Geumcheon District Operates Voluntary Pet Registration Reporting Until June 30

Intensive Inspections in July
Fines Up to 600,000 Won for Non-Compliance

Geumcheon District in Seoul is operating a "2025 Voluntary Animal Registration Reporting Period" until June 30. If residents newly register their animals or report changes to registration information during this period, the penalty for unregistered animals will be waived.

According to the Animal Protection Act, dogs over two months old that are kept in residential or semi-residential properties, or for companionship purposes, must be registered. Registration for companion cats is optional. If there are changes to the animal's owner, address, phone number, or the animal's status (lost, found, deceased), it is mandatory to report these changes within 30 days.

To register, owners can bring their pets to a designated agency such as a nearby animal hospital and choose between an internal (microchip implantation) or external (collar) wireless identification device. Even if the animal has already been registered, if there are changes to the owner's information or the animal's status, these can be reported at animal hospitals, the Geumcheon District Office, the National Animal Protection Information System (www.animal.go.kr), or Government24 (www.gov.kr).

In July, after the voluntary reporting period ends, there will be intensive inspections in parks, walking trails, and other areas to check for animal registration and the attachment of identification tags. Failure to register or report changes may result in a fine of up to 600,000 won.

This year, the voluntary animal registration reporting period will be held twice: the first from May 1 to June 30, and the second from September 1 to October 31. For more information, contact the Regional Economy Division of the Geumcheon District Office at 02-2627-2595.

Yu Seonghun, head of the Geumcheon District Office, stated, "I hope residents will register their beloved companion animals during the voluntary reporting period to prevent them from being lost and to strengthen a sense of responsibility," and added, "We will actively support the establishment of a mature companion animal culture."