Sacheon-si Supports Veterinary Medical Expenses for Low-Income Pet Owners

"Will Help Vulnerable Groups Facing Difficulties in Pet Medical Care"

Sacheon City in Gyeongnam Province will provide veterinary care support for low-income households with companion animals.

According to the city on the 5th, recipients under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act, near-poverty groups, single-parent families, and others registered as residents in Sacheon City will receive up to 180,000 KRW annually for companion animal medical expenses. Companion animals owned by disabled assistance dog owners are also included.

Aerial view of Sacheon Agricultural Technology Center.

The scope of care includes companion animal registration fees, preventive measures against animal diseases such as vaccinations, routine animal medical treatment, and surgeries.

However, procedures such as declawing, dewclaw removal, vocal cord surgery, and tear stain removal are excluded. Additionally, costs for grooming and purchasing supplies including pet food are not supported.

Owners must pay the full medical bill at the animal hospital first, then apply for the support amount excluding their own payment at the local administrative welfare center in their town or township.

The city plans to verify eligibility through documents submitted by the owner, such as the application form, claim form, and payment receipt, and disburse the funds within two weeks.

This year’s low-income companion animal medical expense support project will proceed with a total budget of 10 million KRW until the budget is exhausted.

Kwon Sang-hyun, director of Sacheon Agricultural Technology Center, said, “We expect that citizens in low-income groups and their companion animals in the area will be able to enjoy a healthy and happy life through this companion animal medical expense support project.”