Gyeongnam Province to Fully Implement Veterinary Care Cost Support for Low-Income Pet Owners Starting March

Support Available from March for 5,000 Households, Up to 240,000 KRW per Household (Including Registration Fee)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Gyeongsangnam-do will officially launch a support program for veterinary treatment expenses for low-income households in the province starting in March, marking the first time this initiative is implemented this year.

This program targets 5,000 low-income households in the province that own companion animals, providing up to 240,000 KRW per household (including registration fees).

As the number of companion animal households increases, the population of companion animals among socially vulnerable groups such as low-income families and elderly living alone is also steadily rising.

Accordingly, demand for veterinary medical services is increasing daily, but most consumers feel burdened by the cost of veterinary treatment. Moreover, the threshold for veterinary clinics feels especially high for low-income groups.

Regarding the support details, registration fees and vaccinations are covered for companion animals without implanted internal wireless electronic identification devices (RFID).

Additionally, general medical treatment and surgery costs performed at veterinary clinics for treatment purposes will be supported. However, grooming services and purchases of food and supplies are not covered.

Municipalities will select beneficiaries based on priority among applicants and can proceed with budget execution simultaneously.

Eligible applicants should prepare the necessary documents and visit the responsible Agricultural Technology Center or the local town/village community service center to apply.

Each municipality will confirm and notify the beneficiaries, and upon submission of the veterinary treatment receipt along with the payment application form to the community service center, the municipality will deposit the treatment cost minus the applicant’s copayment (25%) into the applicant’s account.

Kim Gukheon, Director of Animal Quarantine at Gyeongnam Province, stated, "Companion animals are precious lives that must coexist with humans," adding, "Gyeongsangnam-do will continue efforts to eliminate blind spots in animal welfare and alleviate the burden of veterinary treatment expenses."