Interested in adopting from the Pyeontaek-si animal shelter? Here is a quick blog to help you know what to expect. The Pyeongtaek-si government website provides the following information for adopting from the city-funded shelter.
About Adopting a Pet
Adopting a pet from a city shelter is a rewarding experience that not only provides a loving home for an animal in need but also contributes to the well-being of your community. Pyeongtaek, like many cities in South Korea, runs an animal shelter for abandoned and stray animals. This blog will guide you through the process of adopting a pet from the Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter, outlining everything from requirements to post-adoption care.
Remember processes change over time. This is only a snapshot of how things work in 2024.
Why Adopting from the Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a compassionate choice that helps reduce the number of abandoned animals and supports the local animal welfare system. Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter (평택시유기동물보호소)provides a safe haven for animals that have been lost, abandoned, or surrendered by their owners.
By adopting, you are not only providing a loving home for a pet but also actively participating in animal welfare and ensuring that these animals have the chance to live fulfilling lives. Additionally, the Pyeongtaek-si animal shelter is a kill shelter so you are also saving a life.
How to Adopt a Pet in Pyeongtaek: Step-by-Step Process
The process of adopting a pet in Pyeongtaek can feel complicated for non-Korean speakers. You will need the support of a Korean speaker to make it through each step. Here’s a guide to help you through the adoption journey.
Browse Available Pets
To start the adoption process, visit the Pyeongtaek Animal Adoption Page, where you can browse a list of available pets for adoption. The shelter lists animals that are currently looking for a home, including dogs, cats, and sometimes other animals. You can filter the listings based on breed, size, and other preferences to find the pet that best fits your lifestyle.
Here is the link to the Pyeongtaek Animal Adoption page:
Animal Adoption Page
Visit the Shelter
Once you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, the next step is to visit the Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter in person. This gives you the chance to meet the animals and interact with them before making your decision. The shelter staff may not be able to provide more details about the pet’s background, temperament, and health condition, ensuring that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter
Address: 경기도 평택시 진위면 야막길 108-86
Complete Adoption Formalities
If you decide to move forward with adopting a pet, the next step is to complete the necessary adoption formalities. This typically involves signing an adoption agreement that outlines your responsibilities as a pet owner. The shelter will also provide you with guidelines for the care and well-being of the adopted pet, including feeding, medical care, and training.
Additionally, you may need to complete an online class. The online class will be entirely in Korean. You will also need to pass an exam. The class talks about animal welfare and your responsibilities as a pet owner. You will likely need a person fluent in Korean to support you in this process.
Bring Required Documents
To adopt a pet, you will need to bring valid identification to verify your identity. This includes either your Korean ID (for Korean citizens) or Alien Registration Card (ARC) (for international residents). The shelter uses this information to confirm that you are a legal resident of South Korea and ensure you meet the requirements for pet ownership.
Microchipping Your New Pet
Once you’ve completed the adoption paperwork, the shelter will arrange for the microchipping of your new pet. Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure that helps ensure your pet can be identified if they ever get lost or separated from you. This is a common practice in South Korea and helps reduce the number of lost pets.
Some or all of the microchipping process may be subsidized by Pyeongtaek-si if you go to a recommended location.
Post-Adoption Care and Responsibility
After you’ve completed the adoption process, it’s important to understand your ongoing responsibilities as a pet owner. Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter takes steps to ensure that adopted pets are well cared for in their new homes:
Annual Check-ups
Pyeongtaek’s animal welfare system may include periodic follow-ups to ensure that adopted pets are being cared for properly. The shelter often conducts check-ups on adopted pets twice a year to verify their well-being. This may include visits to your home to make sure that the animal is living in a safe, healthy environment.
Failure to properly care for the pet could result in a fine.
Support and Guidance
The shelter also provides support and guidance for new pet owners, including advice on feeding, training, and health care. If you have questions or need help adjusting to life with your new pet, the shelter staff can offer advice and point you to additional resources.
What to Expect After Adoption
Adopting a pet is not just about bringing them home—it’s a long-term commitment. Here are some things to consider as you welcome your new companion into your home:
- Time and Attention: Pets need daily care, including feeding, exercise, and grooming. Dogs, for example, require regular walks and social interaction to stay happy and healthy.
- Healthcare: Regular veterinary visits are essential for maintaining your pet’s health. You may also need to vaccinate your pet and take care of other health needs like flea prevention.
- Training: Whether you’re adopting a puppy, kitten, or an adult pet, training is important to ensure good behavior and a happy relationship. The shelter can help direct you to trainers or offer basic training tips.
Adoption Fees and Donations
While adopting a pet from the Pyeongtaek Animal Shelter is a noble cause, there may be adoption fees to help cover the cost of the pet’s medical care, vaccinations, and microchipping. Fees vary depending on the type of animal, but they are generally affordable and help maintain the shelter’s operations. You can also make a donation to the shelter to support their ongoing efforts to care for abandoned animals in Pyeongtaek.
Learn More About Living In Pyeongtaek-si
Thank you for reading this blog post! If you’re looking to learn more about integrating into life in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea, we encourage you to attend our in-person classes or workshops hosted by the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF). These events are designed to help you navigate life here, from understanding local culture to practical tips for daily living.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, our classes offer valuable insights into the unique aspects of Pyeongtaek. You can also catch up on past sessions by visiting and following our Facebook Page, where you’ll find recordings of previous classes to watch at your convenience. Join us at PIEF and take the next step toward making the most of your experience in Pyeongtaek!


Pyeongtak Living 101 is a PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) Program that supports international residents living in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. The program provides classes, workshops, and information to make integration into Korean life smoother.
The Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), established in 2014, is a key organization in promoting global exchange and fostering international relations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. PIEF’s mission centers around enhancing cultural understanding and cooperation, especially with the United States Forces Korea (USFK), local foreign residents, and citizens of Pyeongtaek, with the goal of becoming a globally recognized city.
PIEF operates three main centers: the Paengseong International Community Center, Songtan International Community Center, and the Pyeongtaek English Education Center. These centers provide various services, such as language education, cultural programs, and support services for foreign residents. The foundation focuses on strengthening the ROK-US alliance through community-building events, cultural festivals, and educational programs that aim to integrate both locals and international residents. Additionally, PIEF facilitates programs to support foreign residents in Pyeongtaek by providing interpretation, legal and immigration counseling, and other resources to help them settle in Korea.
By organizing diverse programs, such as the Global Supporters and Global Citizenship Fostering initiatives, PIEF actively promotes cultural exchange and global citizenship among Pyeongtaek’s residents. The foundation also seeks to enhance the city’s global reach through collaborations with other cities worldwide and through public diplomacy initiatives, aiming to position Pyeongtaek as a leading international city in Korea.