Pet Industry Brief — 2026-05-15 반려동물 업계 소식
This health signal was created by a user. It may contain unverified medical claims. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
All three major funeral service providers in Korea have officially entered the pet industry, signaling a major expansion in pet-related services. Animal rights groups are calling for an end to animal testing, while new legislation concerning public health veterinarians and the Veterinarian Act are shaping the regulatory landscape. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has utilized AI to analyze medical data, revealing key health risks for pets across different age groups.
Pet Industry Brief — 2026-05-15
Pet Industry and Business Trends
The 'Big 3' Funeral Firms Enter the Pet Market
Following Boram Group’s partnership with Modoo Pet Group to expand into pet funeral services, all three of the "Big 3" major funeral service providers in Korea have now entered the pet market. With conglomerates like Coway and KT also jumping in, the market is seeing a surge in services ranging from pet care and travel to funeral arrangements. This is seen as a direct response to a massive market involving 10 million households that own pets.
Korean Veterinary Medical Association Holds First 2026 Meeting of Affiliate Heads
The Korean Veterinary Medical Association (President Woo Yeon-cheol) held its first meeting of the year for the heads of its affiliate organizations on the 13th at the Veterinary Science Building in Seongnam, Gyeonggi. The discussion focused on current issues in the veterinary field and strategies for institutional improvement, with a strong emphasis on practical, sustainable development for the profession.
MAFRA Uses AI to Release Findings on Common Age-Specific Pet Diseases
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has analyzed pet medical data using AI to release insights on major diseases by age group. The findings reveal that for adult pets (ages 3–12), urinary and oral diseases are primary health concerns. For senior pets (ages 13 and older), there is a higher prevalence of complex chronic conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. This research is expected to serve as a key foundation for designing locally tailored pet health management programs.
Policy and Legislative Changes
Animal Rights Groups Demand Promotion of Animal Alternative Testing
On the 15th, organizations including the Korea Animal Protection Union and various vegan advocacy groups issued a statement demanding an end to animal testing and a broader implementation of animal-alternative testing methods. The groups emphasized that "animals are not for experimentation" and urged for the active development and utilization of non-animal test methods.
Public Health Veterinarian Act Passes: Operational Challenges Remain
While the revised Public Health Veterinarian Act has passed the National Assembly, critics argue that its actual implementation remains at a precarious crossroads. Dailyvet reported that despite the law's passage, significant operational hurdles still need to be addressed.
Veterinarian Act Amendment Promulgated; Effective November 2026
The Korean Veterinary Medical Association has expressed its welcome regarding the amendment to the Veterinarian Act (Act No. 21623, promulgated May 12, 2026, to take effect November 13, 2026), which includes expanded authority for appointing public veterinarians and provisions for psychological support for vets.
Health Management and Lifestyle Tips
Seodaemun-gu Operates Voluntary Reporting Period for Pet Registration
Seoul's Seodaemun-gu is holding a "2026 Pet Registration Voluntary Reporting Period" for a total of four months (May–June and September–October). Pet owners who register their dogs during this time are exempt from fines for non-registration, which can reach up to 600,000 KRW. Registration can be completed using an internal microchip at designated veterinary clinics.
MAFRA AI Analysis: Tips for Age-Specific Pet Health Care
According to MAFRA's AI analysis, health risks vary significantly across a pet's life cycle. During adulthood, managing urinary and oral health is vital, while senior pets require consistent monitoring for complex chronic issues like heart, kidney, and thyroid diseases. Owners are encouraged to integrate age-appropriate preventive care into their daily routines.
Rising Demand for Dog Probiotics: What to Look For?
With demand for dog probiotics on the rise, Health Chosun reported that the US publication Newsweek recently highlighted key criteria for choosing the right probiotic for dogs. As the market for pet health supplements grows rapidly, owners are advised to carefully check ingredients and quality standards before making a purchase.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
