Time to Register Your Pet: Don't Miss the Deadline

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[By Reporter Kim Yeon-hong]

When raising a pet dog, we often take care of immediate needs like vaccinations, food, and walks, but somehow delay animal registration. We might think, 'I'll do it someday,' only to forget or mistakenly believe we’ve registered, only to find we haven’t updated our information after moving or changing our contact details.

For those pet owners, now is the time to check. Gyeonggi Province is running a 'Voluntary Animal Registration and Intensive Inspection Period' from September 1 to October 31, 2023. This is the second voluntary registration period this year, following one that took place in May and June. Notably, during this period, fines for unregistered pets or failure to report changes are waived, making it a perfect opportunity to get your pet registered if you’ve been putting it off.

The animal registration system is not just a bureaucratic procedure assigning a number to your pet. It aims to prevent pets from getting lost or abandoned and ensures that owners take full responsibility for their pets.

It's essential to know what pets need to be registered. All dogs over two months old kept in homes or semi-residential areas must be registered. Starting this year, the registration requirement has expanded to include dogs over 12 months old kept by animal breeders. However, registration for cats kept as pets is currently optional.

Pet owners might think, 'My dog is fine for now,' and miss the voluntary registration period. However, this is a chance to register or update information without the burden of fines, so it’s wise to check if your dog is registered.

Registering is simpler than you might think. If you are registering for the first time, you can visit a designated animal hospital or registration agency with your pet. If you’re unsure where to go, you can find nearby registration agencies through the National Animal Protection Information System or contact your local animal protection department.

If you’ve already registered your pet, you still need to check if your address or contact information has changed due to moving. You can report changes online via the National Animal Protection Information System, reducing the hassle of visiting administrative offices. If ownership has changed, you must visit your local government office or use the government portal to report the change. It’s important to ensure that your registration information matches your current living situation.

Gyeonggi Province also supports the cost of registering pets with internal microchips, which reduce the risk of loss or damage. Since 2019, this initiative has been conducted annually in collaboration with 31 cities and counties. Residents can register their pets using internal microchips, which are tiny devices inserted into the animal's body, making them less likely to be lost compared to external collars.

For pet owners, registering can feel like a safety measure against the possibility of losing a pet. An unexpected moment, like a door being left ajar, can lead to a pet escaping.

After the voluntary registration period ends, Gyeonggi Province will conduct intensive inspections in November for unregistered pets. Areas like parks and apartments, where pets frequently visit, will be the main focus.

According to current animal protection laws, failing to register a pet can result in fines of up to 1 million KRW, and not reporting changes within the designated period can incur fines of up to 500,000 KRW. However, if you complete registration or updates by October 31, you will be exempt from these fines.

Registering your pet is more than just assigning a number; it increases the chances of your pet returning home if lost and represents a commitment to take responsibility for your pet. If you haven’t confirmed your pet’s registration status, take this opportunity to do so before the October 31 deadline. A quick check and registration can help you avoid fines and provide a safety measure for your dog. Why not take care of your pet's registration this fall?

Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224411586688

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