Seoul City Supports Medical Expenses for Pets of Vulnerable Groups

Basic Livelihood Security Recipients, Next-Lowest Income Bracket, and Single-Parent Families Included

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 21st that it will launch the ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital’ project, which supports essential veterinary care for pets of vulnerable groups in line with the city’s philosophy of ‘walking together with the vulnerable.’ This initiative aims to reduce economic burdens and improve the health of pets, thereby strengthening welfare for vulnerable groups.

To alleviate the medical expenses for pets of vulnerable groups who are cutting living costs to care for their pets, Seoul and its autonomous districts will designate ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospitals.’ Pet owners will only need to pay 10,000 KRW to receive medical support worth 200,000 to 400,000 KRW, including health checkups, vaccinations, neutering surgeries, and disease treatments.

This project was piloted in 2021, and last year 21 autonomous districts participated, supporting a total of 1,679 pets of vulnerable groups to date. This year, all autonomous districts in Seoul will participate, and the number of designated hospitals will be significantly expanded from 68 to 92 to improve accessibility for citizens. Additionally, the support target has been expanded to include single-parent families, who were previously in blind spots, with plans to support up to 1,500 pets.

The support targets are basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, and single-parent families who raise dogs or cats within the jurisdiction of their residential autonomous district. They can receive treatment by visiting ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital’ with their pets.

The support items include essential treatments (basic health checkups, essential vaccinations, heartworm prevention medication) and optional treatments (treatment of diseases found during basic checkups, neutering surgeries). For essential treatments, animal guardians pay a consultation fee of 5,000 KRW per visit (up to 10,000 KRW), and for optional treatments, they only pay the amount exceeding 200,000 KRW. Costs excluding the guardian’s share are supported by Seoul and the autonomous districts and provided through the pro bono services of ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital.’

Yoo Young-bong, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Green City and Leisure Bureau, said, “We will expand the ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital’ project to reduce the burden on vulnerable groups and help them enjoy a healthy life with their pets.” He added, “Seoul will continue to expand designated animal hospitals and strengthen support to warmly accompany the vulnerable.”