Guide To Adopting A Pet In Hong Kong – Dogs, Cats, Hamsters, More!

DOGS: Adopt A Dog At Rescue Centers Across Hong Kong

Dogs really are man’s best friend! But choosing the right breed is essential to a happy home. Some considerations when getting a dog include your outdoor space, whether your building allows dogs, your lifestyle, as well as the time and costs of training, grooming, and vet fees. It also beneficial to adopt, rather than shop for dogs. Centers in Hong Kong are effective at rehoming furry pals to the right families. Hong Kong Dog Rescue and SPCA are safe options, while LAP and Kirsten’s Zoo, among other rescue agencies, are also noble choices. For those who are looking to adopt a puppy, check out Catherine's Puppies in Sai Kung, open daily from 11am - 4pm

• Hong Kong Dog Rescue Ap Lei Chau, Shop A, G/F, 5 Wai Fung Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong,
  info@hongkongdogrescue.com,
  www.hongkongdogrescue.com
• Hong Kong Dog Rescue Tai Po, 6 Shek Lin Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong, info@hongkongdogrescue.com,
  www.hongkongdogrescue.com
• SPCA, Several locations throughout Hong Kong, www.spca.org.hk
• Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP),
  Allway Gardens Block E,
  187 Tsuen King Circuit, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong,
  dog.adoptions@lap.org.hk, www.lap.org.hk
• Kirsten’s Zoo, 20/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 5595 1933, vivien@kirstenszoo.com, www.kirstenszoo.com
• Catherine’s Puppies, 7 Tai Lam Wu Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, +852 6799 7530 (WhatsApp), catherinespuppyhut@gmail.com, www.catherinespuppies.com
• Sai Kung Stray Friends, 151 Tai Lam Wu Village, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 9199 2340, saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com, www.saikungstrayfriends.com
• Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2552 6200, customercare@wnp.com.hk, www.wnp.com.hk
• Hong Kong Paws, +852 9485 5188, kat@hkpaws.org, www.hkpaws.org

Check out our Ultimate Guide To Adopting And Owning A Dog In Hong Kong

CATS: Adopt A Cat At Rescue Centers Across Hong Kong

While cats may appear relatively low-maintenance compared to dogs, they still require daily care and interaction. Providing a safe environment is key for your cats. Consider whether to adopt a kitten or an adult cat, depending on your time and patience, as adult cats tend to be more socialized and have stable temperaments. Families set on lovable, feline friends can adopt from SPCA, Kirsten’s Zoo Whiskers N Paws.

• SPCA, Several locations throughout Hong Kong, www.spca.org.hk
  
• Kirsten’s Zoo, 20/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 5595 1933, vivien@kirstenszoo.com, www.kirstenszoo.com
• Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP), 11 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 6691 7131,
  cat.adoptions@lap.org.hk
• Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2552 6200, customercare@wnp.com.hk, www.wnp.com.hk
• Hong Kong Paws, +852 9485 5188, kat@hkpaws.org, www.hkpaws.org

RABBITS: Adopt A Rabbits At Rescue Centers Across Hong Kong

Hop on to it! Rabbits can be adorable and fun-loving pets – but do require your care, plenty of space to dig or burrow, and a commitment as they can live between 8-12 years. These playful creatures need social interaction, plenty of exercise, and enrichment activities to avoid boredom. Each has its own unique personality – so it’s good to check which would pair well with your family. The Hong Kong Rabbit Society has a small shelter offering abandoned animals up for adoption and foster care.

• The Hong Kong Rabbit Society, Room 03, 3/F, Fuk Hong Industrial Building, 60-62 Tong Mei Road, Mong Kok (Mong Kok MTR Exit A2),+852 3580 0050,
  info@hkrabbit.org, www.hkrabbit.org
• SPCA, Several locations throughout Hong Kong, www.spca.org.hk
• Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2552 6200, customercare@wnp.com.hk, www.wnp.com.hk
• Kirsten’s Zoo, 20/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 5595 1933, vivien@kirstenszoo.com, www.kirstenszoo.com

FISH: Purchase Pet Fish At Goldfish Market

Goldfish are ideal starter pets for kids looking to gain a little responsibility or who may have allergies to furry creatures. Easy to maintain – when following proper feeding techniques and aquarium care, goldfish can live up to 10 years or longer. The Goldfish Market in Mong Kok is a good place to start for everything you need to set up your own underwater paradise including tanks, food and all types of fish.

