Following renovations in 2021, the Wan Chai hospital is now equipped with an upgraded facility, designed to create a more comfortable and caring environment for animals. The new treatment area and ward layout have been carefully planned to streamline the animal treatment process, and provide a calm environment to reduce stress in our hospitalised patients. Notable improvements include enhanced cat and dog non-infectious wards and isolation wards, state-of-the-art ICU units with temperature-controlled oxygen chambers, and a ward specifically for exotic animals.

Comprising a team of 26 veterinary surgeons, the SPCA takes pride in its exceptional veterinary professionals, known for their diverse backgrounds and extensive expertise.

Dr. Jane Gray, Chief Veterinary Surgeon at the SPCA, said, “We are extremely excited to reopen our veterinary 24-hour hospital, offering a high standard of animal care to pet owners in Hong Kong at a reasonable cost. With state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly committed professionals, we are confident that our hospital will serve as a centre of excellence for animals needing care beyond their home environment. Currently, the SPCA receives approximately 1% of its funding from the government. By supporting the SPCA’s veterinary services, pet owners are also supporting its ongoing animal rescue and welfare work.”

The Wan Chai Centre’s clinic operates from Monday to Saturday, with scheduled clinic hours from 8:50 am to 5:30 pm. 24-hour veterinary emergency and hospital services will be available from 3 June 2024.

To learn more about the SPCA’s veterinary services and to schedule an appointment, please visit SPCA’s website at https://www.spca.org.hk/what-we-do/vet-services/.

Due to factors such as emigration and other circumstances, the number of people opting to adopt mongrels has sharply declined. Meanwhile, the number of rescued animals continues to rise. As a result, all three adoption centres run by the SPCA are currently at full capacity, with over 100 dogs eagerly waiting to find their forever homes. Mongrels, particularly adult mongrels, face even fewer opportunities to find their forever homes despite possessing excellent qualities such as being calmer and easier to train.

Not only will the rescue dogs from the SPCA adoption centres be joining the “Dog Adoption Date” and interact with attendees outside their kennels, but participants will also have the chance to meet the “unseen” dogs – mongrels that are ready for adoption but currently still in foster care or other areas not accessible by visitors due to the lack of kennels across the SPCA adoption centres.

This event will provide a unique opportunity for these deserving dogs to meet potential adopters in person and finally find their perfect match.

Entry to the event is free, and there is a fee to attend the workshops. All fees will go towards the medical and daily expenses of animals at the SPCA.

Socialisation For City Dogs Workshop

This one-hour session will be run by SPCA dog trainer Sunny Tang, who will conduct some quick drills during the workshop. It will cover the basics of a dog’s walking manner, how to handle a dog’s interaction with children and strangers, and the dos and don’ts when outdoors. It will be followed by brunch at Interval.

Time: 10.30am-11.30pm (workshop), 11.30pm-12.30pm (brunch)

Price: HK$550

Location: CyberArena and Interval | Farmacy

Personalised Dog Tag & Coaster Workshop

This workshop conducted by MessyJam will teach participants how to make their own dog tags and coasters using resin gel. Over the course of one hour, participants can choose their own dog-shaped moulds, use glitter and their favourite colours, dried flowers, and even their pet’s fur solidified under UV light to create their tags. There will also be brunch after the event.

Time: 10.30am-11.30pm (workshop), 11.30pm-12.30pm (brunch)

Price: HK$650

Location: Interval | Farmacy

3-3-3 Rescue Dog Rule Presentation X Your Dream Adoption Date

This event starts with a half-hour presentation by Sunny detailing what to expect three days, weeks, and months after you adopt a rescue dog. It will be followed by a session in which participants can interact with some of the SPCA’s rescue dogs.

Time: 2pm-2.30pm (presentation), 2.30pm-4pm (interaction session)

Price: Free

Location: CyberArena

Header image credits: SPCA(HK)-Eng via Facebook

The new outlet has plenty of low indoor seating and a spacious layout so that pets and their owners can move around easily. The outdoor seating area is great for customers with bigger pets who need more room.

Several new pet-friendly spaces opened in the city in the past few months. Recently, the government opened 54 new pet-inclusive parks across the territory. In addition, two privately owned pet-friendly gardens were unveiled at K11 Musea and Tai Yuen Commercial Centre.

Header image credits: Starbucks Hong Kong via Facebook

The designated pet-inclusive areas at Ma On Shan Promenade and Sha Tin Park will be open for three months on a trial basis.

These venues, unlike the city’s pet gardens, are not designed specifically for pets. They are existing parks recently outfitted with facilities such as dog excreta collection bins and hand-washing facilities. The last time the government opened up such premises in the city to pets was in April 2022, when it added 62 parks to its list of pet-inclusive parks, most notably at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and Central Pier Waterfront.

The newest additions, which will open on June 13, will bring the city’s total number of pet-inclusive parks to 170.

Pet owners must adhere to the Users’ Code that applies to these parks, which includes keeping dogs on their leashes, cleaning up after pets if they make a mess, and ensuring that pets do not cause a danger or nuisance to people and other pets in the park.

In July 2022, the Hong Kong government opened 12 additional pet-friendly parks, making the total number of such parks in the city 115. The LCSD also has 52 dedicated off-leash dog and pet gardens across several districts in Hong Kong, some of which have facilities such as play equipment, drinking fountains, and lawns specifically for pets.

Last month, two privately owned pet-friendly gardens opened at K11 Musea and Tai Yuen Commercial Centre. And if you’d like to have some fun in the sun with your furry friends, check out the pet-friendly beaches where they can run free.

