South Korea's pet boom sees nearly 30% of households owning animals by 2025
South Korea has released its first official national survey on pet ownership, revealing a sharp rise in households with animals. The 2025 study shows that nearly three in ten families now own pets, up from just 17% in 2010. This growth reflects changing lifestyles, higher incomes, and shifting attitudes toward pets as companions rather than working animals.
The survey, Korea's first government-approved statistical report on pet ownership, highlights a decade-long trend. By 2024, pet-owning households had climbed to over 28%, driven by factors like urbanisation, delayed marriages, and more single-person homes. Dogs remain the most popular choice, with 80.5% of pet owners keeping them.
Financial commitment to pets has also grown. Owners now spend an average of 121,000 won (around $84) monthly on their animals. Yet concerns persist about rule compliance. Less than half of respondents believed pet owners followed regulations properly, with a clear divide in perceptions between owners and non-owners.
Animal welfare emerged as a key issue. A striking 93.2% of those surveyed called for harsher penalties against animal abuse, signalling strong public support for stricter protections.
The findings confirm pets' growing role in Korean society, with ownership rates nearing a third of all households. The data also underscores demands for better enforcement of pet-related rules and tougher action on abuse. Authorities may now face pressure to address these concerns in future policies.
