▲ Poster for crackdown and reporting on unregistered pet sitting operations
As the popularity of "pet sitting," which involves taking care of pets during travel or business trips, continues to grow, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a crackdown on unregistered operations conducted in residential spaces.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Judicial Police Service announced that it will step up monitoring of business activities that repeatedly take in and care for pets in residential spaces through online platforms in exchange for compensation without registering as an animal consignment management business.
Under the current Animal Protection Act, any business that takes in pets to temporarily raise, train, or protect them must register with the relevant local government as an animal consignment management business.
Registered establishments are required to comply with relevant facility standards, such as installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) and fire safety facilities, and conducting regular disinfection.
On the other hand, unregistered pet sitting taking place in residential spaces lacks visibility regarding the care environment, raising concerns over potential animal accidents, hygiene issues, inter-floor noise, and disputes regarding damage compensation.
Accordingly, the city plans to book individuals upon confirming unregistered operations through online monitoring and citizen reports.
Operating an animal consignment management business without registration is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.
However, as some platforms operate services connecting pet owners and pet sitters under regulatory sandbox demonstration exceptions granted by the government, the city plans to verify whether exceptions apply when checking for actual violations.
When reporting illegal pet sitting, citizens can submit the platform used, the location of care, the other party's information, transaction details, and conversation or usage records.
Public informants who provide decisive evidence will be awarded a cash reward in accordance with relevant ordinances.
Lee Chang-seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Judicial Police Service, said, "As the demand for pet care increases, new forms of services are spreading rapidly," adding, "To create a care environment that citizens can use with peace of mind, we will actively uncover and investigate blind spots in management, such as unregistered operations."
(Photo: Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.