695 Animals Adopted Last Year... Sixfold Increase from Previous Year
This Year, 220 Million KRW Allocated for Adoption Fee Support
The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Animal Hygiene Laboratory announced on the 17th that 695 abandoned animals (561 dogs and 134 cats) at the Animal Protection Center found new families last year.
The overall adoption rate was 18%, marking a turnaround as the adoption rate, which had been declining in recent years, began to rise.
Jeju Province cited three main policies as the key drivers behind the increase in abandoned animal adoptions: collaboration with the specialized adoption agency Pawinhand, operation of the dedicated adoption space 'Aureumdong,' and the expansion of various adoption channels such as holding photo exhibitions featuring adopted animals.
In particular, collaboration with Pawinhand played a significant role in overcoming regional limitations. Out-of-province adoptions increased sixfold, from 6 in 2023 to 36 in 2024.
The newly opened dedicated adoption space, 'Aureumdong,' allows prospective adopters to interact directly with animals and form bonds. Additionally, a photo exhibition featuring the daily lives and stories of over 20 families who adopted abandoned animals helped spread a positive perception of adoption.
The Animal Hygiene Laboratory will invest 220 million KRW to promote the adoption of abandoned animals. Major support programs include providing a first-ever shelter for adopted animals, subsidizing airfare for out-of-province adopters, and offering adoption fee support.
Specifically, adopters who complete animal registration after adoption will receive up to 400,000 KRW for neutering surgery. In cooperation with Jeju National University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital, health checkups are provided, and up to 250,000 KRW is offered for disease diagnosis, treatment, and vaccinations at local animal hospitals. Out-of-province residents who adopt will be reimbursed up to 100,000 KRW for airfare.
This year, in particular, Jeju plans to accelerate out-of-province adoptions by establishing both online and offline adoption channels with Pawinhand, thereby reducing the physical and psychological distance to adopting Jeju's abandoned animals.
Pawinhand will establish a nationwide adoption channel called 'Give Wings to Dogs,' providing dedicated adoption counseling for the Jeju campaign and offering opportunities for direct interaction with Jeju's abandoned animals at the Pawinhand offline adoption space in Seoul.
Kim Eunju, head of the Animal Hygiene Laboratory, stated, "We have prepared various support measures to ensure abandoned animals can meet new families and live happy lives," adding, "With a goal of achieving a 23% adoption rate this year, we will pursue policies that provide practical help to families hoping to adopt."
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