The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 29 said the number of registered pets last year was 3.67 million. (Seodaemun Naepumae Center)

By Lee Da Som

A culture of more responsible pet ownership is emerging in the country, with the number of rescues of lost and abandoned animals falling over 10% and that of registered pets hitting 3.67 million last year.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 29 said this in a 2025 survey of animal protection and welfare, adding that the registered pet figure rose 5.3% from 2024.

A combined 96,000 lost or abandoned animals were rescued, down 10.4% year on year, reflecting a steady decline since 2019. The country also added five animal shelters that rescue and care for abandoned animals, raising their number to 236.

The number of pet businesses reached 24,384, up 3.5%. By sector, pet grooming (44.5%) accounted for the largest share, followed by boarding (23.8%) and sales (11.4%).

Conversely, the figures for pet importers (11.5%), sellers (10.5%) and breeders (4.5%) all fell.

The ministry said, "We will keep striving to provide relevant information to stimulate a more mature culture of animal welfare and ensure that such data is used for policymaking and improvement of related institutions."

dlektha0319@korea.kr