Living with a pet comes with more administrative tasks than people expect. Putting off registration can lead to a fine, and vet costs vary so much between clinics that it is easy to overpay without realizing it. Here are the things that are easy to miss in pet life, in order.
1If you have not registered your animal yet, check this first
Registering a dog is mandatory, and failing to register can result in a fine. First check whether it is already registered, by registration number or owner information, on the Animal Registration Information Lookup within the National Animal Protection Information System; if it is not, find a nearby registration agency, such as a veterinary clinic, through the Animal Registration Agency Lookup and register there.
2If you are worried about vet costs, start by comparing treatment fees
Veterinary clinics can charge very different amounts for the same treatment item. Checking the lowest, highest, and average cost of major treatment items by region in advance, through the Veterinary Clinic Fee Disclosure System, gives you a benchmark when switching clinics or comparing quotes.
3If money is tight, check whether treatment-cost support is available
If you are part of a vulnerable group, such as a basic livelihood recipient, check whether a support program can significantly discount your pet's treatment costs. "Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital" is the name of Seoul's support program for pet treatment costs for vulnerable groups; other local governments may run programs with different names and conditions, so check separately with your local public health center or animal-protection department.
4If your pet has passed away
In the rush of grief, it is easy to end up using an unlicensed business, but unlicensed funeral businesses are illegal and their handling of remains cannot be trusted. Check whether a business is officially registered through the Registered Pet Funeral Business Lookup before using it — that is the safer route.
Services mentioned in this guide
Animal Registration Information Lookup
A service for checking whether a pet is registered using its animal registration number and owner information
24 hours (for information lookup)
Operated by · 농림축산검역본부(국가동물보호정보시스템)
Cost · Free
Animal Registration Agency Lookup
A service for searching, by region, agencies nationwide (such as veterinary clinics) that handle animal registration
24 hours (for information lookup)
Operated by · 농림축산검역본부(국가동물보호정보시스템)
Cost · Free
Veterinary Clinic Fee Disclosure System
A service disclosing the lowest, highest, and average cost of major veterinary treatment items by region
24 hours (for information lookup)
Operated by · 농림축산식품부
Cost · Free
Our Neighborhood Animal Hospital (Pet Treatment Cost Support for Vulnerable Groups)
A Seoul city program that significantly discounts pet treatment costs for vulnerable groups, such as basic livelihood recipients
Follows the participating clinic's hours (inquiries: 02-2133-7656, Dasan Call Center 120)
Operated by · 서울특별시(정원도시국 동물보호과)
Cost · Paid
Registered Pet Funeral Business Lookup
A service for checking officially registered pet funeral businesses nationwide (funeral, cremation, and interment services)
24 hours (for information lookup)
Operated by · 농림축산검역본부(국가동물보호정보시스템)
Cost · Free