With the Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic... Import Performance of Companion Dogs and Cats via Aircraft Doubles

Income from companion dogs increased 2.2 times, and from companion cats increased 2.4 times

This cute cat, if abandoned by its owner, becomes a wild feral cat and ends up preying on wild animals. Only the survival instinct through hunting will remain.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] The import of companion animals (dogs and cats) via aircraft has significantly increased this year. This is attributed to the social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Incheon Customs announced on the 26th that as of the end of last month, the number of companion dogs and cats imported by air was 9,965 animals (1,472 cases) and 2,735 animals (545 cases), respectively, representing a 2.2-fold and 2.4-fold increase compared to the previous year.

Incheon Customs also provided precautions as the use of aircraft to import companion animals is on the rise. When importing companion animals, importers must carry a quarantine certificate certified by the exporting country's government agency and a copy of the air waybill (B/L), apply for animal quarantine at the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency to obtain an 'Animal Quarantine Certificate' before filing the import declaration, and prepare documents such as a copy of the B/L, the animal quarantine certificate, and an invoice showing the value when submitting the import declaration.

Incheon Customs stated, "With the increase in single-person households and the prolonged COVID-19 situation leading to more time spent at home, the demand for companion animals appears to be rapidly increasing," adding, "We will continue to make efforts to ensure that companion animals are cleared through customs quickly and safely by strengthening cooperation with related agencies."