Training Companion Animal Experts
Recruiting 20 Participants per Program
Imsil County in North Jeolla Province and Wonkwang University have joined hands to advance Osu-myeon as a pet-friendly city.
According to the county on August 21, as the first step of the 'Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE)' project being promoted in cooperation with the Department of Companion Animal Industry at Wonkwang University, Imsil County will launch professional training programs for companion animal managers and animal-assisted psychological counselors at Osu Banryeonuri, located in Osu-myeon.
Imsil County and Wonkwang University have joined hands to advance Osu-myeon as a pet-friendly city. Photo by Imsil County
This education initiative marks the first step toward transforming Imsil into a 'pet-friendly city.' It aims to foster professional talent in the companion animal industry, which is emerging as a future growth engine for the region, and to promote sustainable development by strengthening connections with the local community.
The county has signed an agreement with the Department of Companion Animal Industry at Wonkwang University and plans to sequentially open and operate the companion animal manager and Level 2 animal-assisted psychological counselor courses from September, recruiting trainees for each program.
The application period for the companion animal manager course runs until September 19, while applications for the Level 2 animal-assisted psychological counselor course are open until October 10. Applications can be submitted through the county office website, and further details are available from the Wonkwang University RISE project team.
The courses will be held in the second-floor classroom at Osu Banryeonuri in Osu-myeon, with all tuition and textbook fees fully covered. Anyone in the province, including the general public, high school students, and university students, can participate regardless of age, with 20 participants accepted for each course.
After the recruitment period ends, the companion animal manager course will be held every Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from September 22 to November 18, while the Level 2 animal-assisted psychological counselor course will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from October 15 to November 20.
As interest in and demand for companion animals continues to rise, the county plans to provide systematic training programs to offer residents opportunities to enhance their expertise, while also developing Imsil County as a hub for the companion animal industry.
In the future, Imsil County and Wonkwang University plan to go beyond the current training programs by adding a companion animal grooming course, thereby systematically expanding into specialized areas across the industry.
Additionally, various programs will be offered to engage both local residents and tourists, such as a pet-friendly festival utilizing the Osu Uigyeon National Leisure Camping Site, with the goal of developing Imsil into a leading center of pet culture in Korea.
In particular, to strengthen community ties, the county will also develop and operate content linked to the educational programs. Projects such as stray animal protection programs, exhibitions and promotional content, and the development of goods are being prepared. These initiatives are expected to help revitalize the local tourism industry and contribute to job creation in the region.
Professor Lee Hyuna of Wonkwang University stated, "Through practical, field-oriented professional education, we will support graduates to grow not only by acquiring certifications but also by becoming immediately employable professionals in the actual industry and local community."
County Governor Sim Min said, "Through the RISE project, we will reinterpret Imsil County's historical and cultural assets, and this educational program will serve as a catalyst for nurturing companion animal experts who will lead the region's future and for advancing Imsil into a pet-friendly city."
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