Hwaseong-si Launches Operation of 'Public Companion Animal Hospital' for Vulnerable Groups

12 Animal Hospitals Designated... Support for Vaccinations and Disease Treatment Provided

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 27th that it will begin full-scale operation of the 'Public-Type Companion Animal Hospital,' which provides public services to pets raised by vulnerable groups.

The 'Public-Type Companion Animal Hospital,' introduced for the first time this year, is a project that offers medical services such as health checkups, essential vaccinations, disease treatment, and neutering surgeries for companion animals to vulnerable groups through 12 animal hospitals in the city.

Officials from Hwaseong City and animal protection organizations are holding a plaque ceremony at a public companion animal hospital in Hwaseong City.
[Photo by Hwaseong City]

The city previously designated 12 animal hospitals as Public-Type Companion Animal Hospitals through a public contest and screening process. The support targets are basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, single-parent families, and persons with severe disabilities registered as residents of Hwaseong City. Support is provided up to a maximum of 400,000 KRW per person annually for dogs and cats registered under the individual's name.

Those wishing to receive treatment should make a prior reservation at a designated hospital and visit with their companion animal, bringing an ID and proof of vulnerable status. Information on designated hospitals, project procedures, and treatment costs can be found on the Hwaseong City website.

Meanwhile, to encourage standardization of companion animal treatment fees, the city has set upper limits on fees for six treatment items: comprehensive vaccines, influenza, COVID-19 vaccines, kennel cough, rabies, and heartworm tests. The city explained that Public-Type Companion Animal Hospitals post these limits within their facilities and provide treatment at or below these costs.

Park Tae-kyung, Director of the Civil Economy and Industry Bureau of Hwaseong City, said, "Through the operation of Public-Type Companion Animal Hospitals, we will reduce the burden on vulnerable groups and support companion animals to enjoy a healthy life." He added, "In the future, we will expand the designation of Public-Type Companion Animal Hospitals and provide broader medical benefits to make Hwaseong City a leader in animal welfare."