Cover Animal shelters in Hong Kong are doing a commendable job of rescuing animals from the wild and abusive homes (Photo: Getty Images)
Animal shelters in Hong Kong are doing a commendable job of rescuing animals from the wild and abusive homes (Photo: Getty Images)
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Thinking of getting a cat or dog in Hong Kong? Adopt or foster pets from these 5 Hong Kong animal shelters which are doing pawsome work for our furry friends
In Hong Kong, stray animals are handled by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Illegally imported animals and ones surrendered by their owners are also taken in. Handling thousands of stray cats and dogs every year, the AFCD checks their health and evaluates their temperament to see how suitable they are to be rehomed—animals who aren’t suitable are sadly euthanised. Since AFCD doesn’t provide adoption services, animals deemed suitable for rehoming are transferred to the many animal welfare organisations in Hong Kong to facilitate this. Here are five animal shelters to support in Hong Kong, whether through volunteering, fostering or adopting.
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1. Paws United Charity
Run entirely by volunteers, Paws United Charity (PUC) was launched in 2018 to help reduce the number of stray dogs and cats and help them find a new loving home. The core group of volunteers have worked across many animal rescue projects in Hong Kong before organising themselves into PUC. Like many other animal shelters, they have been struggling to recruit volunteers for their dog and cat adoption centres since the end of the pandemic.
Paws United Charity
Address for dog and cat adoption centres: 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
2. Society of Abandoned Animals
Established in 1997, the Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) strives to rehome all animals, regardless of their origin and health conditions. It also promotes animal welfare through various community outreach and educational programmes. The organisation also runs an animal treatment centre and veterinary centre, complete with an operating room and isolation ward. Recently, the SAA animal shelter was included in the Yuen Long South Development Plan, and must cede the land and relocate by the end of 2024.
Society of Abandoned Animals
Address: Section 1, Pak Sha Village, Kiu Hing Road, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
3. House of Joy and Mercy
The House of Joy and Mercy grew out of founder Ivy Tse’s grief for the death of Ah Gwan, her rescue Rottweiler, in 2015. Her newfound purpose in caring for all animals led her to establish the charity—also known as Ah Gwan House (阿棍屋) in Cantonese. Since then, the shelter has expanded to a beautifully designed 5,000 square feet plot. Tse aims to create a sanctuary for stray and abandoned animals where even elderly ones would be cared for in their final days.
House of Joy and Mercy
Address: No.232 Ma On Kong, Kam Ho Road, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
4. Hong Kong Dog Rescue
Founded in 2003, Hong Kong Dog Rescue’s (HKDR) mission is to rescue, care for and rehome dogs across the city. Standing proudly against euthanasia, the charity places much emphasis on education for new and seasoned dog parents, organising workshops, online seminars and training courses to promote responsible pet ownership. Many dogs rescued come from selective breeding programmes which often cause physical and mental problems in dogs—hence the importance of discouraging the practice by adopting from animal shelters rather than buying from breeders.
Hong Kong Dog Rescue
Address: HKDR Headquarters, Shop 4, G/F, Cheong Yue Mansion, 13-19 North Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
5. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was originally founded in England in 1824 and has expanded across the globe to several animal shelters all operating independently from each other, but with the same goal of caring for animals. SPCA Hong Kong was formed by volunteers in 1903 to prevent the cruel treatment of livestock animals and has grown to help all animals in all aspects, including health, adoption and public education. The group has just announced the re-opening of its 24-hour veterinary emergency and hospital services at its Wan Chai headquarters, starting June 3, 2024—the centre has been temporarily closed since mid-2022—with a team of 26 veterinary surgeons ready to assist.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Address: 5 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Khoa Tran is Social Impact Editor at Tatler Hong Kong. He covers stories touching on sustainability, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and diversity. Trained as a lawyer, Khoa’s work as a writer had previously touched up topics such as regulatory compliance, ESG, and banking. Outside of the office, he enjoys rock climbing and relaxing in jazz clubs.
