Daejeon City to Support Veterinary Medical Expenses for the Socially Disadvantaged

Support for 400 Recipients, Up to 200,000 Won Per Person
Covers Neutering, Treatment, Pet Insurance, and More
Applications Accepted from January 26 to February 27

Photo by Daejeon City

Daejeon City will provide veterinary medical expense support of up to 200,000 won per person for a total of 400 individuals from vulnerable households with companion animals.

The city is recruiting recipients for the "2026 Veterinary Medical Expense Support Project for the Socially Disadvantaged with Companion Animals" to reduce the financial burden of veterinary costs for socially disadvantaged residents (dogs and cats that have completed animal registration) and to promote proper care for companion animals.

This initiative was established to support vulnerable households who care for their pets as family members but feel burdened by veterinary expenses due to economic circumstances.

Eligible applicants must be socially disadvantaged individuals who are registered residents and actually reside in Daejeon Metropolitan City. This includes: ▲ persons with severe disabilities ▲ recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security Program ▲ individuals in the lower-income bracket ▲ single-parent families. Priority will be given in the order of persons with severe disabilities, recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security Program, individuals in the lower-income bracket, and single-parent families.

Once selected as a beneficiary, if more than 250,000 won is spent on medical expenses for one companion animal, up to 200,000 won will be provided. If less than 250,000 won is spent, 80% of the actual amount used will be supported.

The support covers veterinary medical expenses such as neutering/spaying, vaccinations, health check-ups, disease testing and treatment, as well as pet insurance premiums and the cost of embedded animal registration. However, expenses for purchasing pet food or supplies are excluded from support.

The first application period will run from January 26 to February 27. If the number of applicants in a particular district does not meet the quota, a second application period will be held from April 6 to April 24.

Applications can be submitted at the local administrative welfare center corresponding to the applicant’s registered address. While self-application is the principle, proxy applications are allowed if all required documents are prepared.

After being confirmed as a beneficiary, applicants must first pay the veterinary expenses out-of-pocket at an animal hospital within Daejeon. They can then submit the relevant documents to the district office to receive the support payment.

Daejeon City expects that this project will reduce the burden of veterinary expenses for vulnerable households with companion animals, and by supporting the emotional comfort and daily stability that pets provide, help create a welfare environment where both people and animals are protected together.

Park Youngcheol, Director of the Greenery and Agricultural Life Bureau, stated, "For many vulnerable individuals, companion animals are like family and serve as emotional support. We will continue to provide assistance that benefits both pet owners and their animals so that no one has to postpone treatment for financial reasons."

For further details regarding the project, please contact the animal policy department at the district office in charge.