반려동물 디지털 헬스케어 산업 관련 법규제 현황과 개선과제

Since ICT technology is being applied to the companion animal products according to the trends of the 4th industrial revolution, the digital healthcare market for companion animals is growing rapidly. Especially, as the demand for online services for companion animals increases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many startups are providing services based on the digital healthcare for companion animals and Pet-tech. However, as some companies that provide online digital healthcare services are illegal under the current legislation and regulations, it is necessary to identify the current regulations and compare them with abroad cases to promote the digital healthcare industry for companion animals in the future. In this paper, we suggest several improvements to respond to the convenience and demand of companion animal owners by referring to abroad cases regarding the regulation of veterinary tele-medicine services. Under the current Veterinary Act, online services are not permitted to conduct treatment or prescription, but we suggest to try limited tele-medicine with a veterinarians who have provided face-to-face medical care. In the case of companion animal genetic test, unlike abroad cases, the items of genetic test are limited. Therefore, we propose to gradually improve the genetic test items based on scientific verification to response to the increasing demand of companion animal owners and the related industries. Finally, in the case of a customized diet for companion animals, we suggest that the current regulation should be improved so that many companies can enter the companion animal food market freely. Overall, we suggest that it is necessary to revise several legislations for companion animal industry to develop the high impact business fields. It will improve the competitiveness in the global companion animal industry area.