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Busan Launches Pet Care Program for Women Victims of Violence — Three Customized Support Services to Begin

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Busan Metropolitan City announced the full-scale launch of its new Pet Care Support Program for Women Victims of Violence, a set of three customized initiatives designed to assist women who delay or forgo entering protection facilities due to concerns over their companion animals.

The program includes:

• ●Foster care for pets for up to 7 months while victims stay at shelters

• ●Temporary animal hospital sheltering for up to 7 days during emergencies

• ●Shelter co-housing for victims and pets at 11 units in 3 protection facilities

In recent years, there has been a rise in cases where women victims of violence—such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating abuse—are continuously exposed to harm after choosing not to enter protective facilities due to a lack of pet accommodations. This program aims to address that gap.

Overview of the Three Support Services

• 1.Foster Care for Pets
  Women entering protection facilities can leave their dogs or cats in the care of the Companion Animal Welfare & Culture Center for up to 7 months—covering a 6-month shelter stay and 1 additional month for post-shelter housing arrangements.

• 2.Temporary Pet Shelter in Animal Hospitals
  If a victim enters an emergency 24-hour shelter (such as through the 1366 hotline), their pet can be temporarily housed at a nearby animal hospital for up to 7 days. After this, depending on the situation, the pet may be transferred to long-term care.

• 3.Shelter Co-Housing for Victims and Pets
  Some women’s shelters in Busan have been adapted to allow women to stay together with their pets. Three shelters now operate with 11 units specifically designed for this purpose.

• ○Special units are also designated for victims of stalking and dating violence, providing up to 30 days of emergency shelter.

• ○Additional housing support is available for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and prostitution for periods up to 2 years, with extensions available based on individual cases.

How to Apply

• ●Contact the Busan Center for the Prevention and Support of Victims of Violence Against Women: ☎ 070-4252-6741

• ●The center is located in Busanjin-gu and provides 24/7 integrated services including crisis response, shelter access, and legal/medical support.

Park Seol-yeon, Director of Busan’s Bureau of Women and Family Affairs, stated:

“We will continue to address blind spots in victim protection and expand customized services that support the recovery of daily life for women who have experienced violence.”