Gangdong-gu Provides Up to 400,000 KRW in Medical Expense Support for Pets of Vulnerable Groups

Medical Expense Support Program for Vulnerable Groups... Positive Effects Such as Reduced Medical Costs and Emotional Stability
Up to 2 Pets per Household, Maximum 400,000 KRW per Pet... First-Come, First-Served Until Budget Runs Out

High medical costs are one of the reasons why abandoned animals occur. In particular, for low-income vulnerable families, the financial burden is significant, often leading to giving up treatment or abandonment.

To alleviate the burden of medical expenses, Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Soo-hee) announced that it will support veterinary medical expenses for basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, and single-parent families.

The project to provide essential animal medical services such as vaccinations to pets of vulnerable groups was first launched nationwide by Gangdong-gu in 2016. In 2021, Seoul City also operated it as a pilot project, which was found to bring several positive effects, including improving pet health and emotional stability for vulnerable groups.

This year, a total of eight animal hospitals have been designated as ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospitals’: ▲ Garam Animal Hospital (Seongnae-dong) ▲ Zion Animal Hospital (Cheonho-dong) ▲ Jurassic Animal Hospital (Cheonho-dong) ▲ Dodam Animal Hospital (Godeok-dong) ▲ Aian Animal Hospital (Godeok-dong) ▲ Central Animal Hospital (Godeok-dong) ▲ Kim Tae-hwa Animal Hospital (Dunchon-dong) ▲ Sangil Sseudam Sseudam Animal Hospital (Sangil-dong). Considering accessibility such as travel distance, the number of designated animal hospitals has expanded from four last year to eight this year.

Support is provided for up to two pets per household, with a maximum of 400,000 KRW per pet. The support covers essential treatments (basic health checkups, vaccinations, heartworm prevention worth about 300,000 KRW) and optional treatments (treatment for symptoms or diseases found during basic checkups or neutering surgery worth about 200,000 KRW), with a co-payment of 10,000 KRW required.

Additionally, any amount exceeding 200,000 KRW for optional treatments is the responsibility of the pet owner. However, the animal must be registered; if not registered, support can be received after registering the animal.

The application period starts from March 6 and continues on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted. Applications can be made by phone or in person at the Gangdong-gu Office Regional Economy Division. Once the application is complete, applicants visit the designated animal hospital on the assigned date, submit their ID, animal registration certificate, medical support application form, and proof of vulnerable status (certificate of livelihood recipient, near-poverty group confirmation, or single-parent family confirmation), and receive treatment.

Since 2022, Gangdong-gu has provided medical services to 122 vulnerable households and 133 pets. The medical support budget is jointly funded by Gangdong-gu and Seoul City and is carried out through talent donations from animal hospitals with designated agreements.

For more details, please refer to the Gangdong-gu website or contact the Gangdong-gu Office Regional Economy Division for guidance.