The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) held a Policy Forum for Promoting the Companion Animal Industry at the KT&G Seodaemun Tower, Seoul July 13.

The event was attended by about 100 people including persons related to the companion animal industry. The participants had presentations and discussions on various topics from companion animals’ welfare, feed and relevant goods, shrouds, insurance, and beauty treatment to job creation through the industry.

In the forum, it was pointed out that due to an inadequate system for institutional management and support of the companion animal industry, many problems should be solved to the nurture healthy industry in the long term.

Deputy Director Kim Gwanghoe at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs presented the following key tasks of policies on companion animals: strengthening the management of companion animal-related business managers; healthily fostering the companion animal industry; establishing a mature companion animal culture; and building the industry’s infrastructure and creating jobs.

KREI Livestock Office Director Ji Inbae introduced the current status of the companion animal industry including breeding, production, marketing of and feed, shrouds, insurance for companion animals, and relevant services, and pointed out tasks for improvement.

Department head Jeong Taegyun at the Korea Kennel Federation said, “The companion animal industry creates jobs in various fields such as dog groomers, handlers, and companion animal trainers and managers.” He argued, “This greatly contributes to the development of the national economy.”

Kim Jongbok, the President of the Korea Pet Food Association, stressed, “Although domestic feed for companion animals accounts for 75% of consumption, its sales take up only 50%. Therefore, it is necessary to support promoting the domestic companion animal feed industry and improve the relevant system.”

Executive director U Yeoncheol at the Korean Veterinary Medical Association said, “To set up long-term plans to improve an animal health care system, preliminary studies including commissioned research and surveys are needed. Also, it is necessary to amend laws according to medium- and long-term improvement plans, secure budgets, and improve the animal health care system.”

KREI President Kim Changgil said, “KREI will discuss the present situation and problems of the companion animal industry and conduct in-depth research to present sound policy alternatives by collecting experts’ opinions for the industry’s development."