Gyeonggi Province Encourages Voluntary Dog Registration Until October 31; Cat Registration Optional

Gyeonggi Province is operating the '2026 Second Period for Voluntary Animal Registration Declaration and Intensive Enforcement' from September 1 to October 31.

Dogs aged two months or older kept in residential or quasi-residential properties or for companion purposes in other locations, as well as dogs aged 12 months or older kept by animal production business operators at their business facilities, must be registered for animal registration. Registration of companion cats is optional.

Registration applications can be completed by visiting designated registration agencies such as animal hospitals with the animal to be registered. Designated animal registration agencies can be found on the National Animal Protection Information System (www.animal.go.kr) or by inquiring with the animal protection department of your municipal or county office.

If the owner's address or contact information changes, it is possible to apply for changes conveniently online through the National Animal Protection Information System. If the owner changes, you can apply by visiting your municipal or county office directly or through Government 24 (plus.gov.kr).

According to Article 15 of the 'Animal Protection Act,' failure to register an animal results in a fine of up to 1 million won, and failure to report changes in owner information within the designated period results in a fine of up to 500,000 won. Until October 31, the second voluntary declaration period, fines for unregistered animals and unreported changes are waived, making it advantageous to complete voluntary registration and change declarations within the deadline.

After the voluntary declaration period ends, during the month of November, Gyeonggi Province plans to conduct intensive enforcement operations targeting unregistered animals in parks, apartments, and other areas where companion dogs frequently enter and in regions where civil complaints occur frequently.

Jung Bong-soo, Director of the Animal Welfare Division of Gyeonggi Province, urged: "As the ordinance was amended this year to expand the scope of registered animals to include animal production businesses, we ask that you please complete animal registration during the voluntary declaration period to prevent the occurrence of lost and abandoned animals and to establish a culture of responsible pet ownership."