Pet economy boom in S. Korea sparks tech innovations

Demand for animal-care gadgets on the rise as pet ownership surges amid pandemic

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After bathing her dog, Ms Kim Hee-eun would put the two-year-old Pomeranian spitz in a "dry room". Shaped like a standard pet carrier, the room functions like a hair dryer with wind blowing from all directions. It takes only 10 to 20 minutes to dry her dog, said the 29-year-old civil servant.

"Using the dry room, which costs around 1 million won (S$1,150), is convenient as it requires less human effort and the pet can rest inside," she said.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on November 14, 2021, with the headline Pet economy boom in S. Korea sparks tech innovations. Subscribe