 20 minutes and 10,000 won and I went to the Delta/Korean Air checkin counter with the paperwork and got my boarding pass. You also have to go to the far right counter and buy the dog's boarding pass before they check you in/out. If you go to the wrong counter first (like I did) they will walk you through it. I was even nervous this third time, mainly because if I missed my flight, I didn't have any money to pay the penalties. I barely made it with 2 credit cards.

They never weighed Toby nor did they measure the carrier. Toby is 2.4kgs. The carrier was actually 10x10x18 but I found out the limit of the carrier size was 12x8x17 and that's what I told them on the phone when I made sure of his reservation a few days before the flight. It's a soft side so there's a lot of give for fit.

Be SURE and call the Korean Air reservation desk and confirm Snoopy's place on the flight...yourself. My agent assured me that she had done that. She told me TWICE. But when I edouble-checked for myself...guess what? No reservation. Luckily, there were no other animals on that flight yet. I heard there's a limit of 2 carry-ons per flight. So when I got there the day of my flight, a couple had 2 cats they were taking in front of me.

Toby is so used to going with me that this time I never paid much attention to not feeding him before the flight. He ate about 8 pm, I caught the Incheon limousine bus from Daejeon at noon. He never pooped before the flight. After 4 hrs we were eating and he didn't want to eat the chicken but kept whimpering. So I knew the problem,. I had forgottewn my pee pads. Uh-oh. Anyway we went to the bathroom. I stood on the seat and let Toby have the floor. He looked up at me and I said "poopy" and he turned around in a couple circles and made a big pile. Whoo-hoooo. Smelly and I picked it up and cleaned the floor with the good smelly soap and towels and flushed. Then used the cologne to clear the air before opening the door. It was ok. But if not, I guess people have the same smelly problem. No one noticed I had him with me again.

Pay attention to when you feed him and figure it takes about 12-14 hours to go through him. I fed Toby my beef steak later and he ate every bit. And he was fine til I got home.

[red dog]

Thank you, Luvadog! Don't worry, I've called the airline and confirmed that Snoopy can fly in the cabin with me. (We're flying United.) I'm so glad you and Toby made it back to the States all right ... Did you bring any other dogs with you? I thought you had a houseful of dogs?

I've been advised to withhold food and water for six hours before the flight ... poor Snoopy. But I'm relieved that everything is set, and I got his travel papers yesterday. Now I just have to pack his bag. :(

[luvadog]

I'm so glad you and Toby made it back to the States all right ... Did you bring any other dogs with you? I thought you had a houseful of dogs? :(

I never had a problem with United either. They're great.

hahaha. Yeah a house fulllll. I took Toby with me but couldn't take any in cargo as planned because of the heat embargo. No problem. Dr. Choi took them to the airport and shipped them for me 2 days after I left. It barely gave me time to get home late mon night the 13th, next day to get my suv inspected, checked out and licensed, then the next day up early again to drive to Atlanta to pick them up. 5 hrs there and 5 hrs back with 2 hrs clearing customs. I was almost falling asleep driving back because I hadn't slept hardly at all for about 5 days.

I have 8 here now and a very irate family (except Mom who loves them all and loves to choose who she likes best each day.) Honestly I think my family can't understand. I have discovered there are people who either hate dogs or don't want the mess or bother. But their re-training is coming along great and I spent today with most of my family around here. More attention was paid to my sis's new grandson than the dogs. I just kept them out of the way as much as possible.

There's definitely an adjustment to everything along with culture shock. So I slipped away from everyone yesterday and went to PetSmart to volunteer at the dog adoption day. It was instant relief away from anti-dog people. haha.

I love my critters. It's all worth it. Here's one post with pics: http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2444

[red dog]

That's amazing. I'm glad you managed to get them all back home with you.

[Gina]

Sorry for late.. just been busy and couldnt check up this more earlier.
Hope you guys got a solution, and Red Dog, did you find whether they open during weekend or not? I think you are still in Korea.. Im not familiar with weekend working since all quarantine office except passenger side, they close on weekends.. But I think passenger will work, but if you still have a problem with this, I can call them and ask.
Hope Im not too late..

And Luva dog, the lady who couldnt bring the dog with her due to quarantine office problem, her family sent her alone last week.. :)

And the quarantine office in Seoul, it is near Mokdong, Kangseogu but it is a bit hard to find it actually. But line 9 (new subway line) they stops near this office however still hard to find.

