This is a bird's-eye view of Incheon's newly opened companion animal welfare center in the city's Yeonsu-gu District. (Incheon Metropolitan City)

By Jeong Euiseok

The country's No. 3 metropolis of Incheon has stepped up efforts to create an urban environment where people and animals coexist in harmony and promote a culture of responsible pet ownership.

The municipal government on Oct. 26 said it held the opening ceremony for a companion animal welfare center in Yeonsu-gu District.

Run by the city, the center aims to promote a mature culture of pet ownership and encourage the adoption of abandoned animals.

Built on a site of 4,756 square m with a combined floor area of 782 square m and a basement level and two above-ground floors, the facility has rooms for consultation, adoption preparation, training and veterinary examinations as well as an outdoor training venue on the roof.

The center offers medical exams and treatment for animals in its care and helps them adapt to new environments and families through training in socialization and behavioral modification. Its range of services like adoption counseling and post-adoption care and education seeks to help pets lead stable lives with their families.

The community programs on offer include a "school for pet owners" and animal protection education for children. The plan is to raise cooperation with local governments, autonomous counties and private organizations for animal welfare to expand related care in regions.

innocence@korea.kr