Owning and caring for a pet can be a rewarding experience. Yet you should consider your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of a pet owner before deciding to own a pet.

There are several ways to acquire a pet. You could, for instance, buy from a licensed trader or adopt from an approved non-profit making voluntary animal welfare organisation.

• List of non-profit making voluntary animal welfare organisations
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_awc/qua_awc_aw/qua_am_aw_awo/qua_am_aw_awo.html

If you need to import a pet from overseas, you should apply for a special permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Requirements differ according to the type of animal and the country of origin.

• Import of animals & birds
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab.html
• Application Form for Special Permit for the Importation/Transit/ Transhipment of Animals & Birds (pdf file)
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/files/af240.pdf

It is a legal requirement to obtain a licence for keeping a dog aged five months or over. You may wish to apply for the licence at the time your dog is inoculated against rabies and microchipped. This can be done at any of the licensing centres of AFCD, through an authorised private veterinary surgeon or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

• Dog licensing, microchip identification and vaccination against rabies
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_awc/qua_awc_ac/qua_awc_ac_dog/qua_awc_ac_dog.html

If you live in one of the public housing estates, you can only keep small household pets that pose no hygiene problems. Otherwise, points will be allotted under the existing Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates. On the other hand, keeping service dogs for the visually or hearing impaired in public housing estates is usually allowed upon application to the Housing Authority.

• Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates
  http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/en/aboutus/policy/publichousing/0,,3-0-12080-32,00.html

A good pet owner will take into consideration the comfort of others. Make sure that your pet is not a nuisance and does not give rise to any hygiene problem to the neighbourhood. In addition, you should:

• Groom your pet regularly
• Make sure that you keep the cage or tank clean
• Have your pet dogs and cats vaccinated by a registered veterinarian. Seek early treatment for injuries and any illnesses.

• Responsible pet ownership
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_res/qua_res.html
• List of Registered Veterinary Surgeons
  http://www.vsbhk.org.hk/eng/vsro.asp
• Clean up after your dog
  http://www.fehd.gov.hk/pleasant_environment/library/dogleaflet/1.html

As a pet owner you are responsible for the welfare of your pet. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap.169), it is an offence to treat animals cruelly or to cause them unnecessary pain or suffering. If you become aware of any animal abuse case, please report to your local police station or contact Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department through 1823 Citizen's Easy Link.

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance
  http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_awc/qua_awc_leg/qua_awc_leg_pre/qua_awc_leg_pre.html