Pet Ownership in Australia vs. Korea: A Cultural Comparison

Pet ownership has become increasingly popular worldwide, and both Australia and Korea have unique pet cultures shaped by their respective environments, lifestyles, and social attitudes.

As a pet owner myself, living in Australia and raising a Cavoodle, I have observed some interesting differences between the 2 countries.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the most popular pets, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pet ownership, the challenges of living with pets in apartments, and why Cavoodles have become an iconic breed in Australia.


Popular Pets in Australia and Korea

In both Australia and Korea, dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but the types of breeds people prefer vary significantly.

In Australia, larger homes and spacious backyards allow for the ownership of medium to large dog breeds. Some of the most popular breeds include:

  • Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Poodle mix) – Friendly, hypoallergenic, and perfect for families.

  • Labrador Retriever – Intelligent, affectionate, and commonly used as guide dogs.

  • Border Collie – Highly active and intelligent, popular among those who love outdoor activities.

  • Golden Retriever – Loyal and great with kids.

  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Strong yet affectionate, often misunderstood due to stereotypes.

Meanwhile, in Korea, where many people live in high-rise apartments, smaller breeds are much more popular due to space constraints. Some of the most common pet breeds in Korea include:

  • Maltese – Small, fluffy, and a long-time favorite in Korea.

  • Pomeranian – Adorable and energetic, often seen in pet-friendly cafes.

  • Toy Poodle – Intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for apartment living.

  • Shiba Inu – Increasingly popular due to their independent personality and social media presence.

  • Welsh Corgi – Gained popularity thanks to their cute, short legs and lively nature.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Pet Ownership

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed pet ownership trends in both Australia and Korea. With lockdowns in place, people spent more time at home, leading to an increase in pet adoptions.

In Australia, shelters saw a surge in pet adoptions as people sought companionship during isolation. The demand for puppies skyrocketed, and designer breeds like Cavoodles became even more popular.
Many companies adopted remote work policies, allowing people to spend more time at home with their pets, making pet ownership more feasible.

In Korea, a similar trend was observed, but an interesting phenomenon occurred: the rise of "Pet Boomers."
Many people who had never considered owning a pet before decided to get one due to the extended time at home. The pet industry in Korea flourished, with luxury pet products, gourmet pet food, and pet-friendly cafes experiencing a boom. However, as people returned to the office post-pandemic, some unfortunate cases of pet abandonment also increased, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Challenges of Pet Ownership in Apartments

One of the biggest differences between Australia and Korea in terms of pet ownership is the living environment.
While many Australians have houses with yards, most Koreans live in apartments, making pet ownership more challenging.

In Korea, there are strict pet regulations in many apartment buildings.
Noise complaints due to barking dogs are common, and some landlords do not allow pets at all.
One of the biggest concerns among non-pet owners is the issue of pet waste in shared spaces. Some residents find it frustrating when pet owners do not properly clean up after their dogs, leading to tensions between pet owners and non-pet owners.
Additionally, the concept of "pet-free zones" exists in some areas where dogs are not allowed to walk on certain streets or in specific parks. 
Interestingly, many pet owners in Korea use prams (strollers) to take their pets outside, which some people see as a bit excessive or even a pity, as pets miss out on natural exercise and interaction with their surroundings.

In contrast, Australia has a more pet-friendly culture, with many apartment complexes being pet-friendly by default. Public spaces such as parks and beaches often have designated off-leash areas for dogs, making it easier for pet owners to exercise their pets.
However, responsible pet ownership is still important, as some people may be afraid of dogs or allergic to pet fur.

Breeding Regulations in Australia and Korea

Both Australia and Korea have strict regulations regarding pet breeding to ensure animal welfare and prevent irresponsible breeding practices.

In Australia, breeders must adhere to strict guidelines set by the government and various animal welfare organizations.

Key regulations include:

  • Breeders must be registered with the relevant state authority.

  • Microchipping and vaccination of all puppies before sale are mandatory.

  • Puppy farms and unethical breeding practices are illegal, with heavy fines for violators.

  • Prospective pet owners are encouraged to adopt from shelters rather than purchase from breeders.

In Korea, breeding regulations have also tightened in recent years due to concerns over unethical breeding and pet abandonment.

Some key regulations include:

  • Breeders must be registered and comply with animal welfare laws.

