Supporting Psychological and Emotional Stability of Vulnerable Children through Interaction with Animals

Gwanak-gu Recruiting 10 Volunteers for the 3rd Animal-Assisted Activity Program Until the 17th

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] In line with the era of ten million pet owners, Gwanak-gu's unique animal welfare project that creates a happy environment where people and animals coexist stands out.

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) is recruiting new volunteers to participate in the animal-assisted volunteer program "Meongmeonga, Let's Play!" until the 17th.

"Meongmeonga, Let's Play!" is a specialized animal-assisted volunteer program unique to Gwanak-gu, where volunteers bring their companion dogs to meet and collaborate with socially vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and people with severe disabilities, aiming to promote psychological and emotional stability among these vulnerable groups.

Since its inception in 2016, a total of 45 volunteers have participated, conducting the psychological stabilization support program "Meongmeonga, Let's Play!" through interaction with animals for about 70 people including elderly living alone, children from single-parent families, and people with severe disabilities.

This year's recruitment period for animal-assisted activity volunteers is until the 17th, targeting 10 dog owners who have registered and vaccinated companion dogs.

The district evaluates whether the applicant's dog is suitable for volunteer dog activities by comprehensively assessing aggression and sociability, and conducts volunteer training for dog owners who pass the preliminary evaluation.

The animal-assisted activity volunteer training is conducted by experts in related fields such as companion animal behavior counselors and animal-assisted psychological counselors, providing comprehensive education on understanding animal-assisted activities.

Volunteers who complete the total 9 hours of training will conduct the animal interaction program "Meongmeonga, Let's Play!" for vulnerable children at the Gwanak Regional Child Welfare Center.

Those wishing to participate can refer to the Gwanak-gu Office website (News & Notices → Gwanak News) and apply by mail (Gwanak-gu Office Job Venture Division, Companion Animal Team), fax (☎879-7834), or email (2015031218@ga.go.kr).

Gwanak-gu is actively promoting 19 projects under the goal of "coexistence with animals" to spread a proper companion animal care culture, including ▲ protection and management of abandoned animals ▲ fostering a coexistence culture with stray cats ▲ livestock quarantine ▲ activation of animal welfare.

Mayor Park Junhee said, "We will operate diverse and proactive specialized animal protection and welfare projects tailored to the demand of households with companion animals, striving to make Gwanak-gu a role model for a mature companion animal culture where pet owners and non-pet owners understand and respect each other."