163 Companies to Join, Offering a Variety of Programs
Approximately 300,000 Households in Daegu Raise Companion Animals
The 23rd Daegu Pet Show, the largest companion animal culture industry exhibition in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, will take place for three days from March 6 to 8 at the East Hall exhibition center of EXCO.
This year’s event, sponsored by Daegu Metropolitan City and organized by EXCO Co., Ltd. and Messe Esang Co., Ltd., will be the largest ever, featuring 163 companies and 500 booths. In addition to exhibition programs that showcase the latest trends in the companion animal industry at a glance, there will be a wide array of participatory programs designed for approximately 21,000 visitors to enjoy together.
The highlight of this pet show is the high-level side events held in collaboration with the Korea Kennel Federation. Prestigious judges from around the world will evaluate breed pedigrees at the “Daegu FCI International Dog Show,” and the nation’s top canine groomers will compete in the “WIG Grooming Competition,” offering spectacular sights for attendees.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to receive expert advice. The Daegu Veterinary Medical Association will operate on-site booths for companion animal health and nutrition consultations on both March 7 and 8, providing personalized solutions to pet owners concerned about their pets’ health.
At the “Playground” zone, organized jointly with students from Daegu Health High School’s Companion Animal Care Department, various agility facilities such as hurdles and tunnels will be available, allowing dogs to run and play freely. There will also be dynamic agility demonstration shows performed by experts and trained dogs.
Inside the exhibition hall, an industry fair focused on improving the quality of life for companion animals will be held. A total of 163 companies specializing in pet-related businesses will participate, exhibiting and selling a variety of products including food, treats, supplements, toys, and clothing.
A diverse range of hands-on programs will appeal to all five senses. Activities operated by pre-registration include classes for body tissues and aroma mists aimed at promoting pets’ emotional well-being, as well as homemade pet food workshops. More details, including program dates and participation fees, can be found on the official Daegu Pet Show website.
There will also be a wealth of events to add to visitors’ enjoyment. These include “Retro Lucky Draw” and “Instant Lucky Lottery” where attendees can win pet food and supplies, as well as “Lucky Cat Draw” events for cat owners. Visitors who follow the official social media channels will receive pet food samples on a first-come, first-served basis, and other on-site events will be ongoing throughout the show.
In addition, the Daegu Veterinary Medical Association and local universities that have established companion animal-related departments will participate to promote “petiquette” and offer a variety of experience programs. Career counseling will also be available for parents and students.
Currently, Daegu is home to approximately 300,000 households raising companion animals, and the culture of “Pet Humanization,” recognizing pets as family members, is spreading rapidly throughout the city.
The upcoming Daegu Pet Show is expected to be much more than just an exhibition. It will serve as a comprehensive festival where companion animals and their guardians can bond and learn about responsible pet care. Both inside and outside the venue, “Petiquette Experience Zones” will be set up to provide guidance on managing pet waste and safe travel in public places, promoting the establishment of a responsible companion animal culture.
At the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ “Animal Love Learning Center” booth, pre-adoption education for companion animals will be provided through video presentations, and those who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion issued under the name of Daegu Metropolitan City.
Ki Hwan Park, Director of Economic Affairs for Daegu Metropolitan City, stated, “The Daegu Pet Show is a flagship event that leads both the rapidly growing companion animal industry and the advancement of a mature pet culture. We will continue to support Daegu’s rise as a central city for the companion animal culture industry by promoting responsible pet care and enhancing industry competitiveness in line with the era of Pet Humanization.”
Meanwhile, on-site admission for the event is 8,000 won, but visitors can attend for 5,000 won by registering in advance. Those who complete the “Pre-Adoption Education for Companion Animals” at the Animal Love Learning Center and submit their certificate of completion are eligible for free admission. When entering with a companion animal, carriers or leashes must be used at all times to prevent accidents.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
