Gwangju Seo-gu Supports Veterinary Expenses for Vulnerable Groups' Pets... Up to 200,000 KRW

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (District Mayor Kim Ikang) is promoting the ‘Socially Vulnerable Pet Medical Expense Support Project’ to reduce the medical expense burden for pets of vulnerable groups.

According to Seo-gu on the 23rd, the support targets are basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, and persons with severe disabilities who own pets (dogs, cats) registered with an implanted animal identification chip in Seo-gu. Seo-gu will support 90% of the medical expenses, up to a maximum of 200,000 KRW per household.

Seogu District Office exterior. [Photo by Seogu]

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

However, procedures such as declawing, tail docking, vocal cord surgery, and tear stain removal are excluded, and costs for grooming, food, and other supplies are not supported.

Applications can be made by submitting the required documents to the local administrative welfare center after paying for the veterinary treatment personally.

The support funds will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted, starting this month, only for receipts that meet the eligibility criteria. Multiple treatments can be claimed cumulatively.

Jung Sohyun, Director of the Economic Division, said, “As the emotional benefits of pets increase, we will continue to strive to protect pets owned by socially vulnerable groups and improve the quality of life for these groups.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dongho baekok@asiae.co.kr