Header image credits: przemyslawiciak via Canva

K11 MUSEA Pets Garden

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K11 MUSEA has transformed Bohemian Garden’s pet-friendly outdoor space into a landscape in the English countryside. Pets can frolic on a green oval lawn with life-sized Mini Cooper installations, such as benches and station signs. There is also a special parking station for pet trolleys.

The space will also host a grooming workshop conducted by the SPCA on June 10, as well as pop-up stores selling pet products.

Play Eat Tai Yuen

The new “Play Eat Tai Yuen” 20,000 square feet pet garden on the commercial centre’s first-floor podium has several attractions for furry friends and their owners, such as a 3.5-metre-high rainbow donut, a banana slide, and pet-friendly restaurants.

There will also be several pet-centric events at the venue, such as a pet school workshop (June 3), pet massage workshop (June 4), a photo shoot session (June 10), and a pet adoption day (June 10-11).

Hong Kong currently has 103 government-run pet-friendly parks and 52 dedicated off-leash dog and pet gardens. If you’d like to have some fun in the sun with your furry friends, check out the pet-friendly beaches where they can run free.

Header image credits: K11 Musea and Tai Yuen Commercial Centre

From April 29 to 30, dog owners will be able to enjoy a 45-minute ferry ride with their furkids and take in the iconic skyline and architectural structures of the city.

Designed for dogs, DOG DOG Shipcation will embark on a 45-minute-long ferry ride across the Victoria harbour starting from Central. Along the way, there will be plenty of photo opportunities against the backdrop of the harbour’s iconic skyline and architectural structures that make it unique, including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center at Wanchai and the Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui.

To top it off, each furkid will receive a sailor-themed hat and bandana, a customized certificate as well as other gifts to make the experience a lifetime memory. All fees and donations from the event will go towards the medical and daily expenses of animals in need at the SPCA.

Event Details

Image and content credits: SPCA

Before cat or dog adoption, it’s essential to consider whether you’re able to handle the responsibility of a pet. Pets are lovely and sweet and adorable, but they also take commitment on the part of their owners. It is a shame to think that some of these animals are actually returned to shelters or abandoned because their adoptive families weren’t adequately prepared for pet ownership.

It’s also important to adopt for your lifestyle, not for aesthetics. You might love the look of a border collie or Great Dane, but as some of the most active dog breeds, you need to consider whether you’re regularly active enough to provide them with the fulfilling exercise they need to live happily.

Dog adoption

Catherine’s Puppies — Sai Kung

Catherine, who was named Sai Kung’s Person of the Year in 2018, founded and runs Catherine’s Puppies. They are a small rescue dog shelter, known for their adorable puppies that get adopted very quickly!

Be sure to follow them on social media if you’re looking to adopt a furry baby to join your family. 

Contact: +852 6799 7530 (Whatsapp only) or catherinespuppyhut@gmail.com

HK Homeless Dog Shelter — Fanling

The owner and founder of this shelter, Angela Chan, moved to New Territories after retiring as a flight attendant instructor for a major airline in Hong Kong.

Seeing the number of stray dogs in the area, she decided to establish this charity. They have homed 400+ dogs since they were founded! 

Contact: info@hkhomelessdogsl.org.hk

Guard For Stray Welfare Association — Kam Tin

GFSWA is a not-for-profit organisation that helps find forever homes for dogs and puppies in Hong Kong.

They aim to help the local tong gaus (Hong Kong mongrels) with their medical needs before finding them new homes.

Contact: +852 6166 6106 or gfswa.org@gmail.com 

Hong Kong Dog Rescue — Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po

One of the most well-known dog rescues and shelters in Hong Kong, HKDR has two shelters, Ap Lei Chau that has the smaller dogs and puppies, and Tai Po, which hosts their larger dogs.

With over 600 dogs currently in their care, they will have the perfect dog that you are looking for!

Contact: info@hongkongdogrescue.com

Kelly Animal Shelter — Lau Fau Shan

Kelly Tse established Kelly Animal Shelter, with their slogan, “Saving A Life Will Change Yours”. With her own savings, and financial support from her friends, she built the kennel at Lau Fau Shan, aiming to save the abandoned animals in Hong Kong.

Currently Kelly provides safe home for more than 200 dogs that are looking for homes.

Contact: +852 9775 5530 or hkkas2013@gmail.com

Pawmiseland

Dog adoption centre Pawmiseland was started in 2016 by Erica Chan when she and her team found two abandoned mothers and almost a dozen puppies in a terrible environment, infested with rats, snakes, and insects.

Since then Pawmiseland has helped home many dogs, and they truly believe that it is man’s duty to help animals, in particular dogs.

Contact: +852 6878 8978 (WhatsApp)

Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter — Yuen Long

Hong Kong Paws Guardian is a nonprofit organisation that helps dogs. It has four key programs: fostering, adoption, sponsorship (paying for the upkeep of a specific dog) and donation for medical emergencies.

They are also always looking for volunteers for daily on-site work, dog walking, emergency rescue, fostering, and event organisation.

Contact: +852 6999 4227 or info@pgrs.life

Rescue Centre for Abandoned Pets — Lau Fau Shan

The volunteers for RCAP have been working to help the dogs of Hong Kong since 1995, and in 2006 they formally established their dog adoption centre.

Their many dogs enjoy the shelter in Lau Fau Shan, New Territories, but they are all looking for furever homes!

Contact: +852 2383 5553

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation — Sai Kung

Along with the shelter, they also have a meals-on-wheels program and run TNR operations to reduce the number of strays. There are over a 100 dogs at the shelter looking for a home!

