Average Monthly Pet Care Cost Per Animal: 150,000 KRW

'2022 National Survey on Public Awareness of Animal Protection'
1 in 4 Citizens Own Pets... 75.6% Raise 'Dogs'

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] One in four Koreans owns a companion animal, and 75.6% of households with pets raise dogs. The average monthly cost of raising one pet is about 150,000 KRW, which is approximately 30,000 KRW higher than a year ago.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the results of the "2022 National Awareness Survey on Animal Protection" on the 2nd.

When investigating the rate of pet ownership in Korea, 25.4% of people currently raise pets at their residence. Among them, 75.6% were raising dogs, while cats and fish accounted for 27.7% and 7.3%, respectively.

The average monthly cost of raising one pet (including veterinary fees) was about 150,000 KRW. In 2021, it was about 120,000 KRW. The monthly cost for people in their 20s was about 210,000 KRW, higher than other age groups, and single-person households spent 170,000 KRW, more than households with two or more people.

Regarding the experience of using pet-related services within the past year, the order was veterinary hospitals (71.8%), grooming services (51.3%), and pet playgrounds (28.3%).

Regarding the adoption routes of companion animals, "received for free from acquaintances" (40.3%), "purchased from pet shops" (21.9%), and "received for a fee from acquaintances" (11.6%) were the most common. Adoption through acquaintances (both paid and free) accounted for 51.9%.

22.1% of pet owners reported having considered giving up or abandoning their pets. The most common reason for considering giving up or abandoning was "behavioral problems such as property damage and barking" at 28.8%. This was followed by "higher than expected expenses" (26.0%) and "changes in circumstances such as moving or employment" (17.1%).

When asked about the adequacy of dedicated animal protection personnel in local governments, 53.8% (19.0% very insufficient, 34.8% somewhat insufficient) responded that it was "insufficient."

Regarding awareness of compliance requirements among dog owners, 63% answered that they were "aware."

Regarding acts considered as animal abuse, many respondents recognized not only "physical abuse" but also "poor environments (raised in elevated cages, narrow and dark spaces, fed food waste, etc.)" as abuse. The perception survey on local government animal protection centers and private animal protection facilities showed a high opinion that they are "absolutely necessary."

Lim Youngjo, Director of Animal Welfare Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "The results of this national awareness survey will be used as basic data to understand the level of public awareness and policy demand regarding animal protection and welfare."

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will reorganize the existing "National Awareness Survey on Animal Protection" into the "National Awareness Survey on Animal Welfare" starting this year.