Government to offer 'pet loss' grief support in Seoul, Daejeon and Gumi

The government will begin supporting pet owners struggling with the psychological toll of losing a companion animal, expanding its animal welfare policy beyond adoption and care to cover the aging stage and the period after a pet's death.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Thursday it will launch a pilot "pet loss psychological support program" in Seoul, Daejeon and Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

"Pet loss" refers to the grief and sense of loss experienced after a companion animal dies. The program is open to owners caring for aging pets as well as those who have already lost one.

The program runs four sessions covering the characteristics of aging pets and the owner's role, preparation for loss and end-of-life care, understanding pet loss syndrome, and healing and recovery. Mental health counselors and animal care specialists will participate together to support owners' psychological recovery.

The program runs for about three weeks in each city: Oct. 18 to Nov. 8 in Seoul, Oct. 21 to Nov. 11 in Gumi, and Oct. 23 to Nov. 13 in Daejeon.

Owners wishing to participate can check recruitment notices on the Animal Love Learning Center website or the relevant local government's homepage and apply there.

The ministry said it plans to use the pilot to build a support framework covering not only adoption and care but also aging-stage assistance, preparation for loss, and psychological recovery after bereavement.

"A mature culture of pet ownership goes beyond keeping animals healthy — it means responsibly preparing for the aging stage, end-of-life care, and the period after loss," said Lee Yong-jik, director general for animal welfare policy at the ministry. "Through this pilot, we will examine what support owners genuinely need and work with local governments to put a practical support system in place."