Seoul Pet Care Demand Surges as Chuseok Travel Begins
Pet hotels across Seoul are reporting a sharp rise in holiday bookings as residents travel for Chuseok, while Gangnam offers free boarding for a limited number of registered dogs.
SEOUL — Pet boarding centers and in-home care services across the capital are experiencing a Chuseok rush as residents make arrangements for animals unable to accompany them on holiday trips.
Some pet hotels are receiving two to three times their usual number of daily reservations, with many customers booking one or two weeks before departure. The increase reflects the practical difficulties faced by pet owners traveling to hometowns or taking vacations during one of South Korea’s busiest holiday periods.
In Gangnam, the district government is providing a free option for eligible residents through a temporary holiday dog-care program. Up to 50 registered dogs can stay at six designated boarding facilities for as long as five days between Sept. 23 and Oct. 5.
One participating center, Mungpa, said its overnight bookings had climbed from a typical level of about 10 to roughly 30 for the holiday. The facility also cared for about 20 to 30 dogs through its daytime service on Monday. Staff remain on site around the clock so they can respond quickly if an animal shows signs of illness or anxiety.
The center separates dogs according to size to reduce the risk of injury. Employees monitor the animals during the day, follow individual feeding schedules and organize short group walks. Such precautions become more important when facilities are operating near holiday capacity and animals are staying in unfamiliar surroundings.
The seasonal increase is also helping newer operators attract customers. Petdae Sonson, a Seocho boarding center that opened in July, had received limited hotel bookings after its launch but added four reservations as Chuseok approached.
Boarding is not the only option. Owners who want their pets to remain at home can arrange visits through online care platforms. Sitters may feed and play with animals, clean up after them and carry out other requested tasks. Availability during the holiday depends on individual caregivers’ schedules and may require extra confirmation.
Neighborhood platforms are providing another informal route. Residents have posted short-term job listings seeking local carers, generally identifying the type of animal, care dates, location and proposed pay. Listings often include photographs, descriptions and reviews from previous carers.
The range of services highlights how pet care has become part of Seoul’s holiday logistics. Commercial hotels, home visits and district-supported boarding are all absorbing demand as families balance travel plans with the health, safety and routines of companion animals.