Companion Dogs Over Two Months Old Must Be Registered... Fines for Noncompliance

MAFRA to Operate Voluntary Animal Registration Reporting and Enforcement Period Through July
Fines Waived for Voluntary Registration or Reporting of Changes

In order to keep a companion dog that is two months old or older, it must be registered with the local government. Failure to register may result in a fine of up to 1 million won.

On April 29, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it will operate a voluntary animal registration reporting and intensive enforcement period for pet owners who have not registered or reported their animals through July this year.

According to the current Animal Protection Act, dogs that are two months old or older and are kept for companionship must be registered with the relevant local government. A fine of up to 1 million won may be imposed for failure to register, and a fine of up to 500,000 won may be imposed for failing to report changes. However, if a pet owner completes registration or reports changes during the voluntary reporting period, the fine will be waived.

Animal registration can be completed using either an internal or external method. Owners can have an internal microchip implanted at an animal hospital, or purchase an external device and visit the city, county, or district office in person, or apply for registration through an authorized agent. Since external devices are prone to damage or loss, internal microchip registration is recommended. If there is a change in ownership, a change in the owner's personal information, or the registered animal dies, the owner must report the changes either by visiting the city, county, or district office, or online through the National Animal Protection Information System.

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