Looking for a four-legged furbaby to add to your family? Adopt pets in Hong Kong from these awesome rescue organisations.
We all love having a cuddly companion or loyal furry friend to keep us company at home. We also enjoy introducing them to everyone at different pet-friendly restaurants, just because they’re the best! In Hong Kong, there are not only many charities to donate to, such as Box of Hope, but also a number of animal shelters and rescue organisations in need of your support. Remember: committing to a pet is a serious responsibility, so adopt only when you’re truly ready. From dogs to cats and beyond, here are all the places you can adopt pets in Hong Kong. #AdoptDontShop!
Here’s where you can adopt pets in Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong Dog Rescue
This no-kill rescue centre is a paw-some spot to find your new canine companion. With a mission to help abandoned dogs find loving fur-ever homes, they carefully vet prospective pet parents before matching them with a pooch. Once approved, an adoption fee covers microchipping, vaccinations, and pre-adoption care to set you and your furball up for success. Leaving with your new four-legged bestie by your side, tail wagging with joy, you’ll be so glad you started your tale as a doting dog owner here.
Hong Kong Dog Rescue has multiple locations in Hong Kong.
2. Kirsten’s Zoo
This Hong Kong-based non-profit is on a mission to find loving homes for abandoned and abused cats and dogs across the city. Operating without a permanent shelter, Kirsten’s Zoo holds frequent adoption days where potential adopters can meet their new furry friends face-to-face. All pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and vetted before adoption. If you want to help but aren’t ready for the lifelong commitment of pet adoption, consider fostering! Fostering provides temporary care for rescued animals as they await their forever homes. It’s a rewarding way to give back and get quality time with different cats and dogs along the way.
Kirsten’s Zoo, PraxisIFM, 20/F, 88 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, p. 5595 1933
3. SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The SPCA tirelessly dedicates itself to securing loving homes for local rescue animals in need. Though best known for rehoming cats and dogs, it also caters to prospective pet owners looking for smaller, apartment-friendly companions such as hamsters. To adopt, you must first join as a member, spend time interacting with the animals, and receive approval. The most rewarding aspect, however, is the support offered by the SPCA team. They provide guidance to ensure adopters are matched with a rescue pet that suits their lifestyle and experience, facilitating a harmonious pairing.
SPCA has multiple adoption centres in Hong Kong.
4. Hong Kong Paws
Operating on a 100% volunteer basis, Hong Kong Paws Foundation is on a mission to find forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats in the city. Its team of passionate animal advocates don’t just rescue and rehome furry friends – they’re raising awareness about the alarming rates of pet abuse and abandonment in Hong Kong. From advocating for stronger animal welfare laws to spreading the message that every citizen has a role in preventing cruelty, HK Paws is barking up the right tree.
Find out more about Hong Kong Paws.
5. Catherine’s Puppies
A smaller rescue doing big things for pups is Catherine’s Puppies. Founded by the aptly named Catherine, who was named Sai Kung’s Person of the Year in 2018, this shelter makes a huge impact by finding homes for rescue puppies. With its downright adorable adoptables, the puppies get scooped up fast! If you’re hoping to add a furry four-legged friend to your family, be sure to follow its social media for the latest on new adoptable arrivals.
Catherine’s Puppies, p. 6799 7530
6. LAP Lifelong Animal Protection Charity
Another well-known pet adoption organisation in Hong Kong is LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection). Its website is super informative and makes it easy to browse all the furry friends looking for their forever homes, whether you’re after a munchkin cat or a pup to shower with snuggles. The application process is pretty thorough, but that’s just to make sure you and your new fur-baby are the perfect match. Plus, LAP has an awesome partnership with the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers that helps both the doggos and the people – talk about a win-win!
LAP Lifelong Animal Protection Charity has locations in Tsuen Wan and Sai Ying Pun.
7. Team for Animals in Lantau South (TAILS) – Lantau
Based in Lantau, Tails is a total superhero organisation for our furry friends in need. It’s got an incredible team of volunteers, including a vet nurse, a dog behaviour expert, and even a registered vet surgeon – so you know your potential new pet is in the best of hands. Tails also works closely with local communities to promote responsible pet ownership and provide protection and medical care for abandoned or abused animals. The pups and kitties even get to hang out with foster families before they’re ready for their forever homes, which is just the sweetest.
Find out more about Tails.
8. Sai Kung Stray Friends
Sadly, many abandoned dogs await forever homes at the Sai Kung Stray Friends kennel. When you visit, staff will enquire about your living conditions and requirements to match you with the right dog. Aside from adoption, you can also help by donating cash or toys, sponsoring a specific dog, providing foster care, or volunteering to walk the dogs. Additional volunteer opportunities include getting dogs vaccinated against rabies, assisting with spay/neuter procedures, and delivering food and water to street dogs.
Sai Kung Stray Friends, 151 Tai Lam Wu Village, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 9199 2340
9. Whiskers N Paws
Every day is adoption day at Whiskers N Paws. Partnering with SPCA, HKDR, and Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, hundreds of pet animals – small and big – find a new home through Whiskers N Paws. Not only limited to dogs and cats, you can also adopt hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Also, all your pet care needs are available at Whiskers N Paws, from food, toys, grooming, and health care.
Whiskers N Paws, 10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2552 6200
10. Paws United Charity
This non-profit, all-volunteer rescue organisation is dedicated to finding forever homes for all furry friends. Not ready to commit to adopting just yet? You can still support Paws United Charity by volunteering, fundraising, and fostering. While an online and in-person application process is required for bringing home a fur-baby, the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile. Through rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing, Paws United Charity is focused on helping animals in need find a better life.
Paws United, Shop 209/210, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, p. 9130 2919
11. Hong Kong Rabbit Society
Rabbits may be the third most neglected pets in Hong Kong, but the folks over at Hong Kong Rabbit Society (HKRS) are hopping (pun intended) to change that. This non-profit provides a full range of services to help abandoned bunnies, from receiving them into its shelter, to finding them loving new homes through its adoption program. It also offers sterilisation, medical care, training, and even grooming – everything a rabbit could need to live their best life.
Hong Kong Rabbit Society, Room 3, 3/F, Fuk Hong Industrial Building, 60-62 Tong Mei Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3580 0050
12. Villa Kunterbunt Lantau
Meaning “House of Variety” in German, Villa Kunterbunt Lantau rescues all dogs, regardless of breed, age, or health concern. Funded by donations and fundraising, VKB rescues and re-homes animals that are in need of medical care or intensive behavioural training. Additionally, all adoptable dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm tested with a basic health check. Volunteers are always welcome for those not able to take in a dog permanently but still want to help out
Find out more about Villa Kunterbunt Lantau.
13. Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation
Since 2007, the Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation has been the first registered charity of its kind in Hong Kong, dedicated to advocating for the rights of our slithery and scaly friends – that’s amphibians and reptiles to you and me. These herpetology heroes have helped over 2,300 animals, from snakes and turtles to lizards and more. However, it doesn’t just stop at rescue work. The foundation also hosts tons of educational events to promote awareness and conservation of endangered species. Moreover, for any potential new reptile or amphibian parents out there, it even provides all the details on proper care and handling.
Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation, Unit 8, 3/F, Block A, Mai Hing Industrial Building,16-18 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, p. 2751 3533
[This article was originally published in October 2018 and updated in 2024 by Catherine Pun.]