Goldfish Market, 43-49 Bute Street, 175 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

HAMSTERS: Adopt A Hamster At Rescue Centers Across Hong Kong

If you’re looking for a smaller pet, your family may consider the fun and active hamster. However, smaller children may be disappointed as these are nocturnal animals and when disturbed from their sleep, they may bite. It’s also important to know the type of hamster breed you are bringing home, as they have different habits such as a preference for being away from other hamsters. The SPCA is home to numerous abandoned hamsters and will guide you in setting up the perfect home for your furry, little guy.

• SPCA, Several locations throughout Hong Kong, www.spca.org.hk
• Whiskers N Paws, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2552 6200, customercare@wnp.com.hk, www.wnp.com.hk
• Kirsten’s Zoo, 20/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 5595 1933, vivien@kirstenszoo.com, www.kirstenszoo.com

REPTILES: Hong Kong Reptile And Amphibian Society & More

For exotic snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and tarantulas, consider adopting from the Hong Kong Reptile and Amphibian Society, a non-profit HK-based program committed to finding our slithering friends their best possible home. Aware of the difficulty in raising these animals, they also provide temporary care for your pets whenever needed. You can also adopt turtles and snakes from The Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation.

• Hong Kong Reptile and Amphibian Society, info@hkras.org, www.hkras.org
• Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation, Flat 14D, King Win Factory Building, 65-67 King Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2751 3533,
  admin@hkherp.org, www.hkherp.org.hk

BIRDS: Purchase A Bird Yuen Po Bird Garden

Bringing color and musical chirps to your home, birds can make a wonderful pet. There are a wealth of bird species at the Yuen Po Bird Garden – and even if you’re not getting a pet bird, this area makes for a fun outing when the kids are in tow. Admire other bird enthusiasts bringing out their feathery friends for a stroll around the adjoining park. Make sure to do your homework and know which species of bird you will be bringing to your home, as each has different needs to stay happy and healthy.

Yuen Po Bird Garden, Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, www.bird-garden.hk

CRITTERS: Purchase A Hermit Crab At Goldfish Market

Hermit crabs are tiny, low-maintenance little creatures who like to live together in warm, tropical climates – perfect for Hong Kong! The Goldfish Market in Mong Kok carries an assortment of these little buddies and some stores can offer in-depth knowledge on how to keep them happy and healthy in your home.

Goldfish Market, 43-49 Bute Street, 175 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, Open Daily 10am-9:45pm

FOSTERING ANIMALS: Rescue Centers Across Hong Kong

If you are not quite ready to commit to a family friend, there are numerous opportunities for fostering animals in need of care in Hong Kong.  Warning - we can't promise you won't fall in love with you little fur ball.  SPCA has foster programs for their kittens, puppies, birds, rabbits, lizards and more.  Experienced dog-owners can also find foster opportunities at the Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

• SPCA Foster Program, www.spca.org.hk/en/animal-welfare/foster-parent-programme
• Hong Kong Dog Rescue Foster Program,
  www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/

PET SERVICES: Pet Relocation And Pet Boarding Services

Moving is one of the most stressful life events, and moving with a pet can seem like an overwhelmingly complicated venture. In reality, some experts have been dedicated to that genuine issue, some of them for decades. Their expertise and experience will cover every step of the process of relocating your pet, from letting you in on preparation tips, assisting with paperwork, and travel regulations to bringing them to your doorstep if needed – stress-free for your pet and stress-free for you.

• Here is our breakdown of the top pet relocation companies in Hong Kong!

Pet lovers may wish to take their best friends everywhere. When there are times that this is not possible, at least you can rest assured that Hong Kong has some excellent options for pet care.

• From kennels to hotels, here are the best pet boarding services to give your pet a vacation.

DOG SERVICES: Where To Find Dog Walkers In Hong Kong?

Looking for someone to take your best friend for a walk around town when you’re unavailable? Royal Pets Ltd provide services like dog-walking, cat-sitting or even pet photography to capture special moments. Dog walking services start at HK$140 for 30 minutes, and they offer a free initial meeting so that you can see if the services suit your furry pal. Or give Pawshake a try – a forum that links pet owners with freelance services for dog walkers, doggy day care, as well as house sitters for when a mini-getaway awaits.

• Royal Pets Ltd, 9B Amtel Building, 148 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6314 9887,
  sitter@royalpetshk.com, www.royal-pets-hk.com,
• Pawshake, www.pawshake.com.hk