Dawn
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01:19 Sep 08, 2025
PET funerals are becoming common, supported by a pet-owning population that has grown to 15.46 million, representing 29.9 per cent of the country. The practice now covers a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats to turtles, parrots and even goldfish. Rising demand has invigorated the industry, drawing in new providers and expanding available services. Yet calls for better accessibility remain strong, as many owners still struggle to find nearby facilities to bid farewell to their closest companions. A study by the KB Financial Research Institute in June found that 64.6pc of Koreans who had lost pets held a funeral — either through a funeral home or a veterinarian — up sharply from 38.7pc in 2023. The share opting for cremation, which costs at least 150,000 won ($108) and is pricier than veterinary disposal, also rose from 29.5pc to 49.5pc. The surge is partly explained by legal restrictions. Under Korean law, animal bodies are classified as waste, which makes unauthorised burials illegal. For those who d...