Hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine at CBNU, the 35th Companion Animal Festival of 2026 was held on May 5 at the Outdoor Stage of CBNU. This event was conducted as an experiential festival in which companion animals and their guardians could participate together, and it was jointly operated by the College of Veterinary Medicine and the CBNU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. First launched in 1991, the Companion Animal Festival has established itself as one of the representative companion animal events in Cheongju. Held in celebration of Children’s Day, this event attracted many visits from families and companion animal owners.

  The event ran from noon to 5 p.m., featuring a variety of programs scheduled in different time slots, allowing participants to actively engage with their companion animals. The program that received the greatest attention was the special lecture, “Companion Animal Behavior Studies for Companion Animal Guardians,” by veterinarian Na Eung-sic. Dr. Na is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at CBNU and is a companion animal behavior specialist. During this lecture, the causes of problem behaviors in companion animals, proper response methods for guardians, and methods for forming healthy relationships were introduced. Participants gained clearer insights into the causes of certain behaviors and the training methods for companion animals—topics they had often wondered about.

  In addition, various programs in which participants could join together with their companion animals were conducted, including ▲frisbee & agility ▲“Me or Food?” ▲Challenge! Pet Star ▲Animal Knowledge OX Quiz. Participants ran and experienced activities together with their companion animals while enjoying the atmosphere of the venue. Scenes of citizens taking pictures with companion animals or participating in games also continued throughout the event. Various permanent booths were also operated throughout the event site, including ▲paw-print souvenir making ▲one-day veterinarian experience ▲photo booth ▲face painting ▲caricature drawing ▲bead crafts ▲food trucks. These booths attracted continuous participation from visitors. Participants were able to make souvenirs using the paw prints of their companion animals or indirectly experience the animal treatment process through the one-day veterinarian experience. In addition, a new booth by The Wildlife Center of Chungbuk was added this year. This booth introduced wildlife rescue and protection activities and informed visitors of the importance of protecting not only companion animals but also various animals. Actual rescue cases and the processes of wildlife protection activities were introduced so that citizens could naturally encounter the necessity of wildlife protection. This added distinction in that the event advanced one step further from an existing companion-animal-centered event and expanded the meaning of life protection and coexistence. 

  Oh Yoo-jin (Dept. of German Language and Culture, 21) who participated in the event said, “This is my second visit, and it seems that the experiential programs have become more diverse, so I was able to participate enjoyably.” She also stated, “There are many programs in which one can directly participate together with companion animals, so I think it will remain even more memorable.”

  The Companion Animal Festival has contributed to the spread of companion animal culture and the improvement of awareness regarding animal protection through the participation of local residents and companion animal owners over a long period of time. This year’s event also concluded as a regional event through the operation of various programs combining experience and education, allowing citizens to naturally experience the meaning of coexistence with companion animals. In particular, this year carried additional significance in that the booth related to wildlife protection was added, conveying not only the protection of companion animals but also the value of protecting various forms of life together.