Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
At least 2-3 months before travel.
Confirm microchip is ISO-compliant. Current rabies vaccination. Confirm current APQA titre test requirements.
Responsible: CFIA-accredited vet
2
After vaccination. Allow 2-3 weeks for titre result.
Titre test at approved laboratory if required. Await result. No post-titre waiting period under South Korea APQA rules.
Responsible: CFIA vet and approved laboratory
3
After titre result. Book 4-6 weeks before travel.
Apply for APQA import approval if required. Book cargo: YYZ or YVR to ICN.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4
Within 10 days of departure.
CFIA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: CFIA-accredited vet
5
Travel day.
Travel YYZ or YVR to ICN. APQA inspection on arrival at Incheon. Same-day release if documents are correct.
Responsible: Airline and APQA
Which South Korea rules depend on a pet coming from Canada?
South Korea sorts countries into 2 groups, and Canada falls in “All other countries”.
Microchip and a rabies neutralising antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml (FAVN or RFFIT, sampled within 24 months before arrival) on the exporting-government certificate. APQA exempts animals under 90 days old from vaccination and the antibody test (microchip and certificate still needed). Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering South Korea, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our South Korea guide.
What does Canada require before your pet leaves?
Export health certificate: Most pets leaving Canada need an export certificate from a licensed vet, endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian (page modified 2025-03-31). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Canada. Pets: export requirements, checked 1 October 2026
Export health certificate: CFIA endorsement must be obtained before the animal leaves Canada; it cannot be done afterwards. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Canada. Pets: export requirements, checked 1 October 2026
Export health certificate: An appointment is needed for CFIA endorsement; book as early as possible. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Canada. Pets: export requirements, checked 1 October 2026
Export health certificate: Where a destination has no negotiated certificate, the generic Canadian International Health Certificate may be used, completed by a Canada-licensed vet and endorsed by an official government vet. Applies to pet dogs and cats to countries without a specific certificate. Canadian International Health Certificate, checked 1 October 2026
Other conditions: CFIA charges a service fee for endorsement, worked out by a CFIA officer after booking and paid online by credit card at least 3 days before the appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Canada. Book an appointment for CFIA pet export certification endorsement, checked 1 October 2026
Other conditions: The endorsement fee must be paid online at least 3 days ahead and is non-refundable once the appointment is booked (it carries over if rescheduled). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Canada. Book an appointment for CFIA pet export certification endorsement, checked 1 October 2026
We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Canada to South Korea move gets missed.
Pet Transport Global
Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
Air Canada
Air Canada operates Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Air Canada Cargo handles pets on selected routes. The YVR-ICN sector is a standard cargo routing for Canada to South Korea.
Cargo Only
Korean Air
Korean Air operates Vancouver, Toronto, and other Canadian cities to Seoul Incheon. Korean Air Cargo handles live animals. A reliable carrier for this routing with strong cargo handling at Incheon.
Cargo Only
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines operates selected Canadian cities to Incheon with cargo services. Asiana Cargo handles live animals. Confirm availability for your specific route and crate size.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
CFIA veterinary health certificate: CAD 200-400
Titre test if required: CAD 150-250
Air cargo YYZ or YVR to ICN: CAD 1,200-3,500 depending on crate size
APQA inspection fee on arrival: approximately KRW 18,000-30,000 (approximately CAD 20-30)
Total typical range: CAD 2,000-5,000
Critical points
Confirm current APQA requirements at qia.go.kr before preparing. Rules are subject to change and Canada is subject to specific conditions.
Unlike Japan, South Korea does not impose a 180-day post-titre waiting period. If a titre test is required, travel can proceed after a normal wait for the result.
APQA inspection happens at Incheon on arrival. All original documents must travel with the pet.
Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Do not issue it too early.
FAQ
Common questions
No. South Korea’s APQA does not impose a post-titre waiting period. If a titre test is required, travel can proceed after the result is confirmed as passing. This is a fundamental difference from Japan, where a 180-day wait from the blood draw date applies.
Typically 2 to 3 months from the first vet appointment. If a titre test is required, add 2 to 3 weeks for results. No extended waiting period applies under APQA rules. Always confirm current requirements at qia.go.kr before preparing.
Yes. APQA requirements for cats arriving from Canada are broadly similar to those for dogs. Health certificate, current vaccination, and inspection on arrival at Incheon apply. Confirm specific cat requirements with APQA or a specialist agent, as conditions can differ slightly from dogs.
APQA staff read the microchip, check the health certificate, vaccination records, and titre test documentation (if applicable). The clinical inspection confirms the pet is healthy and meets import conditions. If all documents are correct, the pet is released on the same day. Pets from non-rabies-free countries are inspected as a standard procedure.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.