Buying a Pet in Korea

* Read the follow up blog, Beware of Animal Rescue Extremists

Thinking about getting a pet in Korea? Rest assured, there are several ways to do so. My girlfriend just guided me along the lengthy process of researching the various options, communicating with a ton of people and getting emotionally involved with quite a few dogs. And through her diligence and perseverance, we are now the proud owners of an amazing Yorkshire Terrier puppy.

Here’s what we learned in the process.

There are pet stores everywhere, however many people make very vocal arguments against them. Apparently they support so called “puppy mills”, places that crank out animals, that are not always considered the most humane places. And it’s believed that pet stores tend to be the most expensive option.

You can visit a kill shelter, which sound similar to the animal pound at home. It’s basically death row for animals. An example is Karama near Uijeongbu in NE Seoul. At Karama, a dog will cost 50,000 won, which is refundable once you provide proof of neutering.

There is the animal rescue option. These good people take abandoned, often sick animals, nurture them back to health and put them up for adoption. A great example of an online community of animal rescue adoption options is Animal Rescue Korea. Prices will vary depending on which individual you are dealing with.

There are also animal rehabilitation centers, like Dr. Pet Animal Hospital in Gangnam, who acquire sick and injured pets from places like the kill shelters, bring them back to life, and put them up for adoption. Similar to what you will find individually on Animal Rescue Korea, but larger and more organized in one physical location. Appointments are necessary. I believe the cost is around 50,000 won for a dog. It is not refundable, however most of the pets are already neutered.

Now let me take you on our personal and informative journey. We set out to avoid the pet stores, and ended up with an awesome puppy… from a pet store. And we’re very happy with our decision. Here’s why.

After almost 2 years of searching and contemplating the various options, my girlfriend had located the perfect dog.

A few visits to Dr. Pet didn’t reveal anything that she was interested in. And we were discouraged from using Karama. People had informed us that even though they may tell you otherwise, many of the dogs are terminally sick or injured. We also heard that it’s not the most foreigner friendly option. I can’t verify, but rumor has it their attitude can be that of take it or leave it you waegook.

What we thought was our new dog was found on Animal Rescue Korea. Same breed as her dog at home. 5 month old puppy. Heartbreaking story of abandonment and health issues that she could relate to. It could not have been a better match. So we decided it was time to pull the trigger on a decision. It was time to adopt.

She navigated the lengthy application process by email. (It should also be noted that all attempts to communicate by phone throughout this entire process were turned down.) She was asked a million and one questions, including but not limited to:

How familiar are you with dogs?
Who is your vet?
What would you feed it?
Multiple questions making sure you are not going to abandon the animal.
Are all family members OK with getting the dog?
What do you know about training dogs?
How long you have lived in Korea and how long do you plan to be here?
Do you know about your home country’s pet immigration laws?
Do you have the time to commit to this animal?
What is your daily schedule?
How much you anticipate the costs will be?
And you have to agree to neuter the dog.

Shortly after being approved, she was informed that three other people applied as well. One was turned down and one pulled out. And the other couple was 75% sure that the time was not right to take on such a responsibility. With enthusiasm, we made the push, saying the time has never been better, we’re 100% committed, what do we need to do to make this happen?

They then encouraged us to purchase train tickets to visit them in Daegu, knowing we were coming from Seoul. And because they would not let us take the dog home the same day, we were preparing to make over night arrangements as well. Making matters worse, they knew that it was going to be my girlfriend’s birthday weekend, and that we were completely changing our previously established plans, inconveniencing a lot of people, to make the long trip south to pick up her birthday present.

After dropping all of our plans and spending the necessary cash on travel arrangements and puppy supplies, the bomb was dropped. We were informed that the other couple had changed their mind, and were now all of the sudden committed to giving this dog a good home. Not only would they be visiting the dog immediately, but would be allowed to take him home the same day. And by the way, dogs would not be held for anyone.

What?! It was a scene reminiscent of Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi. No dog for you.

Here’s what we learned, hopefully it can help you out should you consider the animal rescue option.

This particular person looked down upon our enthusiasm. She viewed it as immaturity. She preferred to give the dog to the couple that she had known longer, who were up and down on the decision until deciding it was finally right for them. In her words, that was considered more level headed, choosing to ignore that my girlfriend has been looking at dogs for two years.

Communicating with email is very difficult. She decided to twist our initial words in to meanings that were not intended. We responded by writing back out of frustration with the adoption process, and she did the same thing yet again. She took offense to our objections and questions and was not shy when letting us know about it when she responded. It was borderline mean and definitely unnecessary, considering the emotions involved in making such a decision. The phone would have been SO much easier, especially when dealing with a person that only saw what she wanted to see. It would have also saved us a lot of time, money and heartache.

That said, after this horrible experience, we ended up with the most amazing puppy from a store called Cool Pet. Because he will grow to be a full size Yorkie, not the mini version that most Koreans prefer, he was cheap. In fact, we bought the dog and all of his supplies for the price it would have cost us to travel to Daegu and purchase the rescue dog. Throw in the price of our unnecessarily requested accomodation for the night, as well as pet supplies, and it would have cost us much more to go the adoption route.

Cool Pet is super thorough. The Vet on staff speaks English and has helped us with everything. His medical chart is on the computer. We have a calendar of important upcoming dates. He immunizations are current, and we are scheduled for more. She provided ideas for creating his personal space within the apartment and offered many suggestions for proper training.

We couldn’t be happier with our decision.

* Read the follow up blog, Beware of Animal Rescue Extremists

~ by ripcitytoseoul on September 22, 2010.