South Korea launches voluntary pet registration period

South Korea is conducting a voluntary animal registration reporting period from September through October 31, 2026. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and implemented by local governments such as Goyang City, aims to foster a responsible pet culture and prevent the loss or abandonment of animals.

Under the Animal Protection Act, owners of dogs aged two months or older kept for companionship must register them. This includes new registrations and updates to existing information, such as changes in owner contact details or reporting the loss or death of a registered pet. Owners who complete registration or updates during this voluntary period will be exempt from fines.

Failure to comply with registration requirements can result in fines of up to 1 million won, while failure to report changes can lead to fines of up to 500,000 won. Following the voluntary period, local authorities will conduct intensive inspections throughout November, focusing on high-traffic areas like parks and apartment complexes to ensure compliance with registration and leash requirements.