But please remind there is another quarantine office in Kimpo airport (international line) so if it is too hard to find the Seoul branch, then you can go to Kimpo airport.

Sorry for late response once again..

[Jenkins150]

Did anyone find out whether it is open on weekends? I have friends who are taking her two dog with her but they leave next sunday. They have their rabies certificate, are getting their local vet health certificate next week and thought they could get their international health certificates when they go on Sunday. They live in Cheongju therefore are not close to the airport so if they must go to a quarantine office before Sunday where are they located? Is there one near Cheongju? What is the contact number for the quarantine office at Icn?

[Ryan]

has anyone honestly had their dog weighed at the quarantine office? My dogs are just a couple of ounces over the limit, and I am wondering if I can get past it. :)

[koala]

Hi Ryan!

okay, so i just got back home about 2 weeks ago and i was panicing SO much about my dog being overweight. i had him in his carrier which has a whole bunch of pockets. Since i wasn't allowed to have 2 carry-on's (since he counts as one) i used the bag as my "purse" and put my wallet, camera, ds, psp, and all the other junk that usually goes in my purse. When it was time to weigh him, i got up to the counter and said, "oh hold on, i have to take all this stuff out first" and they told me, "it doesn't matter, it doesn't have to be accurate, just around the 5kg" .... so i'm sure it doesn't matter. i felt relieved and angry at myself at the same ttime! haha~ cuz i stressed over it SO much when i didn't have to! i even dieted my dog for about 2 months! poor baby! but yeah, i'm sure you'll be fine! good luck! and good travel! ^.^

[luvadog]

OK, the weight's not a problem but what about the office being open on weekends? I'm thinking it is open every day because the travel business operates heavily on weekends, but gov't offices can be different.

[red dog]

They're definitely open Saturdays, and I think they're open Sundays too. (But I'd check to be sure, if you're leaving on a Sunday.)

[rdnck101]

I just traveled home with my pup. The girl at the office said they weren't open at lunch but still did the paperwork. It went fast and after she did it then she checked the pup to make sure he matched the paper work. I was so nervouse traveling with my guy since he's half Jindo.
I fly Singapore and they have to go below so we had to drop him off at over size bagage. They kept him up top until right before we loaded so he stayed warm, we left Dec. 23rd. It takes a lot to get the ticket go pay for his ticket come back and get everything. He did great and once I was stateside I was able to use his "imigration" paper to get him registered with the county.

[dropkickgirl33]

So did anyone find out where I can get these quarantine papers filled? I'm thinking I may have to fly at 1045 on a Monday morning.

[dropkickgirl33]

Ok- so I got my paperwork done at the vet. They just gave me these papers saying they're healthy and have no diseases. And I he gave me the rabies shot paper.

I am flying at 1130 on a Monday. So am I going to need to go to the airport the day before then to get to the quarantine office?

Help please!

[luvadog]

Ok- so I got my paperwork done at the vet. They just gave me these papers saying they're healthy and have no diseases. And I he gave me the rabies shot paper.

I am flying at 1130 on a Monday. So am I going to need to go to the airport the day before then to get to the quarantine office?

Help please!

Oh, it's monday now and I just got to a computer. You just need to go to the airport 3 hrs before the flight. Just ask when you get to the airline counter and they will tell you exactly where to go to check in your dog and get the necessary paperwork there. Then back to the airline and carry him in with you.

If you stop at Tokyo, they will page you on the plane and escort you to immigration just to look at the paperwork. Then you wait in the airport until you board your connecting flight...all the time with your dog. I found it quite relaxing at that point. Didn't mind the wait as long as my dog was with me.

This note may be too late but you'll do fine if Dr. Choi said the paperwork was good. They should have the rabies date on the health certificate.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[dropkickgirl33]

Thanks Luvadog but I don't fly until the 17th. I was just nervous because someone said they had an early flight and almost missed the people in quarantine or something (its the first post of this thread). My flight is at 1130 so will that be enough time to do the quarantine office (if it opens at 9) and then still be able to check in?

I have 2 papers for each dog. One says they are healthy and the other tells about the rabies shot so I think thats okay.

And its a relief to hear that the Japan transfer isn't as complicated as I thought, though I will have 1 dog in cargo and 1 with me.

