Your ultimate guide to owning a pet in Hong Kong
Here’s everything you need to know about shopping for supplies and keeping them healthyThere is something special about having a friendly face to greet you after a long day. Owning a pet is like gaining a new best friend – with just a touch more fur. You can hang out, go for hikes and even enjoy a meal together. Whether you have a furry friend at home or are thinking about adopting in Hong Kong, here’s all you need to know about pet ownership, vets, travelling with pets and much more.
Things to know before getting a pet
- It is illegal to own an unlicensed dog that is more than five months old.
- Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and licensed. Most veterinary clinics as well as the SPCA offer these services.
- A dog license is valid for three years and can be renewed by re-vaccinating the dog against rabies.
- Any change in ownership or address should be reported to the (AFCD) within five days.
- Both dogs and cats should be vaccinated as recommended by a registered veterinary surgeon.
- You can be fined if your dog is found fouling in a public place. Use specific collection bins for dog waste.
- Dogs are allowed in all of Hong Kong’s country parks. Even large dogs are allowed to run freely off the lead within the confines of the country park.
- Dogs are not allowed on any gazetted beach (this basically means any beach with a lifeguard.)
Read more: Where to adopt a dog in Hong Kong
Where to get pet supplies
Whiskers N Paws
Many expats will tell you that this is the place they get all of their pet gear, and it’s no wonder. Whiskers N Paws stock over 15,000 products from over 200 brands. There is also a focus on animal welfare, food stocked doesn’t contain animal by-products or use harmful ingredients.
10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 6200
PAWtners
With things like puppy cheesecake mix and maple bacon puppy ice-cream, PAWtners prove that your pet is a real member of the family. With food and treats your pet will love including dry, freeze-dried and wet, PAWtners is a real one-stop shop.
113 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, 5160 1470
Hunter Hong Kong
A one-stop shop for all your pet essentials from bowls to beds, Hunter specialises in both dog and cat products. They even offer a personality guide for each breed of dog so you know exactly what to get.
Various locations including Shop 6, 1-2 St Stephen’s Lane, Mid-levels, 3956 9700
Vetopia
An online store selling everything you need for your furry friend, from food and grooming supplies to tick collars. With so many different brands on offer you can make sure you are getting the best price!
Q Pets
Your pets won’t go hungry with Q Pet’s huge array of wet and dry food as well as treats and bones to chew on! As well as catering to dogs and cats, the store also has a range of food for smaller animals such as rabbits and hamsters.
22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2630 5751
Three Dog Bakery
Looking for a pup-friendly birthday cake for your dog that looks exactly like… your dog? Three Dog Bakery can organise it for you. You can also pick up top quality imported dog food and treats in-store.
74B Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, 2517 6812; 3 Min Fat Street, Happy Valley, 2887 8400 and Shop A2, 4 Liberty Ave, Kowloon
Pet grooming services
With a self dog wash station, fully equipped for pampering pooches, both owners and pets can have some bubbly fun! Dogs can also enjoy their coat styling and deshedding services.
Horizon Plaza 10/F, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 6200
Pets Central
While well-known as a veterinary hospital, Pets Central also offer a range of grooming services including nail cutting, washing and more.
Various locations across Sai Kung, North Point, Mong Kok and Tseung Kwan O, 28118907
Hot Tails
For the best looking pooch in town, Hot Tails offers a range of grooming services from haircuts to deep conditioning treatments using an exclusive range of Japanese pet shampoos.
1/F, 1 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley, 2892 2226
Veterinary clinics and pet hospitals
Pets Central
Providing your pet with one-stop veterinary care, Pet Central have hospitals in Mong Kok, Sai Kung, North Point and Tseung Kwan O and mobile clinics in Fairview Park and Park Island. Additional services include grooming and dog training. Pets Central have recently launched Pet Planet, a member’s club in Sai Kung. Membership is free and facilities include a brand new boarding house, a specialised pet photo booth and a rooftop from where members can order food from nearby restaurants and enjoy dinner with their animals.
Various locations across Sai Kung, North Point, Mong Kok and Tseung Kwan O, 28118907
Creature Comforts
Creature Comforts focuses on exactly that, offering convenient and compassionate medical care to your pets in the comfort of their own home. Their well-established housecall practice is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. They also have a clinic based in Tseung Kwan O and the support of East Island Animal Hospital and the Animal Emergency Centre. From general advice to emergency care, Creature Comforts provide the highest quality of care.
