It’s a common sight across South Korea: Puppies, ranging from tiny Maltese to fluffy Pomeranians, peer out from stacked glass boxes at pet shops along city streets or in department stores, anxiously wagging their tails inside their cages. 

These stores are where many would-be pet owners find their next furry family member, welcoming places filled with cute animals.

But they also belie more troubling aspects about the pet industry in South Korea: Just outside most cities, overcrowded animal shelters are forced to euthanize dogs that don’t find homes.

In 2022, humane shelters across the country euthanized 19,000 dogs due to