Understanding Pet Ownership Transfer between Individuals in Korea

If you find yourself needing to transfer pet ownership in South Korea, you will need to go through a few steps. Understanding the rules for pet ownership transfer between individuals in Korea can feel difficult since little information exists in English. Hopefully, the following will help make things easier.

About Pet Registration

In South Korea, the Animal Protection Act mandates that owners must register all indoor companion dogs over two months old. When ownership changes, it’s crucial to update this registration to reflect the new owner’s information.

Who Is Responsible for Updating the Registration?

Both the current (previous) owner and the new owner have responsibilities:

• Previous Owner: Must report the transfer of ownership to the local government office within 30 days of the transfer.
• New Owner: Should ensure that the pet’s registration is updated with their information within the same 30-day period.

Proof of Pet Ownership Transfer

Even though you are doing a pet ownership transfer between individuals in Korea, you still need to use some sort of paperwork. No official paperwork exists for this, but you should draw up something similar to the following:

Keep in mind, the included “Pet Adoption and Transfer of Ownership Agreement” PDF is only an example and not for official use. You can use it to inspire your own version.

Steps to Transfer Pet Ownership

There are two ways that you can transfer ownership of an animal between individuals in South Korea. You can do this in person or online. Before reading the following, please remember that systems change often in Korea. The following represents a moment in time. Always expect variations or changes. Consider the following process documentation a place to start your journey, rather than an exact prescription for how pet ownership transfer occurs every time in Korea will work every time:

In-person Pet Registration Transfer

1. Prepare Necessary Documents:
   • The pet’s registration certificate. (Received when the pet was chipped)
   • Identification documents of both parties. (Copies of ID Korean Cards)
   • A written agreement or proof of transfer (e.g., adoption papers. No formal papers exist, so you will need to make some.)
2. Visit the Local Government Office:
   • Both parties should visit the local gu office (district office) or eup/myeon/dong office to report the change. (If the pet is transferring areas, we assume you have to visit the office in both locations.)
3. Complete the Ownership Transfer Form:
   • Fill out the Animal Registration Change Report form, providing details of the pet and both owners.
4. Submit the Form and Documents:
   • Submit the completed form along with the necessary documents to the official in charge.
5. Receive Confirmation:
   • Once processed, the new owner will receive confirmation of the updated registration.

Online Pet Registration Transfer

If you struggle to do this in person, you can always opt for the online system. However, this will be in Korean, so be prepared to use Google Translate Extension, Papago, ChatGPT, or a friend who speaks Korean.

1. Gather Necessary Information
   • Pet’s Registration Number: This is a unique identifier assigned to your pet.
   • Current Owner’s Name: Ensure you have the exact name as registered.
   • New Owner’s Personal Details: Full name, contact information, and address.
2. New Owner Initiates the Transfer
   • Access the Government Portal: Visit www.gov.kr and log in.
   • Navigate to Pet Ownership Transfer: Search for “동물등록 변경신고” (Pet Registration Change Report).
   • Complete the Application: Fill in the required details, including the pet’s registration number and both owners’ information.
3. Current Owner Confirms the Transfer
   • Timeframe: Within 10 days of the new owner’s application, the current owner must log in to www.gov.kr and confirm the transfer.
   • Approval Process: Once both parties have completed their parts, the local government office will review and approve the transfer.
4. No in-person visit is needed
   • Once both parties submit and confirm online, the transfer is processed.
   • If there’s no problem, you’ll get confirmation of the updated registration.

Important Notes

• Deadline: The entire transfer process should be completed within 30 days of the ownership change.
• Penalties: Failure to update the registration within the stipulated time may result in fines.
• Animal Protection Management System: While www.animal.go.kr provides information and services related to pet registration, ownership transfers are processed through www.gov.kr.
• Microchipped Pets: If the pet has a microchip, ensure that the chip’s information is also updated to reflect the new owner’s details.

Expect the Unexpected

Changes to laws occur often in South Korea, and local autonomous governance means laws could be interpreted differently in different parts of the country. Make sure to research local pet laws with your local government to ensure you remain in compliance with pet registration laws over time.

Final Notes

Transferring pet ownership responsibly ensures the well-being of the animal and compliance with South Korean laws. International Residents need to protect their beloved pets by making sure they comply with all local laws. Always consult with local authorities for the most accurate and updated procedures.