The volunteers at SKSFF are a group dedicated to rescuing stray, abandoned, sick and injured dogs and providing them with medical care and rehabilitation.

Contact: +852 9199 2340 or saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com

Tobby’s Friend Adoption

Tobby’s Friend is dedicated to helping the overlooked dogs, specifically the older and sick local Hong Kong mongrels.

Along with adoption services, they also provide a Senior Buddies Workshop, that helps teach humans how to help these older dogs specifically with alternative treatments. 

Contact: +852 5226 0801 (WhatsApp) or tobbysfriends@gmail.com

Villa Kunterbunt Lantau — Lantau

Villa Kunterbunt means “House of Variety” in German, and they help rescue and re-home dogs and puppies of all breeds and ages.

Along with a wonderful shelter in Lantau that holds most of their rescues, VKB also has a wonderful set of fosters that care for their dogs while they wait for adoption. 

Contact: +852 9544 9181 or iamivypoon@gmail.com

Home for Homeless Dog — Tai Po

Home for Homeless Dog (HFHD) is located in Tai Po and is dedicated to finding pawrents to senior dogs.

They currently have between 30 and 40 senior dogs who are looking for their forever homes.

Contact: +852 9195 5900 or info@hfhd.org

Dog and cat adoption

Hong Kong Paws — Discovery Bay

HK Paws aims to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and to reduce the large number of dogs and cats that are abused or abandoned every day.

Hong Kong Paws Foundation (HK Paws) is operated on a 100% voluntary basis that helps rehome all the kitties and puppies that they receive.

Contact: +852 9485 5188 or info@hkpaws.org

HKSCDA — Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long

Established in 2007, HKSCDA is committed to providing food, medical care, sterilization, and adoption services for stray cats and dogs.

Their incredible set of volunteers that do house visits before adoption have helped home thousands of cats and dogs! They have a cat shelter in Tsuen Wan and a dog shelter in Yuen Long.

Contact: +852 9864 1089 or info@hkscda.com

House of Joy and Mercy — Ma On Kong

The House of Joy and Mercy takes in and provides temporary care for the injured, weak, pregnant, and old dogs and cats.

They also help find forever homes for these animals, and often the kittens or puppies of the pregnant animals.

Contact: +852 9619 8780 or housejoymercy@gmail.com

LAP— Tsuen Wan and Sai Yin Pun

LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection) exists to help animals in Hong Kong to find a warm home.

One project to promote adoption is a partnership with the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers, where the interaction helps both the men and the dogs.

Contact: +852 6477 1492 or info@lap.org.hk

Love Adopt Animal Society — Sai Kung

LAAS has two key missions: to rescue homeless and abandoned animals and find them their forever homes, and to promote the correct concept of owning domestic animals and its responsibilities through positive education.

Their Sai Kung shelter usually has about 25 animals there.

Contact: +852 6162 9870 or loveadoptas@gmail.com

Love Fluffy Home

Established in 2018, Love Fluffy Home is an dog and cat adoption organisation that deals with all aspects of animal welfare and protection of animal rights. 

They aim to prevent animal suffering, drive positive changes with the objective of protecting, rescuing, and saving lives, re-home animals in their best interest.

Contact: info@lovefluffyhome.org

Maison De Charlotte — Yuen Long

Over the last 25 years, owner and founder, Miss Chen Huizhen has rescued countless cats and dogs and helped provide them homes.

Their shelter in Yuen Long currently has over 190 furry babies, all looking for their furever home.

Contact: +852 6466 9306 or maisondecharlottehk@gmail.com

Paws United Charity — Repulse Bay

With their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home animals in Hong Kong, the volunteer run organisation is working hard to improve the lives of their rescues.

They have a cat adoption and dog adoption centre in Repulse Bay that you can visit between 11am-6pm every day!

Contact: +852 9130 2919 or hello@pawsunited.org.hk

Society for Abandoned Animals — Yuen Long

Over the last 2 decades, their key aim is to help re-home these animals, but they also help provide animal blood to pet owners as well as medical services in their “Animal Medical Centre”.

Additionally, they organize public education activities as well as visiting individuals in need such as the elderly and handicapped.  

Contact: +852 2838 0633 or saa@saa.org.hk

Team for Animals in Lantau South (TAILS) — Lantau

TAILS has an exceptional and dedicated team of volunteers, including a certified veterinarian nurse, a canine behaviorist, and a registered veterinary surgeon. Thus, they are able to provide full medical and rehabilitation services.

Their adorable dogs and cats spend time at fosters before they’re ready for adoption!

Contact: +852 6464 2908 or info@tailslantau.org

Cat adoption

Cat Society Hong Kong — To Kwa Wan

Elaine Chan and Lian Ma started Cat Society in 2007, which helps to home and neuter stray cats that have been abandoned because they’re elderly, sick, or physically handicapped. They welcome volunteers to help care for the group of cats they house and provide medical care for in their To Kwa Wan shelter.

If you’re unable to adopt a cat, you can also donate HK$100 per month to sponsor a cat and receive monthly updates and pictures!

Contact: adoption@catsocietyhk.org

Dogs, cats, and small animal adoption

Kirsten’s Zoo — Wan Chai

Kirsten’s Zoo has a cat sanctuary but most of their animals in their care are in foster care, and therefore find it easier to make a transition to their permanent home.

Along with dogs and cats, Kirsten’s zoo has also helped home small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots, and even a leopard gecko!

