Love

The warmth and comfort that small pets give often lead people to get pets. In Hong Kong, one in every five families are raising small animals, but the ones responsible for caring for them are usually the parents of young who have bought a pet on impulse. Nevertheless, these small animals, especially kittens and puppies, can provide companionship to many retired people.

Owning a pet is much responsibility, and some just aren't fit to raise one, whether due to their lifestyle or attitude. So, first of all, you need to be sure about a strong sense of responsibility for your pets. After all, they too are living things; they can't just be recruited. In addition, the number of cats and dogs are constantly multiplying. Considering their future in terms of sterilisation is another aspect of responsibility that you need to think about before raising them is essential.

Parenting Tips:

In Hong Kong, dogs five months or older must obtain a dog license for microchip identification and be vaccinated for rabies. These are available at any animal management centre under the AFCD. The application can be processed together with the licensing centre. You can also apply through a registered private veterinary clinic or the Animal Care Association. If the address of the dog or owner changes, the dog owner must notify the AFCD within five days.

Before deciding to get a pet, it is necessary to ask whether your building allows tenants to raise small pets. Unfortunately, the public housing estates only allow small pets that will not cause environmental and health problems. However, if a tenant needs a service dog, such as a guide dog, to assist the visually or hearing impaired or residents who have a doctor's recommendation for a companion dog, you can apply for this to the Housing Authority.

Do some research to understand the level of care and cost required to keep different pets, and decide which kind of pet to keep according to your ability.

Before bringing your pet home, you should prepare the necessary food and cleaning supplies, as well as create a good space for them. Put a little water and food within reach to show them they are safe and help them adapt to their new environment.

• Make sure to pay attention to their nutritional needs. If they are not willing to eat, try to make some changes. If they still refuse to eat, you should take them to the vet.
• If you have a puppy, you should take it out every day. When the weather is cold, it can wear a small vest, tiny socks, and even a little hat. Very cute! Also, remember to clean its feet before letting it go everywhere when you return home unless you don't mind a dirty floor!
• The puppies' fur should be kept smooth, but you don't have to wash it all the time. Usually, once a month is enough. Depending on the situation, grooming and clipping can generally be done once every 6 to 8 weeks.
• To ensure that pets do not cause nuisance or health problems, pet breeding is left for others to do. Don't forget to clean them often, groom their hair, ensure your home is kept clean, vaccinate your pet, and treat injuries and illnesses early. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to their health. In case of an emergency, you can go to the 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic in each district for help.
• When petting your new dogs and cats, don't stand up and reach down. This will make them perceive you as a threat, they might think you want to hit them. The best way is to kneel, lift your hands, palms up, call them close as if you have good food in your hand to feed them and let them come to you. (Excerpt from Sarah Jane Ho - born elegant)
• Also, you don't feed them while you eat — they will form bad habits, and from then on, when you eat, it will come and beg for food. Also, certain meats can cause unpleasant odours, so make sure to check the type of meat you are giving your pet. (Excerpt from Sarah Jane Ho - born elegant)
• If you have to leave them, entrust your pets to someone responsible and trustworthy. In addition, it doesn't hurt to prepare contact numbers for all the food, toys, and veterinarians needed for them if they ever need it. 
• As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your pets well cared for. Any act that exposes animals to unnecessary suffering is illegal. If you happen to know about any animal cruelty cases, don't hesitate to call 1823 and report them.