Controversy over funeral money for pets

Sending condolences at funerals is a long-standing tradition in Korea, but today many people apply it even when their pets die.

In early 2024, an article sharing the story of attending a dog's funeral on Blind - a Korean social network that allows anonymous users - received a lot of attention. According to the writer, in addition to sharing the sadness with the pet owner, this funeral also featured the appearance of a condolence box.

"I put in 50,000 won (more than 900,000 VND) to make them feel shared, but I myself don't feel comfortable. I'm not sure if it's right to give money to pets," this person wrote.

Korean social media debates about giving condolence money to pets. Illustration photo: iStock — Korean social media debates about giving condolence money to pets. Illustration photo: *iStock*

There were two streams of opinion in the comments section. One was against the act of holding funerals for dogs and cats as well as accepting condolence money. The rest supported the pet owner, saying that the decision to give condolence money was made by the guests, not forced. Each individual can choose the appropriate way to comfort, not necessarily giving money.

"It seems like now we have to send money for a pet's wedding, then a dog's birthday or first birthday party?", one person commented. Many netizens were also curious about whether people attending a pet's funeral had to bow before the portrait on the altar or if there was a sangju - the head of the funeral - present.

In addition, some opinions also say that the tradition of sending condolence money comes from the principle of "give and take", supporting the family in difficult times. However, not everyone has pets, so sending condolence money will lose the original purpose.

Understanding this, Son, a Korean who is raising a 10-year-old Mal dog, said: "If I were to hold a funeral for my dog, I would only invite relatives. I don't want to put an extra burden on my friends."

Kim Ji-hyo, who has an 8-year-old bichon frise, has also attended funerals for her friends' pets. But instead of giving money, she prefers to give toys and food - things her pets loved when they were alive.

Pet cremation support service to be launched in Seoul, South Korea from late 2023. Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Government — Pet cremation support service to be launched in Seoul, South Korea from late 2023. Photo: *Seoul Metropolitan Government*

According to a 2022 survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of 5,000 Koreans, the current rate of pet owners is about 25%, mainly dogs.

The Seoul government said that among dog and cat owners in the city, 47% choose to cremate their animals after they die, while 13% throw them in the trash. Nationwide, the corresponding rates are 30% and 6%.

By the end of 2023, Seoul will also offer pet cremation services for dog and cat owners to address the shortage of animal crematoriums in the city and support those in difficult circumstances who want to hold a funeral for their pets. The usual fee for holding a pet funeral currently ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 won per kilogram.

According to city officials, when people call the Korea Pet Funeral Culture Center, staff come to their homes to pick up the dead animal, keep it refrigerated, and transport it to one of the crematoriums such as Inch or Gimpo in Kyunggi Province.

Minh Phuong (According to Koreaherald, Koreatimes )

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