Kindergarten for dogs offer various programs; owners consider them as family

 

 

One in four families in South Korea has a pet. Not only are their pets cute and loving but they have also become actual family members, which is why services for them have become more available like this doggie school our Kim Jung-sil went to. Welcome to a kindergarten for dogs! From 9 AM till noon, all dogs of different shapes and sizes come in to spend another day. One of the largest kindergartens for dogs here in South Korea, this place offers various activities conducted by trainers, and medical assistance from professional vets. "More than 130 dogs come to this kindergarten for daycare, exercise and other activities. It might not be cheap, but customers say it's worth it." "Leia is my beloved daughter and my best friend who understands me better than anyone. We are very satisfied with the training she gets here in terms of socializing and etiquette." The kindergarten principal said he has seen many changes in pet culture over the past few decades. "In the past, people used to buy puppies impulsively and abandon them if they didn't behave. But nowadays, more and more people adopt them as part of their family." "I consider my dog as a family member for life, so I want to give them the best possible care just as I did to my children and my grandchildren if I have some in the future." According to this year's Korea Companion Animal Report by KB Financial Group, 81.6% of owners said they consider their pets as family members. The report also said pet owners spend an average of 120 U.S. dollars per month. That's more than 1,400 dollars per year. "The overall cost of raising a pet has increased starting with adoption, nurturing, and medical treatment. There's also huge room for funeral costs to grow in the future. All of this spending is due to the fact that many people deem pets as part of their family." However, in South Korea, pets are still considered property, according to the law. Experts said changes might be necessary as they are becoming a bigger part of many people's lives. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.


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Vocabulary:
1.  Kindergarten - a school or class that prepares children for first grade 
2.  Etiquette - the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group 
3.  Abandon - cease to support or look after (someone); desert 

 

Questions:
1. Reveal why pet services have become more available in South Korea.
2. Talk about one of the biggest dog kindergartens in your country.
3. As per the principal, how has pet culture changed over the years?
4. What are the pros and cons of raising a pet?
5. How much money would you be willing to spend on a pet?