Hanam City, Gyeonggi-do, is seeing a positive reaction from residents as it upgrades its animal care center operations, with a new two-stage adoption system leading the way.
According to Hanam City officials on January 11th, the Hanam City Animal Protection Center has implemented a detailed operations manual with strict management standards to improve efficiency in protecting abandoned animals and ensure transparency in the adoption process.
A Two-Step Process for Finding Forever Homes
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The biggest change is a new ‘two-stage visit adoption system’ designed to encourage more thoughtful and successful adoptions.
Potential adopters will now first visit to meet an abandoned dog and express their interest. A second visit is required to complete the adoption application and officially take the animal home. During this process, volunteers will share insights into the animal’s personality and lifestyle, aiming to increase adopter satisfaction. The city will also conduct follow-up checks at least twice a year to ensure a smooth transition for the animal.
Systematizing Volunteer Efforts
The city has also streamlined its volunteer program through the 1365 volunteer portal. Volunteers can now sign up for shifts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with a quota system in place to maintain a hygienic and safe environment: morning shifts (10 a.m. to 12 p.m., two people) and afternoon shifts (2 p.m. to 4 p.m., four people). Volunteers assist with kennel cleaning, feeding, and socialization activities, contributing to the overall welfare of the animals.
Enhanced Medical Care for Abandoned Animals
Professional medical support has been bolstered through partnerships with Gangnam Annie Animal Hospital and Wellness Animal Hospital, both designated to provide specialized care for animals at the center. This aims to alleviate citizen concerns about the health of animals before adoption.
Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership
Hanam City is actively promoting a culture of responsible pet ownership through advertisements in apartment elevators. These campaigns ran from July 14th to 27th and December 15th to 28th last year, and continued until January 11th of this year. The advertisements highlight “5 pet tickets to remember,” including always using a leash (within 2 meters) and identification tag, registering dogs over two months of age, carrying waste bags, completing legal training for owners of potentially dangerous dogs, and holding pets in elevators.
Mayor Lee Hyeon-jae stated, “We have raised the level of abandoned animal protection to the next level through a system in which administrative agencies, volunteers, and private medical institutions cooperate closely,” adding, “We plan to continue sustainable animal protection administration where people and animals coexist harmoniously in the future.”