  • The government has cracked down on illegal puppy mills and irresponsible breeders.

  • Pet shops are required to display information about the origin and health of the animals they sell.

  • Adoption campaigns have been promoted to reduce the number of stray animals.

Strict Regulations for Bringing Pets into Australia and Korea

When immigrating with pets, both Australia and Korea have stringent regulations to ensure the safety and health of animals, as well as to prevent the introduction of diseases.
These regulations ensure that only healthy pets enter the country, minimizing the risk of contagious diseases.

Bringing Pets to Australia

Australia is known for its strict biosecurity measures due to its geographic isolation and efforts to protect its unique ecosystems.

The process of bringing pets into Australia can be quite lengthy and involves several steps:

  1. Pre-Import Requirements:

    • Microchipping: All pets must be microchipped before entering Australia to ensure identification.

    • Vaccinations: Pets must be vaccinated against diseases such as rabies. This needs to be done several months prior to arrival.

    • Blood Tests: For pets coming from certain countries, blood tests are required to confirm the rabies vaccination.

    • Health Certificates: A veterinary health certificate, issued within a specific time frame, must accompany the pet.

    • Quarantine: Pets are typically required to undergo a minimum of 10 days in quarantine upon arrival to Australia. This is done to ensure they do not carry any infectious diseases, particularly rabies.

  2. Process Timeline:

    • The entire process, including obtaining the necessary documents and quarantine period, can take up to 6 months or longer, depending on the country of origin. This makes bringing pets to Australia a complex and time-consuming task.

    • Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) oversees the process, and specific guidelines must be strictly followed. Any mistakes or deviations could result in delays, rejection, or even euthanasia of the pet.

  3. Pet Entry Points:

    • Pets can only enter Australia through approved airports with designated quarantine facilities, such as those in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Bringing Pets to Korea

Korea also has strict regulations for importing pets, particularly when it comes to health and disease control. Although slightly less stringent than Australia’s measures, the process is still detailed:

  1. Pre-Import Requirements:

    • Microchipping: As with Australia, pets must be microchipped.

    • Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure. Korea requires rabies vaccinations for pets older than 3 months.

    • Health and Vaccination Certificates: A health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, along with proof of vaccination history, is necessary. This certificate must be issued within 7 days of arrival.

    • Parasite Treatments: Some countries require pets to be treated for parasites, including ticks and tapeworms, within a certain time frame before arrival.

  2. Process Timeline:

    • Unlike Australia, pets arriving in Korea do not have to go through an extended quarantine period, but they must pass veterinary checks at the airport. If any health concerns are raised, the pet may be quarantined for a brief period.

    • The process is typically 2-3 months in advance of departure, allowing time for vaccinations, paperwork, and tests.

  3. Import Restrictions:

    • Some countries, like China and India, face additional restrictions when sending pets to Korea due to concerns over disease transmission, making the process even more complicated for people immigrating from these regions.


Why I Love Raising a Cavoodle in Australia


As a dog lover, I chose to raise a Cavoodle, one of Australia’s most beloved hybrid dog breeds. Cavoodles, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, have many traits that make them ideal for pet ownership in Australia:

  • Hypoallergenic Coat – Cavoodles have a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, making them perfect for people with allergies.

  • Friendly and Social – They are affectionate, playful, and get along well with children and other pets.

  • Intelligent and Easy to Train – Their Poodle heritage makes them highly intelligent, which means they pick up training commands quickly.

  • Adaptable to Different Living Environments – While they enjoy outdoor spaces, they can also live comfortably in apartments as long as they get daily exercise.

  • Loyal and Loving – Cavoodles form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship.

                                              

Final Thoughts

Pet ownership is a rewarding experience, whether in Australia or Korea, but cultural and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping how people care for their pets.

While Australia provides a more pet-friendly environment with ample outdoor spaces, Korea’s love for small dogs reflects the realities of apartment living. Regardless of the country, responsible pet ownership—cleaning up after pets, ensuring they get proper exercise, and being considerate of neighbors—is key to maintaining a harmonious community for both pet lovers and non-pet owners alike.

As a proud Cavoodle owner, I can confidently say that having a pet brings immense joy and companionship.
Whether you're in Australia, Korea, or anywhere else in the world, the love between a pet and its owner is universal!


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