Contact: +852 5595 1933 or kirstszoo@hotmail.com

SPCA

Since 1903, the SPCA has helped animals through a variety of services including rescue and re-homing, medical treatment, sterilization, conducting investigations into animal cruelty cases, and lobbying to improve the animal protection laws in Hong Kong.

You can visit the animal rescue’s many branches across Hong Kong to meet the animals available for adoption.

Contact: +852 2802 0501

Whiskers N Paws — Ap Lei Chau

Whiskers N Paws is your one stop shop for all things pet-related.

While they are best known for their retail store, they also have grooming services, a café, AND they partner with animal rescues to help pet adoption!

Their huge store in Ap Lei Chau often has puppies from HKDR, cats from LAP and small animals from SPCA. 

Contact: +852 2552 6200 (call), +852 9696 6200 (WhatsApp), or community@wnp.com.hk

Reptile, amphibian, rabbit, or bird adoption

Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation — Kwun Tong

HERP is the first registered charity that advocates for the rights of amphibians and reptiles.

Since 2004, they have helped +2300 animals, including snakes, turtles and lizards. They also host a variety of educational events to promote awareness and conservation of endangered species. They also provide information for adopters about how to care for their animals.

Contact: +852 2751 3533 or admin@hkherp.org

Hong Kong Reptile and Amphibian Society

The HKRAS is a non-profit animal rescue organisation devoted to reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, etc) and amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, caecillians).

They have also helped arthropods (such as spiders, scorpions, insects), mammals (such as ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, skunks, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, rodents), birds, and fish.

Contact: info@hkras.org

Hong Kong Rabbit Society — Mong Kok

Rabbits are the third most neglected animals in Hong Kong, after dogs and cats. Thus HKRS provides a full range of services, including receiving and re-homing abandoned rabbits, sterilization, medical care, training, and even grooming. 

You can visit their centre in Mong Kok to meet the rabbits, and also buy the relevant merchandise to support their operations.

Contact: +852 3580 0050 or hkrabbit_org@yahoo.com.hk

Hong Kong Bird Shelter and Rescue — Lantau

As most pet birds in Hong Kong are not indigenous to the region and cannot be released into the wild, HK Bird Shelter and Rescue provides them with a safe and secure environment when they are abandoned.

They are mostly a shelter that keeps the birds, but they occasionally have birds for adoption.

Contact: +852 9220 6365 or hongkongbirdshelter@gmail.com

FAQ about pet adoption in Hong Kong

Where to start?

While all of this can be a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, we have some amazing resources that can help you with your adoption journey!

One Facebook and Instagram page to follow is @adoptdontshop.hk, as they collate information from all the above organisations to provide a platform to help people adopt dogs and cats.

You can also follow specific groups, if you’re looking to adopt a dog of a specific breed, or a black cat or dog.

Hong Kong has an incredible dog community, especially ones that support adoption. You can join the group Hong Kong Dog Owners,  which shares great information about all things dogs in Hong Kong! There is also a Hong Kong Pet Owners group, which includes information about dogs as well as cats.

Header image credits: Victor Grabarczyk via Unsplash

Building on its reputation as one of the city’s most popular hotels for “dogcations”, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong has launched a first-of-its-kind dog hotel boarding service, which allows furkids to staycation in style and comfort even while their pawrents are away. Pet parents can enjoy peace of mind while their dogs board in a guestroom on our dog-friendly floor, cared for by our Dog Ambassador staff members, who are experienced dog-owners. Four-legged guests will enjoy daily relax-and-exercise sessions at our Upper Farm Doggy Playground outdoor terrace, and be monitored by the Dog Ambassador team via an in-room web camera.

For those looking to spend quality time together with their pets, the hotel has also introduced new dog-friendly amenities to enhance the experience for all doggy families. Furkids will get to “yum cha” from a special “Doggy Dim Sum Cart” on The Farmhouse’s outdoor Garden Terrace, and dog parking hooks have also been installed so pawrents can easily enjoy The Farmhouse’s buffet spread. 

The dog hotel boarding service is priced from HK$800+10% per night, and available from March 16, 2023 onwards. To book, contact the hotel directly: email hkgct.reservations@hyatt.com, call +852 3762 1234 or Whatsapp +852 6450 7132. The Farmhouse’s Garden Terrace is open for reservations by both hotel guests and visitors, but guests who book a Centric Dogcation package will also enjoy 35% off the breakfast buffet and 30% off the lunch and dinner buffets.

Image Courtesy: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

The theme for the 2023 Dogathon is Sunshine Walk, and there will be several installations for participants and their canine friends to pose in front of before they begin the walk. In addition, the event will feature the PET X Handicraft Marketplace, SPCA Charity Sales, a Wishing and Lock Wall, a Woof and Bricks Art Walk, Agility Games, and educational talks about pet care by professionals.

Participants can enter the event as individuals or as teams. While all applicants will receive a T-shirt and bandana, everyone who completes the walk will receive limited-edition medals and a certificate of appreciation.

Pet parents and their dogs who reach specific donation amounts will take home special gifts such as calendars and online dog care courses, and teams who raise an average of HK$1,000 per person will get a one-hour-long pet-friendly ride on the Star Ferry with their dog.

This is the first time the Dogathon has been held since 2020, when Hong Kong Disneyland Resort played host to the event.

Header image credits: SPCA

An An’s health showed steady signs of deterioration over the past few weeks, with his food intake declining slowly but progressively. By 17 July 2022, he had stopped taking solid food altogether and only drank water and electrolyte beverage. In addition, his activity levels declined while his rest periods became extended. Ocean Park provided medical care to alleviate the geriatric giant panda’s discomfort. 

