It's our responsibility to take good care of animals

'I need you to choose my diet' said by a dog sitting in the supermarket cart

'I need you to take me to the vet' said by a cat lying in bed

Duty of Care for Animals:
Provide suitable healthcare, diet,
living conditions and exercise.

Are you ready to get a pet?

Keeping a pet can bring great joy and companionship but also entails great responsibility and there is a lot to consider before getting one. You must consider whether you can provide for the welfare needs of a pet for its whole life.

Before you get a pet, please consider adopting rather than buying.

There are many friendly and healthy pets waiting for a second chance to be a loyal companion. Your wise decision can save a life!

Duty of Care

Animal welfare has become an increasingly important aspect of our society in recent years. It is important to recognise that good animal welfare is much more than the absence of cruelty. All persons who keep animals should provide for their welfare needs. Pet keepers should also observe and provide for the four main needs of their pets, namely Diet, Environment, Health and Behaviour.

It is your responsibility to find out the specific needs of the pet you are caring for and how to provide for them. If you are unsure of how to meet your pet’s welfare needs, you should seek expert advice from a registered veterinary surgeon where necessary.

Pet keepers should also be familiar with other legislations relating to pets including the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance (Cap. 139); and Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421) and their subsidiary legislations. You can find out more about animal welfare and other legislations relating to pets at www.pets.gov.hk.