[missds]

Is the quarentine office open on Sundays?
If not, I will have to book my flight for monday.

Thanks!

[dropkickgirl33]

yes it is. i went in on a sunday. no problems.

[missds]

great thank you!

[jamjam]

Hello,
This is a great post. I have a long question ;-)
I am prepared to take my foster home with me - 1 problem. I am traveling for 2 months after I leave Korea. On my return from Bangkok, I will have an 8 hour stop in ICN. Is there any way I could get Francis on my flight on the way back home. He will have to go under the plane because he is 4.5 kg and mini poodle size.
Do you think if I find someone to foster him for those 2 months, I can have him dropped off for my flight from outside the airport...I am a total newbee to this. How do I do this? I bought my ticket 7 days ago, do I have to make a reservation for him? I am flying Asiana Air back to LAX (US). Any help would be so very appreciated!
And any heads up as to looking for a place to get him all ready to leave Korea would be great to - he will be up to date on vaccines in 2 months. I just need to figure out the paper work stuff.
Thank you - sorry so LONG!

[Gina]

Quarantine Office Business Hr
Incheon Passenger Terminal 9am-6pm they do work on weekends. Same business hr.
Other than Passneger terminal
9am-6pm from Monday to Friday only

(Location : Seoul , Yongin City, Pyeongtack City... And Kimhae airport Kimpo airport,. etc)

So if you will take the morning flight, and if you are in other than Incheon area, then it will be better to find another branch near your location.
Hope this helps.

[jamjam]

I do not understand. I need to go there and ask them in person?
Thank you,
Jam

[krl25]

Hey! I'm flying back with my Shih Tzu on December 8th. {so soon!}. My vet is working on getting the paperwork together, and his crate should arrive in the office on Thursday. My little guy is pretty stocky, so I doubt he'll be able to fly in cabin. :(

Anyway, I have a few questions.

1.) My flight leaves at 8:00 in the morning. Clearly, I need to get to the quarantine office the day before. Other than Mitchell, his carrier, and the vet's paperwork, is there anything else I would need to bring? And will they be taking him at this time, or is it just to facilitate bringing him on to the plane the next day? I want to make him as comfortable as possible.

2.) I have an hour & fifteen minute stopover in Tokyo-- I know generally, imported & exported dogs from Japan must be microchipped. Since this is just a stopover, should I worry about this? Also, do I need to fill any forms out for Japanese customs? I know China is pretty strict about things like this, but I can't seem to get a straight answer from the Japanese Quarantine service [of course]. If anyone has an inkling, let me know.

3.) Once I get to the US, I will be switching from international to domestic (from Japan Airlines to American Airlines) via a four hour layover in Chicago. Does anyone know if I will remain apart from Mitch during this leg of the trip? I know O'Hare has a "pet-friendly" area, and was hoping he could get a breather in at this airport. I'm just wondering if anyone else here has done the international-to-domestic switch off with a dog checked as excess baggage.

:) Thanks to anyone who might be able to help in advance!

[Gina]

1.) My flight leaves at 8:00 in the morning. Clearly, I need to get to the quarantine office the day before. Other than Mitchell, his carrier, and the vet's paperwork, is there anything else I would need to bring? And will they be taking him at this time, or is it just to facilitate bringing him on to the plane the next day? I want to make him as comfortable as possible. >> You need to bring 10,000 KRW in cash for quarantine inspection service. And also you should bring your dog to the quarantine office.


2.) I have an hour & fifteen minute stopover in Tokyo-- I know generally, imported & exported dogs from Japan must be microchipped. Since this is just a stopover, should I worry about this? Also, do I need to fill any forms out for Japanese customs? I know China is pretty strict about things like this, but I can't seem to get a straight answer from the Japanese Quarantine service [of course]. If anyone has an inkling, let me know. >> no need to follow Japanese rule in case of stop over. But please check with your airlines if the connection flight is different cause if they are different airlines, sometimes hassels in connection between airlines.

