Pet Industry and News Briefing — 2026-06-10
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As Korea’s pet population ages, the market for chronic disease management is growing fast. With 38.3% of households now caring for pets aged 10 or older, the rising cost of pet care is putting a real strain on families. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is seeing a massive uptick in dog-friendly restaurants, reflecting a broader global trend.
Pet Industry and News Briefing — 2026-06-10
Pet Industry and Business Trends
Entering an Aging Pet Society: 38.3% of Households Have Pets Over 10
Korea has officially entered an aging pet society. Recent data shows that 38.3% of households now share their lives with pets aged 10 or older. As average lifespans increase, chronic disease management has become the core focus of the veterinary medical market.

Chronic Disease Management Drives Medical Market Growth
With pets living longer, the market for managing chronic issues like liver health is growing rapidly. The industry is shifting away from traditional vaccine- and infection-focused medicine toward long-term health maintenance for senior pets.

Rising Care Costs Put Strain on Pet Families
As the cost of raising pets continues to climb, "pet-fam" households are tightening their budgets. Soaring expenses for food, medical care, and supplies are adding financial pressure, which may lead individual consumers to cut back on discretionary spending.
Surge in Dog-Friendly Restaurant Applications in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is seeing a flood of permit applications for restaurants that welcome dogs. Driven by a culture that embraces the slogan "Bring your dog to dinner," demand for pet-friendly dining spaces is skyrocketing, with 2,100 applications filed—a clear sign of a global cultural shift.

Policy and Legal Updates
Zoo Feeding and Handling Programs Still Widespread
Despite a legal ban on recreational animal feeding and physical contact experiences in zoos since 2023, investigations show these practices remain common. A study by the Animal Welfare Institute Aware, conducted between last July and this April, uncovered numerous instances where facilities are still violating these regulations.

International Trust in Livestock Residue Testing Confirmed
The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency has achieved a "satisfactory" rating in international proficiency tests for livestock residual substance testing for three consecutive years (2024–2026). This confirms the global reliability of Korea’s safety management, including excellent performance in antibiotic resistance testing.
Enhanced Safety Measures for Animal Shelters in Summer
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is strengthening safety protocols for animal shelters to combat high summer temperatures, part of an ongoing effort to implement effective seasonal welfare policies.
Health and Lifestyle Tips
The Importance of Managing Chronic Disease in Senior Pets
As pets live longer, managing chronic conditions like liver or kidney disease has become essential. With 38.3% of pets now over 10, experts emphasize that regular check-ups, tailored nutrition, and lifestyle improvements are key to prevention. As pets are increasingly viewed as family, demand for proactive health management services continues to rise.
The Growth of the Liver Health Market
The aging pet population is fueling an explosive rise in products and services dedicated to liver health. Specialty functional feeds, supplements, and diagnostic services designed to support the liver function of senior pets are gaining significant attention, creating a new growth engine within the pet healthcare sector.
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