Supporting 'Pet Dad' Lai Jui-long! Veterinarians and Pet Industry Form Backing Association to Promote 'Four-Haves' for a Pet-Friendly Kaohsiung

With the 'pet economy' continuing to grow, Kaohsiung aims to transform its pet industry into a new engine for urban development. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Lai Jui-long officially established the 'Kaohsiung City Veterinarians and Pet Business Industry Association Support Group' today (9th). The association is co-led by Dr. Feng Zong-hong, President of the Kaohsiung City Veterinary Association, and Su Wen-sheng, President of the Kaohsiung City Pet Business Association, uniting veterinarians and pet industry professionals in support of Lai.

Lai, who identifies himself as a 'pet dad,' stated that he will advance a 'Four-Haves' policy focusing on environment, exhibitions, branding, and talent to create a 'harmonious city where humans and pets thrive together—making Kaohsiung even better.'

Citing the latest pet registration data from the Council of Agriculture, Lai noted that by 2025, Taiwan's registered dog and cat population will exceed 3.2 million. The pet industry has evolved into a comprehensive sector encompassing food, supplies, medical care, grooming, and pet care services. Last year, the Council reported that Taiwan's total pet industry output value reached NT$60 billion, underscoring how pets have transitioned from companions to essential family members. The 'pet economy' has thus become an undeniable emerging industry.

Lai emphasized Kaohsiung's vast potential in pet industry development. The city currently has 198,032 registered dogs—ranking second nationwide—and over 180,000 registered cats, ranking third. With such a large pet-owning population and industry demand, Kaohsiung must look beyond 'pet consumption' and strategically plan from the perspectives of urban governance, industrial development, and talent cultivation to transform its strengths into new urban competitiveness.

'I have three cats at home—I am a pet dad myself,' said Lai. Because he shares the emotional bond and responsibility of pet ownership, he proposed the 'Four-Haves' strategy to ensure Kaohsiung's pet industry has: 'a friendly environment, international exhibitions, a pet economy brand, and industry talent.'

First, 'a friendly environment.' Lai pledged to continue expanding pet-friendly parks, public spaces, and commercial districts, ensuring pet owners can enjoy convenient and accessible environments for walking, leisure, and shopping with their pets—making pet-friendliness an integral part of Kaohsiung's urban life.

Second, 'international exhibitions.' Lai aims to actively attract international pet expos, professional forums, and pet competitions to Kaohsiung. He also plans to launch Kaohsiung's own 'Pet Festival' and pet markets, connecting industry players, professionals, and consumers, positioning Kaohsiung as a key hub for pet industry exchange in Taiwan and even Asia.

Third, 'a pet economy brand.' Lai stressed that Kaohsiung should not only be a pet-friendly tourist destination but also become an Asian hub for pet industry exchange. By leveraging policy resources and city marketing, he aims to attract international brands, distributors, and related industries to invest in Kaohsiung, boosting industrial investment and job creation.

Fourth, 'industry talent.' Lai emphasized integrating vocational high schools, universities, and the industry to build a complete talent pipeline from 'education, training, to employment.' This will allow young people to study, receive professional training, and find local jobs in Kaohsiung, injecting fresh talent into the pet industry and supporting its long-term growth.

Dr. Feng Zong-hong, President of the Veterinarians Association and Support Group Chair, noted that due to declining birth rates and changing family structures, pets have become vital family members. Comprehensive professional systems and policy support are needed for disease prevention, critical care, and senior pet care. He praised Lai for his long-standing advocacy for animal medical care and welfare, expressing hope that Kaohsiung will become not only a tech and industrial powerhouse but also a city that values life, promotes animal welfare, and fosters human-pet coexistence.

Feng also invited Lai to jointly welcome the 'FASAVA Congress (Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations)' in 2028, to be held in Kaohsiung. This international event will showcase Kaohsiung's achievements in veterinary medicine, pet industry, and animal-friendly urban development to the world.

Su Wen-sheng, President of the Pet Business Association and Support Group Chair, cited two main reasons for supporting Lai. First, Lai has deep roots in Kaohsiung, with extensive experience from local governance to national legislation—exactly the kind of long-term commitment the city needs. Second, Lai listens to industry and professional groups, using dialogue to identify problems and drive improvements—a governance approach the industry highly values.

Su emphasized that urban progress must include advancements in animal welfare and pet-friendly environments. He hopes the city government will support the pet industry in becoming more legal, professional, and sustainable, establishing Kaohsiung as a benchmark pet-friendly city brand in Taiwan.

In response, Lai expressed gratitude for the two association leaders personally chairing the support group and mobilizing industry partners. This, he said, reflects not just personal support but the industry's collective hope for Kaohsiung's future. He stressed that while citizens' lives must be improved, pet living conditions must also advance. The shared goal is 'harmony between people and pets—making Kaohsiung even better'—ensuring every pet can live safely and happily in Kaohsiung.

With the year-end election just over three months away, Lai pledged to work closely with industry partners, building on the eight-year foundation laid by current Mayor Chen Chi-mai, to continue advancing the city. Kaohsiung should not only be livable and business-friendly but also become 'the happiest city for pets in Taiwan.'