Increase in Pet Abandonment During Vacation Season, Surge in Shelter Capacity

August has arrived, a time when many people escape their monotonous daily lives to go on vacation.

Although it's a vacation season to enjoy leisurely moments with loved ones, it's not all good news. Each year during this time, cases of pet abandonment significantly increase.

According to a report by Channel A on the 3rd, as the peak vacation season approaches, pet-only daycare centers and hotels are thriving; however, cases of pet abandonment citing vacation as a reason are also on the rise this year.

Many pet owners choose to leave their pets in professional facilities because they either find it difficult to take their pets on vacation or feel anxious about leaving them home alone.

However, it has been shown that some pet owners abandon their beloved pets altogether to go on vacation. Especially in July and August, cases of pet abandonment occur most frequently, becoming a social issue.

The case of a five-year-old puppy named Kongbam illustrates this reality well. Kongbam was found abandoned in Hangang Park last month by a local government employee.

After being rescued, the officials announced a search for the owner for over a week, but no one contacted them. Puppies that have lost their owners are waiting for new families in shelters.

State of Pet Abandonment and Measures

Lee Nam-won from the Seocho Animal Love Center explained to Channel A, "During the vacation season or times like this, the incidents of abandoning pets occur the most. With increased movement to other areas, there are quite a few cases of abandonment in those instances."

With the increase in overseas travel leading to longer absences from home, naturally, the number of abandoned pets is also rising.

Statistics show that last year, a total of 106,824 pets were rescued, with approximately one in five pets abandoned during the summer vacation months of July and August.

Abandonment locations vary, occurring in crowded terminals, highway rest areas, amusement parks, and more.

Choi Hee-kyung, representative of the Animal Freedom Union, suggested alternatives such as seeking pet-friendly accommodations or pet boarding if traveling becomes problematic. Additionally, calls for mandatory microchip implantation for pet registration are being made as a fundamental measure to prevent pet abandonment.

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