반려동물 진료비 규제 완화와 정책 공약 경쟁 가열

Pet Industry and Business Trends

Imsil County Advances Working Conditions for Pet Industry Workers

Imsil County in North Jeolla Province is moving to improve working conditions for laborers in its signature K-cheese and pet industries. By participating in the 2026 initiative overseen by the Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province, the county plans to launch systematic support for pet industry workers.

My Brown Expands Response to Growing Lifestyle Pet Insurance Demand

As veterinary hospital visits become routine, demand for "lifestyle pet insurance" that covers checkups and minor illnesses is expanding. My Brown is strengthening coverage based on actual hospital usage—including MRI, CT scans, dermatitis, and enteritis—while working to grow its subscriber base.

Samcheon Pharma Expands Pet Oral Care Market via Exclusive Deal with Japan's Koritsu Pharma

Samcheon Pharma announced on the 19th that it has signed an exclusive contract with Japanese veterinary pharmaceutical company Koritsu Pharma for DentalBio, expanding into the premium pet oral care market through the product.

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Policy and Legal Changes

Democratic Party Pledges Standard Veterinary Pricing and Stray Cat Care Centers

The Democratic Party announced pet owner-focused campaign pledges on the 20th, including phased introduction of standardized veterinary pricing to reduce pet care costs and establishment of specialized stray cat care centers in local governments to address care gaps. In the Seoul mayoral race, Democratic candidate Jeong Won-o is pushing "phased implementation of standard pricing," while People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon counters with "designation of public animal hospitals by region," intensifying the pet policy competition.

Ministry of Agriculture Eases 50 Pet Regulations, Including Mobile Grooming Services

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has approved mobile pet grooming services, allowing groomers to visit homes directly. Additionally, mobile pet cremation facilities and natural burial services using vehicles are now permitted, as part of a broader deregulation package encompassing 50 regulatory changes.

Jeongseon County Operates Animal Registration Voluntary Disclosure Period

Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province is running a 2026 animal registration voluntary disclosure period to promote pet protection, prevent lost and abandoned animals, and foster responsible pet culture.

Animal Advocacy Groups Call for Ban on Cattle Fighting

On the 19th, groups including the Korean Animal Protection Federation issued a statement urging the abolition of cattle fighting. The organizations challenged the Ministry of Agriculture's formation of a "Cheongdo Cattle Fighting Operations Improvement Coordination Committee," which held its first meeting on the 20th, arguing that "cattle fighting is not a subject for improvement but for abolition."

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Health Management and Lifestyle Tips

⚠️ This survey found insufficient new articles on pet health management issued after May 19, 2026. Below are current industry trends compiled from earlier coverage.

Lifestyle Pet Insurance Covers Minor Conditions Too

"Lifestyle pet insurance" covering minor ailments like dermatitis and enteritis—plus diagnostic procedures like MRI and CT scans—is gaining traction. As routine veterinary visits become normal, demand is rising for insurance plans that cover not just emergencies but regular checkups and everyday care.

Growing Interest in Pet Oral Hygiene Management

The exclusive contract between Samcheon Pharma and Koritsu Pharma demonstrates rapid growth in the pet oral care product market. Since periodontal disease is a common pet health issue, specialized oral care products are increasingly recommended.

Mobile Grooming Services Reduce Pet Stress

The Ministry of Agriculture's regulatory easing has now legalized mobile grooming services, allowing stressed travelers and pets with mobility challenges to receive grooming at home. This is expected to be especially beneficial for senior dogs and cats or pets with movement difficulties.