What to Do with 'Alone Pets' During the Holiday Break

Many Restrictions on Moving and Entering Restaurants with Pets
Local Governments Provide Pet Care Services
Experts Say "Even If It's Troublesome and Inconvenient, You Must Move with Pets"

During holidays and extended breaks, traveling with pets is not easy. Pet owners often leave their pets with acquaintances or use care services operated by local governments, but pets tend to experience stress from being separated from their owners.
[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] # Kim, a 30-something office worker, recently visited his hometown for Chuseok. However, Kim had no choice but to leave his dog with an acquaintance because he could not take his pet along to his hometown. Kim lamented, "I wanted to be with my pet, but the travel process was too difficult, so I had no choice." He added, "I hope various systems that allow pets to accompany their owners will be established."

During holidays, pet owners face deep concerns. They want to visit their parents' home or travel with their beloved pets, but pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and transportation options are limited.

Under the Animal Protection Act, pets except for designated dangerous breeds, aggressive animals, birds of prey, rodents, and reptiles can accompany their owners on airplanes, trains, and express buses. However, owners often feel uncomfortable due to the scrutiny of fellow passengers.

Given this situation, local governments in Seoul also provide pet care services. Districts such as Seocho-gu, Gwanak-gu, Nowon-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu operate dog shelters during the Chuseok holiday. These care services are for pet owners who find it difficult to find affordable places to leave their pets during the holidays.

However, pets with poor socialization or sensitivity may experience stress. Experts recommend that, although inconvenient, owners should put their pets in carriers and travel together with them to their hometowns.

Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "Our society still lacks the social conditions and environment for pet care services, but this is an issue that needs to be addressed through system establishment in the future." He emphasized, "Using pet hotels and local government care services or asking acquaintances is an option, but if that is difficult, the only way is to travel together despite the inconvenience."