Gwangjin-gu Launches "Our Neighborhood Pet Boarding Facility" for Temporary Care of Companion Animals for Vulnerable Residents

Available for illness, hospitalization, relocation, and more
Boarding support for up to 10 days per year

Gwangjin-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is operating the "Our Neighborhood Pet Boarding Facility" program for vulnerable residents who suddenly face a crisis situation and need temporary care for their companion animals.

The program is available to basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income households, single-parent families, crime victims (those admitted to protection facilities), and single-person households whose resident registration is in Gwangjin-gu. When they need to entrust their companion animals due to illness or hospitalization, financial hardship, or relocation of residence, the district provides care services for a certain period.

Promotional material for a pet boarding facility. Provided by Gwangjin-gu.

Each dog or cat can use the service for up to 10 days per year, and single-person households can use it for up to 5 days per half-year. Depending on the type and weight of the companion animal, the district subsidizes boarding fees of up to 50,000 won per day, and in cases of special circumstances recognized by the district, such as long-term hospitalization, the period can be extended up to 50 days.

Starting this year, the eligibility criteria have been strengthened so that, following dogs, cats are also eligible for support only if their animal registration has been completed. This measure is intended to encourage the establishment of a responsible pet ownership culture.

The two designated boarding facilities are "Bubbling-Nabiya (Room 201, 670 Ttukseom-ro, Jayang-dong)" and "Dogniel (Basement level 1, 41 Neungdong-ro 5-gil)." To apply, residents must visit one of the boarding facilities in person and submit supporting documents proving vulnerable status such as a resident registration certificate, a copy of their ID, and a copy of their companion animal registration certificate.

For crime victims, support is provided through a process in which related institutions such as police stations or protection facilities prepare the necessary documents and submit a request to the district office. As available hours and boarding conditions may differ by facility, residents are advised to make inquiries in advance before visiting.

Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said, "Companion animals are precious family members that provide emotional stability and comfort to our residents," adding, "Through the Our Neighborhood Pet Boarding Facility program, we will expand support so that residents can safely entrust their companion animals even in times of crisis, and create a Gwangjin-gu where people and animals can be happy together."