Seocho-gu Reduces Medical Expense Burden for Pets of Vulnerable Groups

For Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Near-Poverty Class ▲Mandatory Care: Basic Health Checkup, Essential Vaccinations, Heartworm Preventive Medication, etc. (Worth 300,000 KRW) ▲Optional Care: Treatment for Diseases Detected in Mandatory Care or Neutering Surgery (Within 200,000 KRW)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (District Mayor Jeon Seong-su) operates the ‘Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital’ project to reduce the economic burden on vulnerable pet owners and strengthen animal welfare.

The ‘Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital’ project supports essential medical expenses such as basic check-ups and mandatory vaccinations for pets (dogs and cats) raised by vulnerable groups.

To this end, last month the district signed designation agreements with two animal hospitals: Handong Animal Hospital (Yangjae-dong) and Naebang Animal Hospital (Bangbae-dong).

The support is broadly divided into essential treatment and optional treatment. Essential treatment covers about 300,000 KRW worth of medical expenses including basic check-ups, mandatory vaccinations, and heartworm prevention medication. Optional treatment provides additional support of up to 200,000 KRW for treatment of symptoms or diseases discovered during essential treatment or for neutering surgery. However, simple prescriptions such as grooming and nutritional supplements are not supported under optional treatment.

The owner’s co-payment is 5,000 KRW per visit (up to 10,000 KRW) for essential treatment, and any amount exceeding 200,000 KRW for optional treatment. Costs excluding the owner’s co-payment are covered by support funds from Seocho-gu and Seoul City, as well as talent donations from ‘Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital’.

Eligible recipients are basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups registered as residents of Seocho-gu who raise dogs or cats. Support is available for up to two animals per household and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted. For dogs, animal registration with the district is mandatory, and the registered owner must be the applicant.

Those wishing to apply for treatment should bring their ID, a certificate of livelihood recipient or near-poverty status issued within the last three months, and the animal registration certificate to visit the Seocho-gu ‘Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital’.

The district plans to expand the designation of ‘Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital’ next year.

Meanwhile, since opening the ‘Seocho Animal Love Center’ in 2018, the district has been working to promote animal welfare through programs such as the ‘Seoripul Rainbow Gathering’ to comfort pet owners grieving the loss of their pets, the ‘Pet Dog Culture Class’ where participants make dog bowls and bath products, and the ‘Pet Dog Academy’ to improve dogs’ social skills.

Jeon Seong-su, Mayor of Seocho-gu, said, “I hope this project will reduce the economic burden on vulnerable groups raising pets and help take care of their pets’ health. We will continue to promote various projects to improve animal welfare and create ‘Seocho, a city where people and animals are happy.’”