3.) Once I get to the US, I will be switching from international to domestic (from Japan Airlines to American Airlines) via a four hour layover in Chicago. Does anyone know if I will remain apart from Mitch during this leg of the trip? I know O'Hare has a "pet-friendly" area, and was hoping he could get a breather in at this airport. I'm just wondering if anyone else here has done the international-to-domestic switch off with a dog checked as excess baggage. >> usually you should pick up your dog at Chicago and may need to clear quarantine inspection there cause Chicago is the first stop in US area in your route so usually this is required and you will need to check in again to the domestic. But all airlines has different regulation so the best way is to send an e-mail to Japan airlines in Chicago. They are in ground so they know about this well.

[krl25]

Gina-- thank you for the quick reply. I'm really happy to hear that I should be able to pick him up from the international flight and re-check him in for the domestic. I think he could use some fresh air and a nice tree or two to mark up! lol It's also reassuring to know that I won't need anything extra in Japan-- my Incheon to Narita flight is through JAL as well, so it looks like it should be a smooth transition.

Just to clarify, the quarantine inspection is just to verify the health and rabies certificates and issues new (official) ones, right?

[luvadog]

And don't forget to call the airline to make sure he has a reservation and space on that flight. The number of spaces is limited for each flight.

Wishing you all the best. Let us know how it goes. :)

[schollea]

Hi. my brother is bringing my cat back to the USA for me at the end of the month. his flight is at 11:30 am. Does that mean I have to get the quarantine paperwork done before that day? Or will there be enough time if we get to the office at 9am? Also, where is the office in Seoul if I have to do that? I can't find a website or anything. and can I get the forms I keep reading about emailed to me? Do I take these forms to the vet or quarantine office or both or what? Help I'm confused!

Thanks

[schollea]

edit: flight is at 11:50am

[holland]

Just got back from Quarantine Office in Incheon airport and it has moved locations. It is now on the 3rd floor (Rm 3037). Go in door number 7 and walk back and you will see the office (formerly for only plants but now for animals). The hours are still the same 9AM-6PM. It was very quick. I just filled out 1 form, gave them the 2 forms from my vet and my passport. They did ask me to remove my dog from her carrier so they could see her stomach. They are already handing out information regarding the new Quarantine rules that go into effect December 1st 2011.

[LolaMarigolda]

I just filled out 1 form, gave them the 2 forms from my vet and my passport. They did ask me to remove my dog from her carrier so they could see her stomach.

I suspect this will become standard procedure for all air travel; the last "terrorist threat" info that came out has included info on females carrying explosives in areas that would only be detected with major strip searches. I had to show them Bretta's belly for the flight over and the flight back. Strangely, they never asked to see Scooter's belly.

[SJFYOUNG]

Sorry could someone please just clarify what the quarantine office means? Is this on your trip From Korea back into the U.S or Canada?

If I am leaving From Canada to Korea will I need to visit the quarantine office in Canada or upon my arrival? And am I correct in saying that the quarantine office is where the officials check the medical certificate and make sure the dog is in good health before you leave the airport?

[adoptbullies]

Sorry could someone please just clarify what the quarantine office means? Is this on your trip From Korea back into the U.S or Canada?

If I am leaving From Canada to Korea will I need to visit the quarantine office in Canada or upon my arrival? And am I correct in saying that the quarantine office is where the officials check the medical certificate and make sure the dog is in good health before you leave the airport?

This can be a bit confusing esp because here in Korea they use the word "quaratine office" to mean customs and literal quaratine.

In Canada before you depart more than likely you will check your pet in just as you would your luggage at the front counter. From my personal experience they dont even really look in the carrier.

Then when you arrive in Korea you will got thru customs---the same procedure you would go thru for any international flight. For animals there is a room off to the side that says "Quaratine Office" but more correctly it is a customs office that will check your paper work and give your animal a quick check over before you pass thru the gates. This office is open 24/7.

If your animal is sick or your paper work is not in order, or like us our cat had to be quaratine because her rabies was only 2 weeks old....then they will recieve the animal into quaratine in the same office however the animal will be boarded in a quaratine facility off site from the airport. This facility is not open 24/7.

When are you leaving Canada, if it is in Dec or later make sure you follow the new rules: http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5967

Hope that helps~

[Mike F]

Hello, I am currently in Korea, and my girlfriend is bringing our dog next week.

Should I be preparing or obtaining any paperwork on my end? - or will everything be handled fine once my girlfriend arrives with the proper paper work?

Thank you!

[luvadog]

It's going to be difficult bringing your pet into Korea from Dec 1, 2011. :(