Shop G19, Popwalk 2, 19 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2915 6266 and 256 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2915 3999
Stanley Veterinary Centre
This multi-vet practice in Stanley caters to all your pet needs including general advice, diagnostics, surgery, wellness and housecalls. Their friendly and experienced team do their best to make you and your pet feel relaxed and comfortable.
10-12 Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, 2813 2030
East Island Animal Hospital
Founded in 2003, East Island Animal Hospital caters to every animal need including routine checkups, vaccinations and emergency visits. They provide advanced diagnostic facilities with continued upgrades to make sure your pet has the best healthcare available. For after-hours care, the Animal Emergency Centre operates at their hospital premises from 9pm to 8am, seven days a week.
256 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2915 3999
Homevet
Offering dedicated mobile veterinary services across Hong Kong in both English and Cantonese, Homevet provide care at your convenience seven days a week. Your pet will see the same doctor each visit for a more personalised experience and they bring advanced technology straight to you, such as their touch-screen in-home abdominal ultrasounds.
Around Hong Kong, 9860 5522
Doctors Beck & Stone
With highly experienced veterinarians committed to early diagnostics, Doctors Beck & Stone helps pet owners provide a long, happy and healthy life for their pets. With multiple locations around Hong Kong, they also offer a pet rescue programme providing compassionate discount for rescued animals.
Various locations including 29 Whitfield Road, Causeway Bay, 2510 0836
Pet boarding services
Ferndale Kennels & Cattery
Tucked away in Sai Kung Country Park, Ferndale Kennels & Cattery is the perfect holiday home for your pooches. There are 33 kennels for dogs of all sizes, including an indoor sleeping area and an outside space for them to run, while cats can enjoy 30 air-conditioned indoor condos. They even offer a pick up and delivery service for your animal, servicing all parts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
SX-2031, Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Country Park, 2791 9330
Kennel Van Dego
Founded in 1981, Kennel Van Dego is one of the largest boarding establishment in Hong Kong. They offer a range of services including pet boarding, training, importation and exportation. The kennel lets you customise your dog’s stay with added treatments and play times on offer to make sure your dog is never out of routine. They also offer a climate controlled cattery service for those feisty felines.
No. 1-3 Shek Hang Village, Yan Yee Road, Sai Kung, 2792 6889
Pet relocation
Expats are citizens of the world, and so are your pets. Whether you are making your move abroad or arriving the city with your best friend in tow, here are some things you should know before shipping your pet in and out of Hong Kong, plus a list of relocation agents that you can hire to make your transition a little smoother.
Read more: How to keep your pet safe on a plane
Importing your pet
You must apply for a special permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in order to bring your animal to Hong Kong. The permit currently costs $432 for each cat or dog and slightly less for reptiles. It takes at least five working days for the government to issue the permit, and this must be used within six months. You may be asked to submit proof that your pet has recently received health checks, vaccinations and blood tests as part of the application.
Exporting your pet
Make a plan to export your pet way in advance of your leaving date, as you may find some countries require you to undertake lengthy procedures. A pet relocation agent can be costly but will often provide peace of mind that the sometimes very complicated process will run smoothly. There are many factors to consider, in particular choosing the right cargo crate for your animal. Also, bear in mind that some airlines have restrictions on which breeds they will transport.
Here are some Hong Kong-based pet agencies:
Hong Kong’s only IPATA-registered veterinary owned pet relocation company, founded by Dr Gerry Pahl. PetExportVet organises your pet’s flight, takes care of all documentation, health checks and treatments needed to fly. What’s more, they come to you causing minimal disruption in the lead up to your move.
Private jet operator VistaJet has recently launched a new pet travel programme which aims to make flying a luxury experience for both owner and pet. Pets can fly in-cabin with their owners and are offered a range of amenities including care kits, sleep mats and balanced menus. VistaJet also offer their clients travel advice as well as fear of flying courses for both two and four-legged flyers.
Ferndale Kennels & Cattery has been importing and exporting pets across Hong Kong borders for over 20 years, so they know what they’re doing. They tailor each personal experience and have pet travel consultants on-site to meet and have personal contact with each pet before the move. In the case of a layover or unexpected flight changes, Ferndale Kennels & Cattery offer secure and comfortable accommodation for your pet in Hong Kong.
