Gyeonggi-do Pet Star Concludes, Announcing the Completion of a New Family

"2025 Gyeonggi-do Pet Star" Successfully Concludes at Maru is a Puppy Yeoju
153 Teams Compete in 372 Matches at the Gyeonggi-do Governor's Cup Companion Dog Sports Competition
21 Pet-Related Companies and Universities Participate in the Korea Companion Animal Career Expo

The "2025 Gyeonggi-do Pet Star," held over two days on the 27th and 28th in Yeoju and hosted by Maru is a Puppy, has concluded.

The "2025 Gyeonggi-do Pet Star" held over two days on the 27th and 28th in Yeoju, hosted by Maru is a Puppy, has concluded. Provided by Gyeonggi-do

The "Gyeonggi-do Pet Star" event, now in its third year since its inaugural edition in 2023, was held under the theme "Completing a New Family" this year. The event aimed to promote a culture where people and animals interact by welcoming pets as new family members, and to announce the long-awaited opening of the Maru is a Puppy Yeoju Resident Convenience Facility to Gyeonggi-do residents.

This year's event was enriched by the simultaneous hosting of the "2nd Gyeonggi-do Governor's Cup Companion Dog Sports Competition" and the "Companion Animal Career Expo," offering a wider array of attractions.

The companion dog sports competition was designed to make dog sports accessible as a recreational activity for everyone. A total of 153 teams participated and competed in 372 matches. Winners were selected in 39 categories across 8 disciplines, including flyball and agility, with 115 individuals receiving certificates, badges, trophies, and prizes. Among them, 12 participants who received the top awards in the representative categories were presented with certificates and prizes from the Governor of Gyeonggi-do.

The 12 recipients of the Governor of Gyeonggi-do Award in each representative category were as follows: Kim Taesu and his dog Taepoong in the flyball category; Choi Jimin and his dog Cheonjin in the rescue animal adoption category; Jung Youngrok and his dog Chiri in the agility and jumping small breed category; Nam Yeoreum and her dog Berry in the agility and jumping medium breed category; Yeom Jihae and her dog Mir in the agility and jumping medium-large breed category; Choi Euncheol and his dog Dodo in the agility and jumping large breed category; Na Heeyeon and her dog Roda in the Beginner 1 student category; Choi Jimin and his dog Cheonjin in the Beginner 2 student category; Yoon Geunhui and his dog Hero in the Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 general category; and Kim Changshik and his dog Hamongi in the Novice 1 and Novice 2 categories.

A participant in the Beginner 1 category, which took place on the morning of the second day, said, "I was worried because it was raining and my dog dislikes rain, so I wasn't sure if we would do well. But during the competition, my dog ran hard, which made me happy, and it was meaningful to showcase what we had practiced together."

The "Korea Companion Animal Job Fair," which debuted last year to great acclaim, was expanded this year as the "Companion Animal Career Expo." Twenty-one companies and universities in the companion animal field participated to promote their respective areas, and some companies even conducted on-site recruitment interviews. In addition, university department promotions and admissions briefings were newly introduced, providing information about academic programs and career exploration opportunities.

Other attractions included a flea market for pet products, a pet quiz program, tours of the Maru is a Puppy facilities, and special health lectures by pet experts, offering visitors a variety of enjoyable experiences and useful information. Furthermore, adoption counseling for animals protected at Maru is a Puppy and a promotional space for the pet industry were provided, adding significance to the development of the pet industry and the promotion of abandoned animal adoptions.

Kim Dae-soon, the Second Vice Governor of Gyeonggi-do, stated, "Through this event, I hope it provides an opportunity to reflect once more on companion animals, and Gyeonggi-do will strive even harder for animal welfare."

Going forward, Gyeonggi-do plans to continue organizing cultural education programs and events tailored to residents, centered around Maru is a Puppy, to foster a healthy companion animal culture. In addition to protecting and adopting abandoned animals, the province will also strengthen its role as a space where pet owners can enjoy leisure and relaxation together with their pets.

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