Unfortunately but as expected, An An’s condition reached a humane endpoint on 21 July 2022. Veterinarians from Ocean Park and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department made the difficult decision to perform the procedure of humane euthanasia on An An after consulting the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. The procedure was conducted by Dr Paolo Martelli, Director for Veterinary Service of Ocean Park, at about 8.40am today at An An’s residence in The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures.

An An arrived Hong Kong on 11 March 1999 together with Jia Jia, the world’s longest-living female giant panda who passed away in 2016 at the grand age of 38. Ocean Park expresses its gratitude to the country for gifting the precious giant pandas to Hong Kong, which signifies the Central Government’s care for the city. 

“We are truly thankful for the opportunity to take care of Jia Jia and An An throughout the years so that the Park could develop into an important base for panda conservation. Since this long-living panda duo’s arrival at Ocean Park in 1999, they have supported the Park’s endeavours in promoting nature and ecosystems to visitors as its ambassadors.  

“An An is an indispensable member of our family and has grown together with the Park. He has also built a strong bond of friendship with locals and tourists alike. An An has brought us fond memories with numerous heart-warming moments. His cleverness and playfulness will be dearly missed. I am thankful to the Park’s animal and veterinary teams for watching over An An around the clock during his final hours. We are certain that the Park’s patrons will join us in paying our final homage to our beloved An An who had lived far beyond the average life expectancy of his species. His legacy will stay as the best testimony to the Park’s ongoing commitment to providing best-in-class husbandry and medical care for giant pandas, with China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda as an essential partner in all aspects over the years. An An and Jia Jia’s mission will be furthered by giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le residing at Giant Panda Adventure,” said Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation.

Ocean Park will host condolence books at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures and the Park’s official Facebook page for visitors to pay tribute to An An.

Image Credits : Ocean Park Hong Kong

1. Wing Lee Street Sitting-out Area – Central and Western
2. North Point Ferry Concourse Promenade – Eastern
3. Oil Street Sitting-out Area – Eastern
4. Kwun Tong Promenade (designated areas) – Kwun Tong
5. Lei Yue Mun Rest Garden – Kwun Tong
6. Lei Yue Mun Typhoon Shelter Breakwater Sitting-out Area – Kwun Tong
7. Sam Ka Tsuen Recreation Ground – Kwun Tong
8. Yuet Wah Street Playground (designated areas) – Kwun Tong
9. Waterloo Road/Wylie Road Sitting-out Area – Yau Tsim Mong
10. Wylie Road Temporary Sitting-out Area – Yau Tsim Mong
11. Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Park – Sai Kung
12. Che Kung Miu Road Playground – Sha Tin

In April 2022, the government added 62 parks to its list of pet-inclusive parks, most notably at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and Central Pier Waterfront. However, these venues—like the parks that will allow pet entry from July 1—are not designed specifically for pets. They are existing parks recently outfitted with facilities such as dog excreta collection bins and hand-washing facilities.

Pet owners must therefore observe the Users’ Code that applies to these parks, which includes keeping dogs on their leashes, cleaning up after pets if they create a mess, and ensuring that pets do not cause a danger or nuisance to people and other pets in the park.

The city also has 52 dedicated off-leash dog and pet gardens across several districts in Hong Kong, which were designed keeping pet needs in mind. They include safety and hygiene amenities such as double pet gates, play equipment, drinking fountains and dog latrines.

Pet owners on the lookout for the best parks to take their pooches to can check out this list of the best dog-friendly parks in Hong Kong. There are also numerous pet-friendly beaches in the city where you can let your furry friends run free.

Header image credits: Ken Lo via Flickr

Duty of care for an animal means that owners have to provide appropriate care for any animals they are responsible for. This can include providing an animal with food, water, and accommodation, understanding its normal behavioural patterns, treating disease and injury, and handling the animal appropriately.

During the Legislative Council meeting on April 27, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan addressed queries about whether Hong Kong would amend Cap. 169 to include a positive duty of care, similar to requirements in the UK, Queensland (Australia), and Singapore. She said that this measure will be included when the ordinance is amended in the second half of the year.

Chan said that other proposed measures include making cruelty to animals an indictable offence, increasing penalties for such offences, and giving enforcement officers greater authority to prevent animal cruelty and suffering. She added that the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Trading and Breeding) Regulations (Cap. 139B) will also be amended to introduce a positive duty of care requirement for animal breeders.

The Secretary also responded to a question regarding whether it should be compulsory for cats to be microchipped in Hong Kong, which is the case for dogs over five months old. She replied that the main reason for dogs’ microchip requirement is to prevent the spread of rabies, as specified under Cap. 421A. This has not been mandated for cats as the risk of rabies transmission among them is lower than for dogs.

However, the AFCD has plans to make it mandatory for all cats sold by licensed animal traders to be microchipped so that owners can locate lost pets. The department will do this by revising the Code of Standards for Licensed Animal Traders.

Header image credits: Ivonne Wierink via Canva

During these checks, AFCD staff will give owners a written request to renew or get licences for their dogs within seven days if an invalid or lack of licence is found. Once this is done, dog owners must present the up-to-date licence at an AFCD-run Animal Management Centre (AMC). Owners who do not comply with this request may be fined up to $10,000.

In Hong Kong, once dogs are over five months old, they must be licenced, vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. Dog licences are issued for three years and dogs must be revaccinated against rabies when their licences are revalidated.

