Three out of 10 households in Korea were found to raise companion animals. The average monthly cost of raising one companion animal was about 121,000 won. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the 12th released the results of a survey on the status of raising companion animals and a public awareness survey on animal welfare.
According to the Agriculture Ministry survey, the share of households raising companion animals was 29.2%. It expanded from the previous "one in four households" level to "one in three." Among households that raise pets, the share raising dogs was highest at 80.5%. Cats accounted for 14.4%. The Agriculture Ministry, starting this year, announced the status as national approved statistics through a face-to-face survey using samples from the Population and Housing Census.
The average monthly cost of raising one companion animal was 121,000 won, of which medical expenses were 37,000 won. Costs for accidents, injuries and illness treatments were around 14,000 won. The average monthly cost for dogs was 135,000 won, higher than 92,000 won for cats.
◇ 93.2% support tougher penalties for animal abuse
Awareness of animal welfare-related laws and systems was 74.9%. It was 90.2% for pet owners and 68.9% for non-owners. However, positive responses regarding compliance with requirements by dog owners were only 48.8%. The analysis is that there is a gap between awareness of the system and actual practice.
A total of 93.2% supported strong punishment for animal abuse and measures to ban keeping animals. The difference in perception was not large, at 94.3% among pet owners and 92.7% among non-owners.
In the past year, 95.1% had used an animal hospital. Grooming businesses were 50.8%, playgrounds 35.5%, and hotels 12.9%, in that order. The Agriculture Ministry said animal hospital services are playing a key role in the raising process.
The most common adoption channel for companion animals was distribution through acquaintances at 46.0%. Purchases at pet shops were 28.7%, and taking in and raising stray cats and the like was 9.0%. In the next year, 22.8% responded that they intended to adopt. Of these, 88.3% said they were considering adopting lost or abandoned animals.
Joo Won-cheol, director general of the Animal Welfare Policy Bureau at the Agriculture Ministry, said, "It is meaningful that the status of raising companion animals has been approved as national statistics," and added, "We will push policies to ease the burden of raising pets and spread a responsible companion culture."