The dog patrols perform many activities, including neighborhood cleanups and security patrols. (Courtesy of Clearcity)

In recent years, the number of pets in Korea has skyrocketed, providing more people with love and companionship, not to mention all sorts of physical and mental health benefits. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the percentage of the total population who own dogs, cats and other pets increased from 17.4 percent in 2010 to 27.7 percent in 2020. This number is expected to reach 30 percent of the total population by 2023 - nearly 15 million people. With this increase in pet ownership, do these dogs have a way to give back to their communities?   

Koreans have found an answer to this question through the implementation of the “dog patrol program.” The concept is simple: Since dogs need to be walked, why not employ them to fight crime and improve community ties? After all, Korea has long used dogs in various security and patrol roles, including search and rescue and border patrol-related activities. For its part, the dog patrol program motivates volunteer pet owners to walk their dogs while remaining vigilant for criminal activity or potential local hazards – all of which bring attention to community problems that can be addressed quickly (for example, discarded mattresses on curbs or objects on sidewalks that pose tripping hazards). Since police officers frequently change patrol zones, dog owners tend to know their neighborhoods better than the randomly assigned officers and are therefore better able to monitor their areas.

Dog patrol volunteers find a collapsed sun umbrella and trash dumped in an unauthorized area. (Courtesy of Clearcity)

Officially launched in Seoul’s Gangdong-gu District in 2022, the program received a terrific response from dog owners and quickly spread to nine more of the city’s districts in the first year and all 25 as of 2024. In Seoul alone, 1,011 pet dogs are working as patrol officers, with new patrols continuously emerging in other major cities such as Daegu. 

The program has achieved impressive results so far. In 2022, 284 dog patrol teams in Seoul submitted 1,834 reports. That increased to 2,263 reports of everyday hazards in just the first eight months of 2023. Over the same period, members also recorded 331 crime prevention reports. When pets or their owners spot potentially dangerous situations during their walks, the owners can use emergency hotlines to report any potential hazards such as an intoxicated person passed out on a sidewalk or a structure that has been damaged. Program members develop a stronger connection to their community and provide a valuable service that enhances the safety of their areas, all while obtaining a sense of accomplishment. Dogs participating in the program also receive free access to veterinary care. 

However, not every dog and its owner can become a member of the dog patrol program. Candidates must first pass a document review (including confirmation that the dog is registered) followed by a practical test. The test confirms that candidate dogs know commands such as “sit” and “stay” and that they are generally well-behaved. The test even goes so far as to confirm how dogs react to external stimuli, such as larger dogs or particularly tall people or children. 

But that’s not all. As part of the training process for dogs selected for the patrol, veterinarians provide education on social skills and etiquette, while police officers provide tips on what members need to keep in mind while on patrol. Once dogs and their owners are recruited onto a team, they can participate in patrols for a period of one year. Patrols are conducted in groups, and in many cases, both dogs and owners wear vests to identify them as dog patrol members. This makes them an easily recognizable part of the local community.  

Dog patrols keep an eye out for crime and other hazards through team efforts between the dogs and handlers. (Courtesy of Clearcity)

Lee Hye-jin, a member of the dog patrol program, said, “I’m proud to be able to protect my neighborhood, even if only in a small way. People used to be scared of my dog Buku because he’s a rather large breed by Korean standards. Through our patrols, however, people have become very fond of him. I often get compliments on how cute he is. I look forward to continuing my walks with him to protect our neighborhood.”

As Lee's experience shows, the program not only helps reduce crime and improve communities, but it also helps improve perceptions of dogs by demonstrating that the animals contribute to society. In general, the popularity of dog cafes, parks and other pet-friendly spaces in cities like Seoul reflects the growing importance of dogs as valued members of Korean households. However, Korea has also made significant strides in improving animal rights awareness. A law passed in January will ban the consumption of dog meat starting in 2027, and numerous animal welfare organizations are working to better the lives of dogs. The dog patrol program is just the latest in a series of efforts by the Korean government to improve how dogs are perceived in the country.