Owners can take their dogs to an AMC or an AFCD Anti-Rabies Dog Inoculation and Licensing Centre to get them licenced and vaccinated. The owner must then make a payment of $80, after which the licence will be issued. If owners apply for a licence online, they must bring their dog to the AMC they have selected for vaccination within 14 days after they submit their application.

There are also authorised private veterinary surgeons and SPCA centres where owners can get their dogs vaccinated and microchipped. The owner will get the licence via the veterinary clinic. However, private surgeons may charge extra for their services.

Header image credits:Alphotographic via Canva

However, these parks are not specifically designed to be used by pets. Instead, these are existing parks with facilities such as dog excreta collection bins and hand-washing facilities. In 2019, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) opened six of its parks to pets on a trial basis as part of its Inclusive Park for Pets initiative. In 2021, the LCSD added 35 more parks to this list.

The government recommends that while in these parks, dog owners should keep their dogs on a leash. Pet parents should ensure their pets are well-behaved and do not cause a nuisance or danger to anyone else in the premises. They also need to clean up any mess created by their pets and keep the area clean.

The LCSD also has 52 dedicated off-leash dog and pet gardens across several districts in Hong Kong. These gardens were designed keeping pet needs and safety in mind, with facilities such as double pet gates, dog excreta collection bins or dog latrines, and hand-washing facilities. Some venues even have play equipment, drinking fountains, and lawns specifically for pets.

If you’re looking for some of the best parks to take your pooches to, check out our list of the best dog-friendly parks in Hong Kong. If you’re more of a sun-and-sand person, then there are several pet-friendly beaches where you can let your pets run free.

Header image credits: Ting Him Mak via Flickr

Step 1: Preparation With Your Regular Vet

• Your pet must have an ISO microchip.
• Annual vaccinations must be up to date.
• Rabies vaccination must be done at least a month before travel.
• Vaccination Record details must be correct (breed, colour etc.).

Step 2: Special Destination Documentation Requirements

• Health Certificate: Most countries require an Animal Health Certificate completed by a vet and endorsed by the Hong Kong government. This is done about a week before you travel. See Steps 5 and 6.
• Import Permit: Some countries require an Import Permit. Google to find the website of your destination country and communicate directly with them for the application process. For example, we took our cat to Thailand that requires an Import Permit, and we applied for this by email using a form, pet photo, vaccine record, owner’s passport, and flight itinerary. The permit was free and valid for 60 days.
• Rabies Titre Test Certificate: Hong Kong is not a high-risk country for rabies, so you may not need a rabies antibody (titre) test certificate. But check your destination requirements (Australia and Taiwan are very strict). To do the titre test in Hong Kong, it can cost HK$5,000 and takes 2-3 months because they send the blood sample to an approved lab in the UK. It should be done months before travel depending on the destination. But it’s almost certainly not needed for many journeys departing Hong Kong to most of Asia or Europe or further.

Step 3: Visit Victory Avenue in Mongkok

• Buy plastic pet crate for about HK$250. There’s no such thing as an “approved” IATA Travel Crate. Just plastic crates that meet the airline requirements. Some malicious agents can charge ten times the price for a crate compared to Victory Avenue pet shops.

Step 4: Reservation with Airline

• Check for animal quota with airline for your chosen flight (we did this with Cathay on FaceBook Messenger).
• Book the flight and submit the request for quota directly with the airline reservation office.

Step 5: Health Certificate From Your Vet

• Make an appointment with a vet that offers health certificates, 7 days before your flight in the morning. In theory any vet can do this certificate. In practice, you have to shop around for one that will do it without an agent.
• The vet will give flea and worm treatment, check the vaccination records, and complete the Health Certificate with a stamp.

If your vet refuses to do this without an agent then they are taking advantage of you.

Step 6: Health Certificate Endorsement

• Take your Health Certificate to Agriculture & Fisheries Dept in Sham Shui Po (303 Cheung Sha Wan Road – +852 2708 8885).
• Pay HK$300 for Gov’t Endorsement stamp and collect Health Certificate 1-2 days later.

You are now ready to check in and fly with your pet and have saved between HK$8,000 and HK$10,000.

Richard has been living in Hong Kong and Shenzhen for four years. He usually travels with his fox Basil Brush but fell in love with a tiny kitten off Sha Tin’s streets in May 2020, and she became part of the family.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The HK HUB.

Header image credits: nadisja via Canva

Eaton HK

Your furry friend is welcome at this Jordan dog-friendly hotel. With cool décor and ambience inspired by Wong Kar Wai’s 1990s Hong Kong films, and their mission to provide creativity as well as positive social and environmental impact, this one is not just for the pups, the owners will be happy too. The Dogcation Package in the Cabin Studio begins at HK$1,320, and includes a number of treats and goodies for your dog, who must be under 15kg. And if you’re looking to have a drink, just head over to Terrible Baby, their rooftop bar, which of course is dog-friendly!

Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei | +852 2710 1828

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour’s A Centric Dogcation is the paw-fect staycation with dogs for you and your best friend, with prices starting at HK$999. The staycation package has stunning views, great dog amenities, access to the Upper Farm doggy playground and all the incredible things to see and do in North Point, including a dog park and nearby pet-friendly mall Harbour North. What more could you OR your pup ask for? For a meal, of course you have all the options in the area, but you must check out The Farmhouse on the 2nd floor of the hotel, which also has some treats for your pet.

