The Yanggu County government is creating an environment at the '2026 National Center Youth Yanggu Belly Button Festival' where pet owners and non-pet owners can enjoy the festivities together.
From August 28 to 30, the county will operate a campaign titled 'Companionship with Pets' to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage the adoption of stray animals.
This initiative aims to educate pet owners about public etiquette and reduce conflicts with non-pet owners, while also raising awareness about animal protection and adoption.
Pets have increasingly become a part of everyday family life, moving beyond being a lifestyle choice for a select few households.
According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in February, 29.2% of households in South Korea own pets, meaning nearly one in three households lives with a pet. Among pet-owning households, 80.5% have dogs, while 14.4% have cats.
Despite the growing interest in pets, translating public etiquette into everyday practice remains a challenge.
The same survey found that 74.9% of the public is aware of animal welfare laws and regulations, but only 48.8% of dog owners positively evaluate compliance with these guidelines. This highlights the need for education and promotion of pet etiquette as pet culture rapidly expands.
In response to these changes, Yanggu County plans to utilize the Belly Button Festival, which attracts many visitors, as a platform to promote public etiquette for pet ownership. A promotional booth will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the pet playground at the festival.
The county's animal quarantine team will provide information on basic pet etiquette for visitors who bring their pets to public spaces. They will also promote adoption procedures for stray dogs under the county's care and inform attendees about a neutering support program for outdoor dogs.
Participants in the campaign will receive promotional items such as pet treats and hygiene products. Notably, the integration of the pet playground with the campaign reflects an effort to accommodate visitors with pets.
The goal is not only to enhance the festival experience but also to guide pet owners toward responsible use of the space while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for non-pet owners. Yanggu County aims to foster a culture of mutual consideration between pet owners and non-owners and increase interest in the protection and adoption of stray animals through this campaign.
Jeong Il-seop, head of the Yanggu County Livestock Distribution Division, stated, “As the number of people living with pets increases, the importance of proper pet etiquette is also growing. We hope this campaign raises awareness about public etiquette for pet ownership and stray dog adoption, leading to a culture where both people and animals can be happy together.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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