Starting in August, the expenses of veterinary hospitals will be disclosed simultaneously on the hospital premises and on their websites. Additionally, the number of animals available for adoption at animal protection centers will increase from 3 to 10.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance published a report on the 1st outlining these details under the title 'Here's what will change starting in the second half of 2025.'
According to this report, the method of disclosing expenses will be improved so that pet owners can easily know the cost of veterinary services in advance. Currently, veterinary hospitals are posting expenses on either the hospital premises or their website.
The responsible agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has ruled that expenses must be posted within veterinary hospitals as a principle, and if they operate a website, they should also post them there. The measure is in consideration of the fact that if expenses are only disclosed within the hospital, confirmation requires a direct visit, and conversely, if they are only posted on the website, it can be difficult for the elderly and others to check.
This will go into effect immediately in August, but the government has decided to provide a grace period until October, considering the preparation time for veterinary hospitals.
Starting in July, the number of animals that can be adopted from animal protection centers will expand from the current 3 per person to 10. However, this is possible only if the head of the animal protection center reviews the post-adoption management certificate submitted by potential adopters and finds no issues with additional adoptions.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs noted that 'adoption of stray animals protected by animal protection centers will be activated' and explained that 'the negative perception of stray animals will also improve.'
Starting on December 14 this year, a license system for wildlife operations will be implemented, and management of imports and distribution will be strengthened. Under the new system, anyone intending to engage in the sale, import, production, or management of wildlife above a certain scale must obtain permission from the local government head.
The certain scale referred to means ▲ possessing and breeding over 20 wild animals while selling more than 30 annually (for reptiles and amphibians, over 50 must be held and more than 100 sold annually) ▲ selling an average of over 10 wild animals monthly (for reptiles and amphibians, over 20 must be sold).
Additionally, anyone wishing to import or bring in wild animals that can be imported domestically, which are not on the list of designated management species, must report to the local government head. To assist in understanding, the Ministry of Environment plans to establish a white list listing the wild animals that fall under this category. Meerkats, Indian peafowls, and crested geckos are expected to be included based on current standards. However, those intended for food purposes are excluded from reporting.
The responsible agency, the Ministry of Environment, explained that they are doing this 'to prevent human and economic damages resulting from the emergence of zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife' and will strengthen the tracking and management of wildlife entering the country.