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point | +852 3896 9828

The Murray

Both dogs AND cats are welcome when you book a staycation at The Murray, as long as they’re under 15kg. And you don’t have to leave your pup in the room (although it would love the toys and beds there!), as all the hotel’s al fresco restaurants are dog-friendly and so is the Pawsome Gymnasium.  Prices begin at HK$2,500, and an extra HK$800 if you’d like to bring a second pet. They also offer the very special Paws for Tea afternoon tea set, with profits going towards supporting a number of dog rescues and small dog businesses in Hong Kong. You and your pooch will be spoilt with some incredible afternoon treats.

The Murray Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central | +852 3141 8888

W Hong Kong

If you are looking for a pet staycation on Kowloon side, look no further than the W! Their Pets Are Welcome or PAWS Programme is made for your favourite four-legged friend. For just an additional HK$800 a night, one of your pups or kittens (two if you get the suite) can join you on your luxurious staycation. Your pet will also be spoilt with a selection of treats and goodies from Whiskers and Paws at WOOFBAR. And your pooch can even enjoy pet cocktails and other paw-some treats!

W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3717 2222

Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

From now until 30^th September 2021, you can enjoy a Paws on Vacation Package with your furry friend, starting at just HK$990. With the usual pet-friendly amenities, a buddy box for your pup, plus a discount of 20% off on your hotel food and beverage, this staycation ticks off all the boxes! And if you’re looking to explore the area, you can check out the outdoor area of Marina Kitchen or Pier Lounge with your leashed pet, as well as the gardens for your daily walks.

Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang | +852 3555 1688

Rosewood Hong Kong

This luxury hotel has staycations where pets are not only allowed, but also welcome! Cats and dogs under 15kg can be added to any of Rosewood’s numerous staycation packages for just HK$300 each per night, which includes the post-stay deep cleaning fee. The hotel offers everything your dog or cat could need for a comfortable stay. From delicious welcome treats to cosy beds, and even a specially curated gourmet pet menu, Rosewood thinks about not just its human guests, but also its animal ones!

Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3891 8888

The Arca

Pawfertcation – the name certainly captures the essence of this pet-friendly staycation offered at The Arca – it’s a paw-some, perfect staycation! The rates start at just HK$1,500 a night. Your four-legged child, up to 25kg, will be pampered with a specially curated kit of dog amenities, while you enjoy the beautiful Aberdeen harbour views and funky yet cosy décor. Once you are ready to leave your room, you can relish the treats (for both humans and dogs) at afternoon high tea at the Arca Society, or take some adorable photos with costumes from “The Pawfect Wardrobe”!

The Arca, 43 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang | +852 3701 6000

Stanley Oriental Hotel

A giant 1200 sq.ft suite, check. A balcony, check. Dogs of all sizes and shapes welcome, check check check! This new short-stay residence in Stanley offers everything to satisfy you and your best friend, with prices starting at HK$1,600 a night for their staycation, pets allowed. The package includes a discounted meal at nearby Pizza Express and access to the rooftop jacuzzi. Stanley Market is just a stone’s throw away, so there is tons to explore, shop and eat. If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, you have your pick of hikes and beaches to choose from!

Stanley Oriental Hotel, 90B, Stanley Main Street, Stanley | +852 2899 1688

Hotel Sáv

Out in Whampoa is a true gem, Hotel Sáv. Their Furry Tale Dogcation Package inclusive of organic dog food, a puppy welcome gift, and access to the terrace will make yours and your pooch’s dog staycation dreams come true. Also, profits from this staycation are donated to SPCA. Their special dog themed suite, which begins at HK$1,747, includes a teepee stuffed with all the toys, adorable tableware, and outdoor doggie furniture. And you even have a costume closet to dress up your dog and take a bunch of photos as keepsakes, or realistically, for Instagram!

Hotel Sáv, 83 Wuhu Street, Hung Hom | +852 2275 8888

Warwick Hotel

If your pooch loves ferry rides, then head on over to Cheung Chau and enjoy a dog-friendly staycation at the Warwick Hotel! For just an additional HK$150, your furry friend can join you to enjoy a seaside vacation. This will include a comfy bed and cushion for your pup to sleep on, lots of toys to play with, and of course the other basic amenities including treats and bowls. Each room allows up to two dogs, as long as they’re small to medium sized (20kg max). And you can even enjoy all that Cheung Chau has to offer with your animal family – hikes, beaches, fishballs and mochi!

Warwick Hotel, East Bay, Cheung Chau | +852 2981 0976

Header image credits: Hotel Sáv

Home Visit Caretakers

If you’d rather your pets are taken care of in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, here are some great options!

Pawshake

This online platform helps connect you with trusted pet sitters around Hong Kong! Their offerings range from dog boarding and doggy day care at the petsitter’s home to dog walking (minimum 30 minutes), home visits (minimum 30 minutes) to house sitting (24 hours) at your home! With their safe online booking system and verified sitters, you know that these are some of the best pet nanny services possible!

Price: Charges dependent on individual sitters, location and duration.

Contact: https://www.pawshake.com.hk/

Petbacker

Another online platform specific to Hong Kong that provides pet sitters for dog, cats, birds, small animals and even reptiles! They provide a range of services including pet boarding, house sitting, dog walking, pet daycare, pet grooming and pet taxi. They boast over 760 dog sitters in Hong Kong itself so you will surely find one that meets your requirements.

Price: Charges dependent on individual sitters, location and duration.

Contact: https://www.petbacker.com/

Royal Pets HK

With a variety of services including dog walking, dog boarding, pet nannying and cat visits, this all-in-one pet platform will take care of all your needs! Their large team of animal carers can either come to your home or bring the pet to theirs, ultimately ensuring that you and your furry friend are happy!

Price: Starting from HK$140/30 min for cats and dogs.

