Noise and Pet Etiquette: Key Issues as Pet Ownership Expands in 2023

Noise and Pet Etiquette: Key Issues as Pet Ownership Expands in 2023

As pet ownership continues to rise in South Korea, so too does the need for responsible pet management. According to the Farm, Fisheries, and Food Education and Culture Information Center (농정원), a comprehensive analysis of over 770,000 online mentions reveals that noise has emerged as the top reason for discomfort caused by pets, accounting for 24% of complaints this year—up from 17.8% in 2021. This uptick in noise complaints reflects broader societal concerns about how pets impact public spaces, particularly in apartment complexes.

Interestingly, complaints about general dislike of pets have decreased significantly, from 34.1% in 2021 to 23.1% in 2023. This shift suggests a growing acceptance of pets in society, even as concerns about their behavior persist.

Another growing issue is the rising number of complaints about individuals known as cat moms, who feed stray cats. What was once a minor concern has now gained traction, as more people report disruptions related to this practice.

Meanwhile, pet-friendly areas have expanded, with Cheonggyecheon Stream and national parks becoming more accessible to pet owners. This increased accessibility has underscored the need for proper pet etiquette, which includes practices like keeping pets on leashes, cleaning up after them, and using muzzles where necessary.

The demand for pet etiquette has become particularly evident in online discussions, with leash use being the most frequently mentioned topic (63%). This aligns with the growing need for pet owners to be aware of their pets' behavior in shared spaces.

Additionally, the With Pet trend has gained significant traction, as pet owners increasingly seek out pet-friendly spaces like cafes (30.7%), restaurants (29.8%), and parks (6.1%). Popular activities for pet owners include traveling, walking, and dining out with their pets, demonstrating the evolving relationship between humans and their furry companions.

As pet ownership continues to rise, so too does the importance of ensuring that pets are managed responsibly. The growing trend of pet-friendly spaces and the rise in pet etiquette discussions signal a shift toward a more pet-inclusive society, where the needs of both pets and the wider community are balanced.

In the coming years, the focus will be on cultivating a culture of mature pet etiquette, ensuring that pets and their owners can coexist harmoniously in public spaces.

1. Noise as the Leading Cause of Discomfort from Pets

In 2023, the most common complaint regarding pets online shifted from general dislike to noise, with 24% of complaints citing this as a major issue. This marks a significant increase from the 17.8% recorded two years ago. Complaints have been particularly prevalent in apartment owner forums, where noise from pets has been a growing concern.

2. Decrease in Complaints About General Dislike

The general dislike of pets decreased significantly, from 34.1% in 2021 to 23.1% in 2023, showing a broader acceptance of pets among the public.

3. Rising Complaints About Cat Feeding

Complaints related to feeding stray cats (often by individuals called "cat moms") have risen this year. These complaints were nearly nonexistent two years ago but have grown in prominence, highlighting tensions around pet ownership and animal welfare.

4. Expansion of Pet-Friendly Areas

In 2023, there was a notable expansion in pet-friendly areas, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream and national parks, where pets are now allowed. This shift has led to a growing need for responsible pet ownership practices, or pet etiquette.

5. Increase in Pet Etiquette Awareness

With the increase in pet-related complaints, especially regarding noise and pet control, there has been a rise in the demand for better pet etiquette. Discussions on proper behaviors, such as using leashes, maintaining hygiene, and employing muzzles, have seen a noticeable increase. Leash use continues to be the most frequently mentioned aspect of pet etiquette, accounting for 63% of the conversation.

6. The ‘With Pet’ Trend

The With Pet trend has become increasingly popular, as seen in the growing interest in pet-friendly spaces like cafes, restaurants, and parks. The most common activities with pets include traveling (20%), walking (17.4%), and dining (16.2%).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: What is causing the rise in complaints about pets?
A1: The most significant issue is noise, specifically from pets barking. This has become the leading complaint, especially in apartment settings. As more pets are allowed in public spaces, noise and pet management have become more challenging.

Q2: What is “pet etiquette”?
A2: Pet etiquette refers to the guidelines that pet owners should follow to ensure their pets are well-behaved in public. This includes leash use, ensuring pets don’t make disruptive noises, and cleaning up after them to maintain hygiene.

Q3: How have pet-friendly spaces changed?
A3: More places, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream and national parks, are now allowing pets, which reflects an evolving mindset towards pet inclusion in public spaces.

Q4: Why are there more complaints about feeding stray cats?
A4: Complaints about feeding stray cats have risen because these actions can sometimes lead to nuisance behaviors, such as attracting more animals or causing hygiene concerns, especially in public areas.

Q5: What activities are most common for pet owners?
A5: Pet owners commonly engage in traveling, walking, and dining with their pets. Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants are popular spots for these activities.

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