2026-05-17 Pet Industry and News Briefing
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The "Big 3" of the Korean funeral industry have officially entered the pet sector, while the government intensifies crackdowns on dog meat farms ahead of the upcoming ban. Animal rights groups are calling for an end to animal testing, and the revised Veterinarian Act has been promulgated, introducing changes like expanded authority for appointing public veterinarians.
2026-05-17 Pet Industry and News Briefing
Pet Industry and Business Trends
Big 3 Funeral Companies Fully Enter Pet Market
Boram Group announced that it is expanding its pet funeral business through a strategic partnership with Modoo Pet Group. This move means all three major players in the funeral industry have now entered the pet market. Meanwhile, major corporations like Coway and KT are also diving into pet-related services. We are seeing real competition heating up across comprehensive services that cover everything from pet care and travel to funeral arrangements.
Rising Costs Lead to "Cost-Effective" Pet Spending
As inflation persists, pet care costs have become "essential expenses" that are hard to cut, putting a strain on owners due to rising prices across the board—from feed to supplies. Analysts note that a "value-driven" consumption trend is spreading, where owners opt for cost-effective products if there isn't a significant difference in quality.
Building Trust in the Prescription Diet Market: The Betus Case
In the prescription pet food market, where distribution channels have been fragmented, the "trust ecosystem" built by the pet healthcare firm Betus is drawing industry attention. As efforts to resolve these structural issues spread, there is a renewed emphasis on the need to normalize distribution channels centered around veterinarians.
Policy and Legislative Updates
Government Intensifies Crackdown Ahead of Dog Meat Ban
With the dog meat ban approaching next year, the government is ramping up management of the remaining dog farms. Measures are being enforced to claw back subsidies from farms that close down only to illegally resume operations or continue breeding in secret.
Animal Groups Call for Activation of Alternative Testing Laws
On May 15, organizations including the Korea Animal Protection Union issued a statement declaring "Animals are not for experimentation," urging an end to animal testing and the active development and utilization of alternative testing methods. The groups are strongly demanding that relevant authorities implement methods that do not involve live animals.
Revised Veterinarian Act Promulgated
The Korean Veterinary Medical Association (President Woo Yeon-chul) has welcomed the passage of the revised Veterinarian Act (Act No. 21623, promulgated May 12, 2026; effective November 13, 2026). The amendment includes provisions for expanding the authority to appoint public veterinarians and providing psychological support for vets, reflecting necessary systemic improvements for the industry.
Health Care and Lifestyle Tips
Editor's Note: As of May 15, 2026, there is limited new data on pet health care articles. The following summary is based on information gathered in relation to industry and policy news from this briefing period.
Korean Veterinary Medical Association Discusses System Improvements
On May 13, the Korean Veterinary Medical Association held its first meeting of the year with heads of affiliated organizations at the Veterinary Science Building in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, to discuss key industry issues and improvements. A central topic was seeking rational development directions that reflect the realities of each veterinary field. Pet owners are advised to keep an eye on changes in veterinary care systems and continue using regular check-ups.
Consult a Veterinarian Before Purchasing Prescription Diet
Amid ongoing confusion in the prescription diet distribution market, experts advise that such food should only be purchased after consultation and prescription by a veterinarian. Choosing these products arbitrarily can actually be harmful to your pet's health.
Preventing Abandonment During the Dog Meat Ban Transition
As farms close ahead of the dog meat ban, animal protection groups are emphasizing that local governments and owners must be extra vigilant to ensure that no animals are abandoned during this transition.
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.
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