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Meet the Experts
Judy Wan, Welfare Operations Manager, SPCA (HK) The SPCA operates adoption centers and a team to help rescue, save and socialize animals in distress. 
2802-0501, www.spca.org.hk.

 
 
 
Sheila McClelland, Founder of Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP) McClelland started the charity by rescuing animals on Lamma Island. LAP later developed as a volunteer and non-profit organization that helps animals in need across Hong Kong. 
6477-1492, www.lap.org.hk.
Credit: Nicrouge Studios 
 
 


Common Questions

HK Magazine: Why adopt a dog, rather than heading to a pet shop?

Judy Wan: Adopting helps suffering dogs and reduces the number of street dogs. We rescue over 600 homeless animals a month, and we know there are a lot more out there waiting for help. Another problem is substandard breeding. The breeders usually neglect animal welfare when they breed the dogs for sale. That’s why we encourage people to adopt a dog instead 
of buying one. 
 

		Photo: LAP
 
HK: Who is a good candidate for dog adoption?
Sheila McClelland: What makes a person suitable for adoption is like any other family member coming into your home and life. It’s not a stuffed toy. You have to change your lifestyle to fit the new member’s needs. That might mean coming home earlier to walk them, or even getting someone to look after the dog.
 
JW: We assess the applicant, and check the household for its dog-friendliness, family background, financial support and experience in keeping pets. We also try to match the personalities of the adopter and the dog. For example, we would be careful not to let busy people adopt attention-seeking dogs. 
 
HK: What should people consider before adopting?
SM: You need to get psychologically prepared. This is another life with individual needs at home. It will take time and energy, because the dog will need attention, exercise and training. 
 
JW: It’s a lifelong commitment that can last for 15-18 years. And remember that healthy dogs need financial support too: you need to spend on their vaccinations and food. Additionally, the adopter should always consider if they will get along well with the dog in terms of personality. 
 
HK: Where do the dogs put up for adoption come from?
JW: They are mostly street animals or abandoned animals rescued by our team, private shelters and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Some are from owners who can no longer take care of their pet. They will surrender the animal, and ask us to find a new home for it. 
 
Photo: LAP
 
HK: What are some practical benefits of adopting?
SM: Animals from any reputable adoption agencies are health-checked, neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped—it’s all done. This is not usually the service you get from breeders and pet shops. In fact, adopted animals are likely to be healthier, as they are already treated against heartworm or tick fever—common dog illnesses and diseases in Hong Kong.
 
HK: Roughly how much does it cost to adopt?
SM: The adoption fee is $1,500 to cover medical costs, such as desexing and blood tests, as well as heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. We also cover vaccinations up until adoption. Our training classes have four participants at a time, and cost $2,400 for five sessions. The last session is private to address individual issues.
 
HK: So... once you have the dog home, now what?
SM: We always recommend training courses. We offer courses at LAP, and people can always call us and ask if they have any problems settling the dogs. It’s important not to invade the dog’s territory at first—sometimes the dogs need to find their feet and get comfortable.


Adopt Away!


A few centers helping dogs find new homes.
 
Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR): 2508-1853, www.hongkongdogrescue.com.
 
Lamma Animal Welfare Centre : 2982-0800, www.lammaanimals.org.
 
Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS) : 2984-1626, www.pals.org.hk.
 
Sai Kung Stray Friends: 9199-2340, www.saikungstrayfriends.net.
 
Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA): 2838-0633, www.saa.org.hk.
 
Kirsten’s Zoo: www.kirstenszoo.com.
 
Photo: SPCA


And They Called It Pubby Love



The original babe magnet: Bring your puppy to these watering holes and watch heads turn.
 
Enoteca 
Enoteca’s Quarry Bay branch has great drink deals, and dogs can hang in Taikoo’s pedestrian area while you get your drink on. 
35-41 Tong Chong St., Quarry Bay, 2744-6000.
 
Sashay
An open-front café that welcomes four-legged friends at the street-facing tables, Sashay offers reasonably priced drinks—plus bar nibbles and a two-for-one happy hour on wines daily.
Shop C, G/F, Ming Hing House, 52-56 Staunton St., Central, 2272-4303.
 
Ben’s Backbeach Bar
This dog-friendly watering hole is by Shek O’s back beach, with great views of the shore... and the sun-soaked swimmers.
273 Shek O Village, Shek O, 2809-2268.
 
Posto Pubblico
This Italian resto reserves a table near the front for customers with pups—perfect for easy-access rub-downs from pretty passersby.
G/F, 28 Elgin St., Central, 2577-7160.
 
La Viola
Holding court in Sai Ying Pun, La Viola has plenty of room for you and your best friend. There’s a spacious outdoor courtyard that’s great for mingling—humans and pets alike. 
G/F, Island Crest, 9-10 Second St., Sai Ying Pun, 2503-3325. 
 
 
But wait there's more! Click here for our list of top 10 things to do with your pup in Hong Kong, plus our favorite dog shops.


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Dog Days are Rover: Your Guide to Adopting a Dog

Magazines

Do you spend hours scrolling longingly through puppy photos? Always volunteering to dog-sit for friends? Yep, you’ve got the puppy bug. But are you cut out for a dog of your own? Alice Wan quizzes two experts about adopting and caring for a four-legged friend.
