○ To advance the companion animal industry, Jeonbuk State, specifically Imsil County, needs to develop region-specific industries by maintaining local resources and synergistically combining them. Given that many metropolitan cities and provinces, including Jeonbuk State, are implementing ordinances and formulating targeted strategies to explore business opportunities related to companion animals, Imsil County must thoroughly analyze the applicability of its local resources and devise practical development strategies based on the analysis. This process can serve as a stepping stone to developing the region’s pet industry and subsequently stimulating the local economy. 

○ Imsil County is advised to evaluate its resources from multiple angles and develop practical systems that yield valuable insights into market conditions to effectively foster companion animal-related industries. It must exhibit administrative leadership and spearhead the initiative to fully utilize local resources and develop tailored industrial models, ultimately revitalizing the local economy and attaining industrial sustainability.

○ The first step to effectively fostering the companion animal industry is the accurate assessment of market and industry sizes, necessitating the systematic acquisition of statistical data on the companion animal population and pet-owning households. Additionally, legal and institutional frameworks, such as the “compulsory pet animal registration system,” need to be established to streamline and upgrade current systems for more efficient management of companion animals. In conjunction with this macro approach, specific measures, including petiquette guidelines and related education and training for pet owners, must be implemented to improve the public perception of pet animals and foster a culture of coexistence, thus helping the general public in nurturing empathy toward pet animals. These initiatives will lay the foundation for strengthening the industrial base while promoting the positive image of pet culture across society. 

○ Imsil County registered the “Osu dog,” a rare domestic breed, in the FAO’s Domestic Animal Diversity Information System, and it is home to an “Osu dog” folk tale that symbolizes the sacrifice and chemistry between a pet dog and a human. This indicates that the county has the untapped potential to foster companion animal-related industries. By leveraging these resources to develop a platform for pet owners traveling with their pets and offering them accurate real-time information, Imsil County will position itself as a pet-friendly region. Furthermore, the county can explore the possibility of establishing an animal blood bank in the region to address the increasing demand for animal blood nationwide, thereby attracting the attention of pet owners and instilling positive traits of companion animals in the minds of non-pet owners. This multifaceted approach will catalyze local economic growth and sustainable development of the companion animal industry.

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