Mapo-gu, Ranked No.1 in Pet-Friendly Zones, Introduces Seoul's First 'Visiting Pet Angel' Service

Strengthening Animal Welfare through a Systematic and Hygienic Pet Aftercare System
Expecting Full Operation of Mobile Funeral Services Soon after Detailed Discussions Following the Agreement

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-su) signed an agreement on the afternoon of the 9th with Petmoon Co., Ltd. (CEO Oh Chan-sol) for a 'Mobile Pet Funeral Service.'

The "Visiting Pet Angel" refers to a mobile pet funeral service.

This project, the first of its kind in Seoul, is being promoted by Mapo-gu, the top autonomous district in pet-friendly areas, offering a new alternative for pet aftercare.

Under current law, pet remains are classified as waste and must be handled either by using animal-specific funeral facilities or by placing them in designated waste bags for disposal.

Since there are no animal-specific funeral facilities in Seoul, many pet owners choose to travel to places like Gyeonggi-do for pet funerals.

However, when traveling for funerals is difficult, some pet owners hesitate to dispose of remains in waste bags or are unaware of the illegality of burial, leading to frequent cases of illegal burials near homes or in nearby mountains.

According to a 2022 survey by the Korea Consumer Agency, 41.3% of respondents reported burying or dumping pet remains in residential areas or mountains, the highest percentage.

The 'Mobile Pet Funeral Service' introduced by the district involves a pet funeral service vehicle visiting the location requested by the customer to collect the remains and conduct a memorial ceremony.

Afterwards, cremation is performed inside the vehicle using a smokeless and odorless cremator at a designated location, and the urn is then handed over to the pet owner.

Through this agreement, a systematic and hygienic pet aftercare system will be established, enhancing awareness of animal welfare and greatly helping pet owners overcome the grief associated with pet loss syndrome.

Pet loss syndrome refers to the emotional state of sadness and distress experienced by people when they lose their pets.

Additionally, the economic and time burdens on pet owners will be reduced, and environmental issues caused by illegal burials are expected to be resolved. The district plans to promptly and fully operate the mobile funeral service by coordinating detailed matters according to the agreement.

Furthermore, pet households in Mapo-gu can receive a 60% discount on funeral service fees, and pet households with single elderly residents aged 75 or older can use the service free of charge.

Park Kang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, "This agreement is very meaningful as it opens a new horizon for pet funeral culture," adding, "We will lead a mature pet culture as the top pet-friendly autonomous district by preparing various pet welfare policies."

Mapo-gu is advancing pet welfare projects ahead of others, including creating a 2,863㎡ pet camping site in Nanji Hangang Park, Sangam-dong, running the 'Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital' project for vulnerable groups, and supporting rabies vaccinations for pets.