Are Veterinary Clinic Fees in Gyeonggi-do Cheaper or More Expensive Than the National Average?

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Veterinary treatment costs in Gyeonggi-do were found to be at the national average level. However, the cost variation between regions within the province was as much as fivefold.

According to Gyeonggi-do on the 7th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the Korea Consumer Federation and the Korean Veterinary Medical Association, conducted a survey from April to July on 1,008 animal hospitals nationwide where two or more veterinarians work, and recently disclosed the treatment costs. The survey was conducted both online and through visits, with 359 hospitals in Gyeonggi-do included in the survey.

This survey was conducted in accordance with the revised Veterinarian Act implemented in January this year, which requires animal hospitals with two or more veterinarians to post their treatment fees within the hospital.

Looking at the survey results, the average cost per treatment item in Gyeonggi-do was 10,702 KRW for the initial consultation fee, similar to the national average of 10,840 KRW. Additionally, the average costs were close to the national averages for ▲medium-sized dog hospitalization fee at 58,724 KRW (national average 60,540 KRW) ▲comprehensive dog vaccine at 26,163 KRW (national average 25,991 KRW) ▲X-ray examination fee at 37,866 KRW (national average 37,266 KRW).

By city and county, there was a significant difference in average treatment costs. The highest initial consultation fee was in Seongnam-si at 13,786 KRW, while Icheon-si had the lowest at 4,950 KRW. For medium-sized dog hospitalization fees per day, Guri-si was the most expensive at 99,000 KRW, whereas Pocheon-si and Gapyeong-gun charged 20,000 KRW.

Regarding the reasons for the differences in average veterinary treatment costs among cities and counties within the province, the animal medical industry explained that animal hospitals set their fees considering factors such as rent, equipment owned, number of staff, medications used, and level of expertise.

Choi Kyung-mook, head of the Animal Quarantine and Hygiene Division of Gyeonggi-do, stated, "This veterinary treatment cost survey targeted animal hospitals with two or more veterinarians, and from 2024, it will be expanded to include all animal hospitals. Accordingly, over September and October, we will provide preliminary guidance to animal hospitals with a single veterinarian to actively participate in posting treatment fees, ensuring users' right to know is guaranteed."

Detailed treatment cost information can be found on the 'Animal Hospital Treatment Cost Status Survey Disclosure Website.'

The treatment cost items subject to posting, survey, and disclosure at animal hospitals include a total of 11 items: ▲consultation and counseling (initial, follow-up, counseling) ▲hospitalization ▲vaccinations (5 types) ▲examinations (X-ray, complete blood count), among others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.