South Korea is launching a government-backed strategy to grow its pet-related industry into a 21 trillion won market by 2032 [2].
This initiative represents a significant shift in the nation's agricultural policy by treating pet care as a core component of economic growth. By leveraging smart-agriculture frameworks, the government aims to transform the way pet services and products are developed and delivered nationwide.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the legal framework for this strategy on June 29, 2026 [4]. The plan focuses on four primary sectors: pet food, pet healthcare, pet services, and pet tech [2]. These areas are intended to function as a new growth engine for the broader agriculture sector [1].
This expansion comes as the country sees a surge in animal companionship. There are currently approximately 3.5 million registered dogs and cats across South Korea [1]. The government intends to capitalize on this trend by fostering innovation in the "pet-tech" space and improving the quality of veterinary services.
To implement these goals, the government is deploying specific pilot projects. Gumi city has been identified as a location for these initial efforts to test the integration of smart-agriculture tools within the pet industry [1].
Officials said the strategy will create a sustainable ecosystem for both entrepreneurs and pet owners. By formalizing the industry through government support, the state hopes to standardize pet healthcare, and increase the competitiveness of domestic pet food production [1].
“South Korea is launching a government-backed strategy to grow its pet-related industry into a 21 trillion won market by 2032.”
South Korea's move to categorize the pet industry under 'smart agriculture' suggests a strategic pivot to diversify the rural economy. By integrating high-tech healthcare and food production, the government is not only responding to demographic shifts toward pet ownership but is also attempting to create a scalable, exportable model for pet-tech and biotechnology.
