The era of 15 million pet owners.
Now, pet dogs raised at home are family members as companion animals.
In response to this era, autonomous districts such as Gangnam-gu and Gwanak-gu in Seoul have prepared various events that allow people to enjoy time with their pets and also think about animal welfare.
Seoul’s Mapo-gu, Dongjak-gu, Seongdong-gu, Jungnang-gu, and Nowon-gu have established pet camping sites and playgrounds.
Gangnam-gu Hosts Abundant Events Including Mobile Pet Playgrounds
October 7: Lecture by Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun... Mobile dog playgrounds operated three times on October 12, November 3, and 16
Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) has prepared various events in October and November to create a happy culture for companion dogs.
On October 7, a lecture by veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun will be held, followed by three sessions of mobile pet playgrounds starting from October 12.
The talk concert, held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on the 7th in the lobby of the main building on the first floor of the district office, will have the theme “There is No Perfect Dog in the World.” Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, who appeared on the EBS program “There Are No Bad Dogs in the World” and has helped solve problems faced by dog-owning families, will explain the causes of problematic behaviors and emotions in companion dogs. After the lecture, there will be a Q&A session where attendees can directly ask questions about their own dogs’ issues.
Anyone interested in pets can attend, with a limit of 200 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted by scanning the QR code on the promotional poster posted on the district office website’s notice board. However, since it is an indoor lecture, dogs cannot be brought along.
The mobile playgrounds will be held at ▲ Gangnam-gu Office small parking lot (426 Hakdong-ro) on October 12 ▲ Gangnam Segok Sports Park multipurpose field on November 3 ▲ Gaepo-dong Neighborhood Park basketball court (509 Gaepo-ro) on November 16. The playgrounds will feature various agility facilities and photo zones where dogs can run and play. Additional events include making dog badge ID tags and aroma insect repellents, pet etiquette education and behavior correction counseling, and a “Wait!” championship event.
The playground is open to registered medium and small dogs (under 40 cm in height) and large dogs (40 cm or taller) that have completed rabies vaccination within one year. Operating hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM. Medium and small dogs (up to 50 dogs) can use the playground from 10 AM to 1 PM and 1 PM to 3 PM, while large dogs (up to 15 dogs) can use it from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Residents wishing to use the playground must make an online reservation by the day before. They can search for “Banham (Together with Pets)” on Kakao Channel and click the mobile playground application link or scan the QR code on the poster to fill out the application form. Before visiting, guardians must verify their dog’s exact animal registration number and bring a rabies vaccination certificate on the day of the event. For more details, contact the Local Economy Division.
Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, said, “This event will not only help guardians struggling with problematic behaviors in their dogs but also provide a great opportunity for families who want to enjoy time with their dogs. As the number of pet households increases, we will continue to implement various policies so that residents can happily coexist with their pets.”
Gwanak-gu to Host ‘2024 Coexistence with Animals Festival’
▲ Veterinarian Talk Concert ▲ Pet Etiquette Sports Day ▲ Snack Making, etc... Time to Share Communication and Empathy Between People and Pets
Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) will hold a pet festival to spread a proper pet care culture and lead improvements in animal welfare.
The ‘2024 Coexistence with Animals Festival’ will take place on October 9 at Nakseongdae Park and is open to all residents who love pets, regardless of whether they own one.
This year, a “Talk Concert with a Pet Behavior Expert” will be held. Veterinarian Seol Chae-hyun, famous for appearances on EBS’s “There Are No Bad Dogs in the World” and SBS’s “Animal Farm,” will provide useful information about happiness and communication principles with companion animals.
Besides the talk concert, the festival features various programs that participants can enjoy with their pets. Through events such as the “Godzilla Game,” “Pet Etiquette Sports Day,” and “Wait Contest,” participants can create special memories with their pets.
The “Godzilla Game” is a competition where owners and their pets build and topple blocks together. The “Pet Etiquette Sports Day” involves owners and pets overcoming various obstacles such as hurdles, with the first team to finish declared the winner. Owners wishing to participate can register in advance or on-site.
The “Wait Contest” involves completing various missions, with the pet that waits the longest on the owner’s “Wait” command winning. This program is recommended for households with pets that have strong patience.
The district has also prepared various consultation and experience booths to offer special experiences for owners and pets. Programs include ▲ simple health check-ups ▲ hygiene grooming ▲ nutrition counseling ▲ behavior correction to promote healthy living for pets, and participants can also make homemade snacks, tug toys, name tags, and wool felt accessories for their pets.
Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, “I hope this festival becomes a precious time for people and pets to come together, communicate, and share empathy. As we enter the era of 15 million pet owners, we will do our best to implement policies that promote the welfare of both people and animals.”
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