Taking Your Dog to South Korea
Use this 2026 checklist to prepare your dog for South Korea’s microchip, rabies, titer, health certificate, and arrival inspection rules.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to South Korea
ISO Microchip
Required for dogs of all ages. South Korea and USDA APHIS specify an ISO-compliant microchip; APQA guidance describes a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 chip. The microchip number must appear on the health certificate.
Implant before rabies vaccination and before any rabies antibody titer test whenever possible.Rabies Vaccination
Dogs 90 days old or older must be currently vaccinated against rabies before arrival. USDA APHIS states rabies vaccination must be current and given prior to arrival in Korea. Dogs under 90 days old are exempt from rabies vaccination for entry.
Must be current on the date of arrival; dogs under 90 days old are exempt.Rabies Titer Test
Required for dogs 90 days old or older unless arriving from a rabies-free country recognized by Korea. The rabies neutralizing antibody titer must be at least 0.5 IU/ml and the result must be recorded on the health certificate. APHIS notes that if the test was not completed before shipping, or if the test is more than 24 months old at departure, testing may be completed after arrival, but the dog will likely be held in quarantine at the owner’s expense until compliant results are confirmed.
Complete before travel for dogs 90 days and older; result should be less than 24 months old at departure.Health Certificate
A valid international health certificate for dogs and cats must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS. The endorsed certificate must accompany the dog during travel and include the microchip number and rabies/titer information.
Must be issued and USDA-endorsed within 30 days of export.Import Permit
South Korea does not generally require a separate import permit for personal pet dogs that meet the standard APQA quarantine entry conditions.
Not typically required for personal pet entry under standard rules.Parasite Treatment
No routine pre-entry parasite treatment requirement was identified in the current USDA APHIS South Korea pet travel guidance for dogs.
No standard pre-entry timing listed by APHIS for pet dogs.Quarantine Period
If documents are in order and the dog passes the clinical inspection at the port of entry, release may occur the same day. If the dog lacks a readable microchip, has mismatched identification, has no qualifying rabies antibody test, or has a titer below 0.5 IU/ml, quarantine can be extended until microchipping or compliant testing is completed at the owner’s expense.
Same-day release when compliant; extended quarantine applies until deficiencies are resolved.Banned Breeds
No nationwide banned dog breeds were identified in the official South Korea pet import guidance reviewed. Airline rules may still restrict certain snub-nosed or high-risk breeds.
Check airline breed restrictions before booking.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-150 | Typical private U.S. clinic exam fee before international paperwork. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-60 | Only if your dog is not already current. |
| Rabies titer test | $120-250 | Lab and draw/shipping costs vary by clinic and laboratory. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $160-206 | USDA APHIS endorsement fee depends on the number of tests verified on the certificate. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | If your dog does not already have an ISO-compliant chip. |
| Import permit fee | $0 | A separate import permit is not typically required for personal pet dogs entering South Korea under standard rules. |
| Airline pet fee | $140-590 | Asiana’s published international pet fees list USD 140 for Korea-Japan/China/Taiwan/Hong Kong/Mongolia routes, USD 210 for other Asia routes, and USD 290 for U.S./Europe/Oceania routes up to 32 kg including kennel; larger pets are higher. Cargo handling or customs-clearance charges may apply separately. |
| Arrival cargo customs clearance | $38 | Korean Air Cargo FAQ lists KRW 55,000 per air waybill if you hire a customs clearance agent at Incheon; approximate USD conversion depends on exchange rate. |
| Total | $545-1,369 |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
For return travel to the United States, CDC rules depend on where your dog has been during the 6 months before entry. If your dog has been only in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries during that period, the CDC Dog Import Form is the only required CDC document. The dog must also be at least 6 months old, appear healthy on arrival, and have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner. South Korea is treated by CDC as dog-rabies-free or low-risk unless it appears on CDC’s high-risk list, so most dogs returning directly from South Korea follow that lower-risk pathway. Complete one CDC Dog Import Form for each dog; the receipt is free, can be shown on your phone or printed, and is valid for 6 months as long as the dog has not been in a high-risk country during that time. You must also comply with any USDA and state-level rules that apply at your U.S. destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Korea require a microchip for dogs?
Yes. Dogs of all ages must have an ISO-compliant microchip, and the microchip number must be listed on the health certificate.
Does my dog need a rabies titer test for South Korea?
Usually yes if your dog is 90 days old or older and is not coming from a rabies-free country recognized by Korea. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Can a puppy under 90 days old enter South Korea?
Yes. Dogs under 90 days old are exempt from rabies vaccination and rabies titer testing for entry, but they still need a microchip and a government-issued health certificate showing the dog’s age and identification.
How long is the South Korea health certificate valid?
For dogs leaving the United States, the health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS within 30 days of export.
Will my dog be quarantined on arrival in South Korea?
Not necessarily. Dogs with complete documents, a readable microchip, and compliant rabies/titer records can be released after inspection, often the same day. Quarantine is more likely if the microchip cannot be read, the paperwork does not match, or the titer requirement is missing or insufficient.
Does South Korea require an import permit for pet dogs?
For standard personal pet entry, a separate import permit is not typically required. Most travelers enter using the endorsed health certificate and supporting vaccination and titer records.
Are there banned dog breeds in South Korea?
No nationwide breed ban was identified in the official pet import guidance reviewed. However, airlines may restrict certain breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs, so always confirm with your carrier before travel.
What do I need to bring my dog back to the United States from South Korea?
In most cases, if your dog has been only in South Korea or other dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous 6 months, you need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Your dog must also be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and healthy on arrival.