Contact: +852 6314 9887

Pet Sitting Diary

With a mission to pamper your pets as their own family members, Sam & Angela, founders of Pet Sitting Diaries, provide quality service to pets in caring, grooming and training aspects. Their services include dog sitting and walking, cat sitting and small animal care, along with a host of training courses. They also provide overnight pet sitting.

Price: Starting at HK$180/30 min for cats, dogs and small animals & HK$800/12 hours for overnight pet watching.

Contact: +852 5378 2795

Wish You Were Here

Offering personal and comprehensive pet care services, WYWH is a great option for those who prefer their pets to stay at home. They provide comprehensive pet watcher services including feeding, grooming, exercise duties and all the unconditional love they deserve! Along with dogs and cats, they also cater to birds, small animals and fish! They themselves have 2 dogs and 7 cats, so you know your best friends are in good hands.

Price: Pease contact them to find out costs.

Contact: +852 6252 9821

Furrenz Pet Sitters

With a dedicated and qualified team of 15 pet babysitters in Hong Kong, Furrenz takes care of your dogs, cats and small animals as if they are their own. Pet caretaker services can range from 30 minutes to overnight, and they send daily email updates, along with taking care of feeding medicines and grooming, and they even water your plants so that all your babies are taken the best care of!

Price: Starting at HK$190/30 min for cats, HK$195/30 min for dogs, and HK$135/30 min for small animals.

Contact: info@furrenzpetsitters.com

Senior CID

A truly special collaboration where retired citizens with over 50 hours of training and volunteering can walk and look after your dog while you’re at work or on holiday – so you can come home to a happy and exercised pooch ready for snuggles! Senior CID also offers kitten sitting services with one-on-one play time and lots of photos. Not only will your pets be loved and cared for, you would also be helping our senior community.

Price: Starting from HK$190/60 min for cats, HK$200/60 min for dogs.

Contact: +852 6234 9823

Pet Boarding

If you are looking for a home away from home for your pets, check out the following!

Dogs, Inc — Sai Kung

Located in a village home in Sai Kung, Clare provides a home away from home for your puppy. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and her fully licensed home boarding offers ‘free range boarding’ on the ground floor and garden of her house. Clare also hosts regular training sessions and adventure playdates, so be sure to check out her website!

Price: Starting at HK$400/night for less than 7 days.

Contact: 158 Pak Kong New Village, Sai Kung | +852 9160 1360

Ferndale Kennels — Sai Kung

For a comfortable and relaxing holiday for your furry friend, check out Ferndale Kennels! With over 33 dog kennels and 30 cat condos, this is a great option for anyone needing a space for their pets. They also take care of all the essentials, including vet appointments, grooming and even provide pickup and delivery services across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Price: Starting at HK$200/night for cats & HK$170–505/night for dogs.

Contact: SX-2031, Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung | +852 2792 4642

Kennel Van Dego — Sai Kung

Founded in 1981, Kennel Van Dego is one of the oldest and largest kennels in Hong Kong. Along with your pups and kits, they also board birds and other small animals, and they will be taken good care of in their climate controlled rooms. All boarding services include dedicated daily playtime and you can add additional services such as evening walks, extra playtime, photo taking, dressing and other medical care.

Price: Starting at HK$180-250/night for cats & HK$220-400/night for dogs.

Contact: No. 1-3 Shek Hang Village, Yan Yee Road, Sai Kung | +852 2792 6889

Dog Cheers — Chai Wan

If your pooch is a pampered one they will love their staycation at Dog Cheers, a hotel for dogs. Dog Cheers has 9 spacious private rooms of different sizes accommodating all dogs. They also have a special spa, where your dog will be groomed and primped to perfection. What’s more, they will definitely become best friends with resident dogs Jet, Bean and Bingo, three cheerful, friendly and playful dogs themselves.

Price: Starting from HK$480/night (dependent on size of room).

Contact: 4C, Man Foong Industrial Building, Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan | +852 3709 2966

Pet World Resort — Yuen Long

Pet World Resort has everything you could possibly need from a pet watcher for your best friend. Not only is the resort equipped with the best facilities – large grassy areas, swimming pools, hydrotherapy and grooming services, it also has specialized programs to fit your pooches’ needs. Along with different types of rooms, they also have several camps; for puppies, timid dogs, overweight dogs, or seniors. They also have day boarding options!  

Price: Starting at HK$300-580/night depending on room type or camp.

Contact: No. 351, Shui Mei Tsuen, Kam Tin | +852 2470 6928

Pet Field — Yuen Long

Established by Vincent John and C.K. Mok, reputed and trained members of the canine community, this established pet boarding option is great for both kittens and puppies. Your dogs will have tons of space both inside their room, with a 60 – 90 sq.ft spacious separate room and outside, with over 30,000 sq.ft of total space. Your dog will get their necessary exercise, natural pet food, grooming and training!

Price: Starting at HK$170/ night for cats & HK$190-410/night for dogs.

Contact: 60 Ta Shek Wu, Fan Kam Road, Pat Heung | +852 2488 6736

SPCA Pet Boarding — multiple locations

Both you and your pet will be happy at the SPCA boarding spaces!  Their kennels are air-conditioned, well ventilated and sound-proofed environments. Both cats and dogs are professionally cared for, including providing daily leisure and play time, monitoring of food, toilet habits and health, and exceptional support from their renowned vet team.

Price: Starting at HK$120-200/night for cats & HK$270-350/night for dogs.

Contact: +852 2232 5501

Header image credits: Sabri Tuzcu via Unsplash