Gangseo-gu Supports Veterinary Treatment Costs for Pets of Vulnerable Groups

Operation of the 'Uri Dongnae Animal Hospital' Project

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) operates the ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital’ project, which supports veterinary expenses for vulnerable groups. The ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital’ project provides support for health check-up costs and disease treatment expenses for dogs and cats raised by vulnerable groups.

As of this year, about 19% (approximately 6,100 households) of vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood security recipients own pets, but problems such as neglect or abandonment due to the burden of medical expenses have been raised.

Accordingly, the district has taken steps to alleviate the economic burden of vulnerable groups by supporting veterinary and treatment costs for pets. Eligible recipients are basic livelihood security recipients, low-income households, and single-parent families registered as residents in the area. Support is provided once a year for up to two pets per household.

First, essential medical care is provided for pets. The examination includes basic health check-ups, essential vaccinations, and heartworm prevention medication prescriptions. Essential medical care is provided within 300,000 KRW.

Pet owners only need to visit the designated Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital and pay a consultation fee (up to 10,000 KRW). After essential medical care, additional optional treatments can be received based on the veterinarian’s opinion.

Treatment for detected symptoms or diseases or neutering surgery can be selected and supported up to 200,000 KRW. Owners only pay the amount exceeding 200,000 KRW. However, simple prescriptions such as grooming, nutritional supplements, and heartworm prevention medication are not supported under optional treatments.

The ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospitals’ designated by the district are four locations: ▲Good Morning Animal Hospital (Banghwa-dong) ▲Haemalgeun Animal Hospital (Gayang-dong) ▲Yul Animal Medical Center (Magok-dong) ▲Saint Animal Hospital (Hwagok-dong).

When visiting the animal hospital, present a certificate of basic livelihood security recipient, a certificate of low-income household, or a single-parent family certificate (issued within the last 3 months). Support for medical expenses for pets of vulnerable groups may end early when the budget is exhausted, so prompt application is advised.

Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, “This project is implemented to help ensure that no one gives up pet treatment due to financial reasons,” and added, “We hope many people who hesitated due to the burden of pet treatment will show interest and apply.”