The Seoul Metropolitan Government will extend its Neighborhood Pet Care Center service to single-person households. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 10 that it will extend its Neighborhood Pet Care Center service to single-person households, broadening support for pet owners who need to leave their animals for extended periods.
This initiative, coming just before the Chuseok holiday, widens the eligibility criteria from the previous focus on low-income groups (basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty groups, and single-parent families) to now include individuals living alone.
The service, available for both dogs and cats, operates through 18 locations across eight districts in Seoul: Gangbuk, Dongjak, Seodaemun, Seongbuk, Gangnam, Gwangjin, Songpa, and Gangseo. Residents of these districts who fall into the low-income category or live alone can now access this support.
To use the service, eligible residents must inquire at their district office and submit the necessary documentation. For dogs, proper animal registration is mandatory.
The duration of care differs based on the applicant’s status. Low-income households can utilize the service for up to 10 days per animal, while single-person households are limited to 5 days.
The service is provided free of charge for both groups. However, while there is no limit on usage for low-income families, single-person households are restricted to one use per half-year.
In a related initiative, the city government is also offering a Basic Funeral Service for Companion Dogs to alleviate the financial burden on low-income pet owners and promote proper animal burial practices.
Eligible Seoul residents can access this service for 50,000 won, with the city subsidizing 150,000 won and the service provider, 21 Gram, covering additional costs.
Lee Soo-yeon, head of Seoul’s parks and recreation bureau, stated, “We are operating the Neighborhood Pet Care Center and companion dog funeral support programs to reduce the economic and psychological burden on vulnerable members of society, allowing them to lead happier lives with their pets.”
She added, “We will continue our efforts to create a Seoul where both humans and animals can coexist happily.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
