https://ladyfreethinker.org/south-korea-mandates-education-program-for-dog-and-cat-adoption/
The government has unveiled its third Animal Welfare Plan for 2025 to 2029, shifting focus toward promoting responsible pet ownership and welfare. Under the plan, anyone wishing to adopt a dog or cat must complete an educational program to ensure they understand the responsibilities of pet guardianship, while animal welfare education will be incorporated into elementary and middle school curricula this year and extended to high schools next year.
The number of agencies providing instructors will increase from 62 to 65 to meet nationwide demand, and all dogs will be registered in a government database with unique identification, including tracking of parent dogs and offspring to support safer adoption.
These measures follow international best practices in countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland, where prospective pet owners are tested for readiness before adoption.
The government will also launch Animal Protection Day on October 4, coinciding with World Animal Day, to raise awareness and celebrate animal welfare alongside local governments, organizations, and companies.
*Whiskers, Paws and Love® wholeheartedly supports these initiatives and applauds the focus on education, responsibility, and humane treatment for all animals. We believe that fostering knowledge and accountability is essential to building a compassionate society where animals are safe, valued, and well cared for.
Education plays a critical role in promoting animal wellness and preventing pets from ending up in shelters, and we are proud to advocate for programs that teach the younger generation. We join in the widespread enthusiasm for the national adoption of these educational programs and celebrate this monumental step toward a more compassionate future for animals.
