The following is about a newly introduced system that allows people to live with abandoned animals for up to 10 days before adopting them, though many people are reportedly expressing concerns.

The government introduced the trial adoption system on the 1st.

While the initiative aims to reduce instances of returned adoptions and re-abandonment, concerns have also been raised that it could easily turn pet adoption into a mere trial run.

Under this trial adoption system, prospective pet owners can bring a shelter animal into their homes and live with them for up to 10 days. During this period, they can observe the animal's personality and behavioral traits, as well as how well they adapt to family members and existing pets, before making a final decision on adoption.

Behind the introduction of this system lies the low adoption rate.

Last year, as many as 96,000 lost and abandoned animals were rescued, but the adoption rate stood at only about 1 in 4 animals.

The government believes that checking for issues like separation anxiety or house-training problems ahead of time—which may not be apparent in a shelter environment—can help reduce impulsive adoptions and returns.

However, online criticisms have emerged, with people asking whether animals are being treated as trial products or if the system makes adoption feel too casual.

The government responded that this is not a simple trial adoption, but rather a process premised on final adoption, adding that it will refine the operational guidelines if any problems are identified during the pilot period.