Where to adopt a dog in Hong Kong

Hong Kong may not be the most dog-friendly city and living in a tiny, cramped apartment with your new pooch may not be a walk in the park, but if you play your cards right, a puppy may just be the perfect addition to your life here. If you are in the market for a new best friend, here are some great dog adoption options.

Read more: Your ultimate guide to owning a pet in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Dog Rescue

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) has been finding homes for some of the city’s most loveable hounds since 2003. The charity was originally founded by Lamma resident Sally Andersen and has now rescued, cared for and re-homed more than 10,000 dogs and puppies while being almost entirely funded by private donations, sales of HKDR merchandise and fundraising events. All dogs taken in by HKDR are health-checked and vaccinated. The organisation also offers fostering and volunteer dog walking opportunities.

Shop A, G/F, 5 Wai Fung Street, Ap Lei Chau and 6 Shek Lin Road, Tai Po

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation has had a long standing reputation in the local community. The current chairman Narelle Pamuk has been running the charity for more than 14 years with the help of a team of regular volunteers. The charity aims to rescue and desex dogs and give them a second chance at finding a forever home. Their facility provides a clean, safe and loving home to over 100 dogs. Schools, groups and companies are welcome to visit the facility for a hands-on experience.

151 Tai Lam Wu, New Territories, Sai Kung, 9199 2340

SPCA

The SPCA is a great place to start if you’re thinking about adopting. The society rehome around 1,000 cats, 700 dogs and 300 hamsters each year, as well as other animals such as chinchillas, rabbits, birds and reptiles. Expect at least one interview and you will be asked to prove you can provide a suitable home for your prospective pet. The SPCA runs regular fundraising initiatives such as Dog Dog Shipcation, Hong Kong’s first-ever dog-friendly tour of Victoria Harbour in collaboration with The Star Ferry. 

Multiple locations including 5 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai, 2802 0501

Kirsten’s Zoo

Kirsten’s Zoo is primarily catered towards cats and dogs but the charity also occasionally rehome rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other exotics. Adoption events are held regularly on Hong Kong Island. Kirsten’s Zoo is always on the lookout for foster parents and volunteers. 

Call 5595 1933 or email vivien@kirstenszoo.com for more information.

Catherine’s Puppies

A Sai Kung-based shelter founded by Sai Kung resident of more than ten years, Catherine Lumsden. Catherine has devoted her time to taking in and caring for abandoned puppies and dogs around the town before helping them to find a home when they are fit and healthy. Since starting in 2015, Catherine’s Puppies has helped to rehome over 800 dogs. The shelter also provides food and helps to desex stray dogs.

Call 6799 7530 or email catherinespuppyhut@gmail.com for more information.

Home for Homeless Dog

Home for Homeless Dog was established in 2019 in a remote village zone in Tai Po. The founder, April, has loved dogs since she was a child. In order to build a dog shelter, she quit her job and sold her property. She takes care of the stray dogs and selects suitable adopters with great care. Those interested in adopting can start the application process here.  

Call 9403 3036 or email info@hfhd.org for more information.

Featured image courtesy of Photo by Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash