Pets, More Urgent Than Owners? Lawyers Needed? [New Jobs]

US-born, Already Active as a Professional 'Pet Attorney'
Many Legal Lawsuits Involving Custody and Medical Negligence

Editor's NoteWith super-aging and ultra-low birth rates, along with the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, new changes are occurring in the world of occupations. We introduce the world of new jobs that open paths for new challenges in working life or a second act in life.

As the number of companion animals increases, the related industry is also growing rapidly. Various convenience, medical, and food services for companion dogs and cats are gaining prominence. However, there is a still unfamiliar professional occupation related to companion animals in Korea, namely the 'Pet lawyer.'

Do animals really need specialized lawyers? Surprisingly, once becoming a pet owner, one inevitably faces various legal challenges that were never considered before. In Western countries where companion animal culture is more developed than in Korea, pet lawyers are already recognized for their professionalism and scale comparable to other legal industries.

Animals also need 'law'

Pet dog. [Image source=Pixabay]

In the United States, pet lawyers are called 'Pet attorneys.' They represent various legal lawsuits for companion animals or their owners. They handle and advise on various legal and regulatory issues surrounding companion animals.

Because of the nature of 'animals,' companion animals and legal services may seem distant from each other, but in reality, they are not. Whether it is a dispute with a landlord involving a companion animal or a medical accident, all lead to legal issues. In case a pet unexpectedly causes harm to someone else, there must be someone to represent the lawsuit.

Pet attorneys in the U.S. are specialized lawyers who resolve such disputes, boasting a considerable market size to the extent that specialized law firms for companion animals have even been established. They represent clients in criminal and civil cases related to companion dogs and engage in various disputes involving companion animals. They also advocate for animal welfare and rights through public education and promotion.

Companion animal population reaches 15 million... 'Pet law firms' also launched

[Image source=Pixabay]

There are still no official pet lawyers in Korea. The Korean Bar Association manages a total of 62 specialized fields, but 'animals' is not among them.

However, the number of companion animal owners in Korea exceeded 15 million as of last year, and accordingly, cases related to companion animals are increasing. Some lawyers claim to be 'experts in animal-related lawsuits' and assist these clients, or law firms specializing only in companion animal cases are gradually emerging.

The demand for animal-related cases is definitely increasing. According to data compiled by the Korea Consumer Agency, from 2017 to the first half of 2023, a total of 2,163 consumer consultations related to animal hospitals in Korea were recorded. Among the total cases, 988, slightly less than half, were related to damage relief cases. These disputes are generally handled through civil lawsuits.