Consent Form Required for Pet Surgery... Veterinary Act Amendment Passed at Cabinet Meeting

Notification of Diagnosis and Costs During Animal Treatment... Medical Fees Exceeding Notified Amounts Cannot Be Charged

Image source=Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] On the 11th, the partial amendment to the Veterinarian Act, which guarantees pet owners' right to know and choice in veterinary treatment, passed the Cabinet meeting.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that the amendment to the Veterinarian Act, which requires veterinarians to explain and obtain consent from animal owners when performing major treatments such as surgery, passed the Cabinet meeting and will be submitted to the National Assembly.

As of last year, the number of households with pets in South Korea was 6.38 million, a 25% increase compared to 2018. Although the number of households raising pets is increasing, when pets fall ill and visit animal hospitals, owners have found it difficult to know the treatment items and costs in advance, leading to growing dissatisfaction.

According to the amendment, veterinarians must explain the diagnosis, necessity of treatment, possible aftereffects, and other matters to the animal owner and obtain written consent when performing major treatments such as surgery.

Animal hospital operators must clearly notify animal owners of the costs for major treatment items in an easy-to-understand manner and cannot charge more than the notified amount.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is authorized to investigate and analyze the treatment costs and calculation standards notified by animal hospital operators and disclose the results.

Additionally, to efficiently manage animal treatment, a standardized classification system regarding animal diseases and treatment items will be established and announced.

A Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official stated, "We plan to actively work to submit the amendment to the Veterinarian Act to the National Assembly and ensure its prompt passage through the legislative process."