Unregistered dog owners face fines up to W1m, but can avoid penalty with voluntary report by Oct. 31

Owners of unregistered pet dogs aged 2 months or older can avoid fines of up to 1 million won ($747) by coming forward voluntarily before the end of October. Once the voluntary reporting period closes, authorities will launch intensive enforcement operations starting in November, focusing on parks and apartment complexes.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Sunday that it will run the "2026 Second Voluntary Animal Registration Period" through Oct. 31 to help prevent lost and abandoned animals and expand pet registration.

Under the current Animal Protection Act, dogs kept as pets and aged 2 months or older must be registered with the relevant local government. Owners who fail to register face fines of up to 1 million won. Those who neglect to update records — such as changes in ownership, address or phone number, or cases where a registered animal has gone missing or died — can be fined up to 500,000 won.

The ministry will waive fines for owners who report unregistered pets or missing record updates during the voluntary period. This year's second voluntary window runs this month through next month, following a first round held from May to June.

Pet owners can complete registration at nearby district offices or authorized agencies such as veterinary clinics. They may choose between an implanted microchip or an external tag worn as a collar. The ministry recommends the implanted microchip, as it is less likely to be lost or damaged.

After the voluntary period ends, the ministry will conduct joint enforcement operations with local governments throughout November. Inspections will target locations frequented by dog owners — including parks and apartment complexes — and will cover not only registration and record-update compliance but also other requirements under the Animal Protection Act, such as leash use and identification tags.

"Animal registration is the fastest way to reunite a lost pet with its family, and the first step in preventing animals from going missing or being abandoned," said Lee Yeon-suk, director of the ministry's Animal Welfare Policy Division. "Owners who have yet to register their animals or update their records must complete the process during this voluntary period, when there is no financial penalty."