Korea to Regulate Pet Trainers

Korea wants to regulate and promote the burgeoning pet industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Wednesday.

A package of policies will include plans to recruit certified pet trainers who will have to pass a state exam from next year. The relevant law was passed by the National Assembly in June last year. 

Aspiring trainers will sit written and practice tests, and some 1,500 will be certified every year. Experienced trainers who have been working in the field will be allowed to take written tests only. 

The aim is to streamline procedures. Currently no fewer than 58 different licenses are issued for dog and other trainers by various organizations, but a ministry official said private licenses will no longer be recognized. 

Other policies include exempting veterinary hospitals from value added taxes for the 100 most common treatments such as ultrasound and CT scanning and ear and eye inflammation, covering 90 percent of all procedures with a view to easing the financial burden of pet owners. 

Insurance companies will be encouraged to offer comprehensive pet insurance since currently less than one percent of Korea's pets are insured.