‘From cradle to grave’ pledges: Candidates compete to win over 15 million pet owners

South Korean candidates are engaging in an intense competition of campaign promises aimed at capturing the votes of the nation's 15 million pet owners ahead of the June 3 local elections. With one in five households owning a pet, companion animals have emerged as a significant voting bloc.

“

Candidates are proposing comprehensive 'life-cycle welfare' for pets, including tangible measures to alleviate financial burdens such as tax and insurance benefits, as well as services covering veterinary care, public healthcare, and even funeral arrangements.

This election cycle sees pledges going far beyond previous levels, which typically focused on building outdoor play areas or organizing stray dog adoption campaigns. Candidates are now proposing comprehensive "life-cycle welfare" for pets, including tangible measures to alleviate financial burdens such as tax and insurance benefits, as well as services covering veterinary care, public healthcare, and even funeral arrangements.

The mayoral race in Seoul is particularly competitive. Democratic Party candidate Jung Kang-oh is promising the phased introduction of standardized veterinary fees to address the issue of "medical refugees" who abandon treatment due to high costs. He also plans to establish a "Seoul Pet Safety Medical System" to ensure transparency in treatment costs, building on his experience with "pet patrol units" and "neighborhood pet boarding services" in Seongdong District. His opponent, People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon, is focusing on tax benefits, proposing an annual 1 million won limit for income tax deductions on pet-related medical expenses, extending benefits beyond low-income households. Oh also announced plans for a massive "Seoul Pet Theme Park" by 2029, including a memorial center with crematoriums and a columbarium.

“

The expectations of pet owners have evolved beyond simple facility expansion to demanding qualitative improvements in welfare systems.

Other regional races also feature significant pet-related pledges. Candidates for provincial governor and mayoral positions are proposing public pet insurance to counter the low uptake of private insurance, establishing public pet crematoriums and arboretums, and offering vouchers for adoption and funeral costs. Some candidates are even introducing unique proposals like "With Pet Marathons" and "Dog Parking" to bridge social divides, and psychological support programs for "pet loss syndrome."

“

Election season only repeats populist pledges centered on pet owners, but there is a lack of deep consideration for what pledges are faithful to life and animal welfare.

Experts note that the expectations of pet owners have evolved beyond simple facility expansion to demanding qualitative improvements in welfare systems. While campaign promises are plentiful, there are concerns that they may remain superficial "populist pledges" without deeper consideration for fundamental animal welfare and policy implementation. The growing civic awareness regarding animal welfare, evidenced by substantial donations to animal protection groups, contrasts with what some see as a lack of comprehensive policy proposals from candidates.

“

While civic awareness regarding animal welfare is advanced, with annual donations to animal protection groups reaching 40 billion won, the candidates' pledges remain focused only on pet owners.