반려동물 산업, 데일리 브리핑 (2026-05-11)
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The government is training 300 experts to boost the animal pharmaceutical industry. Royal Canin's Cécile Coutens highlights a 2.2-year increase in pet life expectancy, emphasizing "healthspan." Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh pledged a 250,000 KRW adoption subsidy and a municipal pet funeral facility. CNN reports that in East Asia, cats are increasingly becoming the preferred pet over dogs.
Pet Industry and News Briefing — 2026-05-11
Pet Industry and Business Trends
Training 300 Experts for the Animal Pharmaceutical Industry
The government is launching a full-scale initiative to train practical experts to boost the competitiveness of the rapidly growing animal pharmaceutical industry. With the expansion of the pet market and increasing demand for pet medicine exports, the government plans to nurture 300 experts under the slogan, "Treating pet medicine like semiconductors."

Royal Canin CEO: "Pet Life Expectancy Up 2.2 Years… The Era of 'Healthspan' Management"
In a recent interview, Cécile Coutens, CEO of Royal Canin, announced that pet life expectancy has increased by 2.2 years, emphasizing that it is time to focus on "healthspan" rather than just longevity. Reflecting this trend, interest in geriatric health management and preventive medicine is rising.

Budget-Friendly Trends in the Pet Market: 5,000 KRW Car Seats Sold Out
As pet-related inflation persists, a "value-conscious" consumption trend is emerging. With rising costs across the board, from feed to supplies, consumers are increasingly choosing low-cost alternatives if the quality difference is minimal. A 5,000 KRW pet car seat even saw a sell-out frenzy.

In East Asia, Pet Cats Overtake Pet Dogs: Driven by Low Birth Rates and Single-Person Households
A shift in the East Asian pet market reported by CNN is drawing attention. Cat ownership is growing rapidly across the region, with cats outpacing dogs in some countries. Factors cited include cramped housing, long working hours, low birth rates, and increasing loneliness.

Policy and Legislative Updates
Mayoral Candidate Jung Won-oh Pledges Up to 250,000 KRW for Pet Adoption
Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh has announced a policy to provide up to 250,000 KRW in subsidies to households that adopt abandoned pets. His plan includes expanding adoption subsidy programs—currently limited to certain districts—across all of Seoul and reducing medical cost burdens by introducing standard veterinary fee rates.

Push for Seoul’s First Municipal Pet Funeral Facility
Candidate Jung Won-oh also revealed plans to build the first municipal pet funeral facility in Seoul. The project aims to reduce the financial burden of funeral expenses for pet owners and provide comprehensive support throughout a pet’s life cycle as a public service.

Imsil-gun Operates Voluntary Registration Period for Dogs in 2026
Imsil-gun announced it will hold a voluntary registration period for dogs in 2026 to promote responsible pet ownership. This initiative is designed to encourage owners of unregistered dogs to register their pets without penalty.
Posting Animal Abuse Videos Is Punishable; 30-Something Summary Indicted for Cat Abuse
A person in their 30s who posted a video online of themselves abusing a cat with a stun gun has been summarily indicted for violating the Animal Protection Act. The Incheon District Prosecutors' Office imposed a summary fine of 500,000 KRW. This reaffirms that simply posting animal abuse content is subject to legal punishment.
Health Management and Lifestyle Tips
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Analyzes AI Data on Frequent Age-Specific Pet Diseases
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) released the results of an analysis on pet medical data using AI. Key health issues for adults (3–12 years old) were identified as urinary and oral diseases, while senior pets (13+) showed a higher incidence of complex chronic conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. This research is expected to set a milestone for designing pet health management programs tailored to the domestic environment.

Expectations for Lower Barriers to Senior Pet Insurance via Life-Cycle Data
The government's AI-based analysis is expected to help resolve the difficulty of insuring senior pets. Responding to the concerns of owners who find it hard to secure insurance as their pets age and medical costs rise, the data is expected to enable the design of insurance products based on empirical evidence.
Royal Canin: "Healthy Aging Is As Important As Increased Life Expectancy"
Cécile Coutens, CEO of Royal Canin, emphasized that with the increase in life expectancy, managing "healthspan"—living well for longer—is crucial. This underscores the importance of lifelong health habits, including regular check-ups, age-specific nutritional management, and chronic disease prevention for senior pets.
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