Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Understanding Dog Ownership in Hong Kong

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A dog is a man’s best friend. Having a dog for a pet is one of the best ways to have a loyal companion in your life. Legally owning a dog in Hong Kong has some pre-requirements that need to be fulfilled. This article talks about how you can get started with the process.

Dog License

In Hong Kong it is illegal to own a dog that is more than five months old and is not licensed.

Every dog you own must be

  • Aged over three months
  • Inoculated against rabies
  • Micro-chipped
  • Licensed
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To obtain a license for your dog you must take it to one of the following Animal Management Centers (AMCs) located at various places in Hong Kong.

  • Animal Management Center
  • Hong Kong Animal Management Center
  • Kowloon Animal Management Center
  • New Territories South Animal Management Center
  • New Territories North Animal Management Center

Related: How to register your dog in Hong Kong

Each of these centers is open each day of the week, including Sundays and public holidays and can be reached without any prior appointment.

A dog license is

  • Valid for three years
  • Renewed by revaccinating the dog against rabies
  • Not transferrable. If there is any change in the ownership then the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) must be informed within five days.
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Restrictions

There are a few restrictions on the breed of the dog you want to own. Once you own a dog it must have an identifiable collar around its neck at all times. You cannot own three types of dogs.

  • Fighting Dogs: Possession of fighting dogs in Hong Kong is illegal. If they are in a public place then they must be leashed at max 1.5 meters in length and fitted securely with a muzzle. You are also restricted from importing and/or breeding a fighting dog. Following come under the category of fighting dogs.
    • Pit Bull Terrier
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Fila Braziliero
    • Japanese Tosa
  • Known Dangerous Dogs: If you know a dog to be dangerous and having the potential to harm someone without being provoked then it can be declared by the magistrate as a “Known Dangerous Dog”. Such a dog must be kept leashed and muzzled and have a collar around his neck in public places at all times.
  • Large Dogs: A dog that weighs more than 20 Kg is considered a large dog. A large dog
    • Must be held on a leash not more than 2 meters in length when in a public place
    • May be tied in a public place with the leash length not more than 1.5 meters.

Pet Dogs in Public Places

You can be fined if your dog is found fouling in a public place. You must know of certain rules about dogs in a public place

  • Use specific collection bins for dog waste
  • Do not take your dog in a public transport unless it is a guide dog. You can however, take it in a taxi for an additional fee if the driver agrees.
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There are some parks in Hong Kong where you can freely take your dog for a walk. They include

  • Victoria Peak Garden in Central and Western District
  • Kowloon Tsai Park in Kowloon City District
  • Yau Tsim Mong Pet Garden in Ferry Street, Yau Tsim Mong District
  • Po Wing Road Sitting-out Area in North District
  • Cheung Wan Street Rest Garden in Kwai Tsing District
  • Kwai Chung Castle Peak Road Sitting-out Area in Kwai Tsing District
  • Jockey Club Hing Shing Road Playground in Kwai Tsing District
  • Tsing Yu Street Garden in Kwai Tsing District
  • Sham Tsz Street Playground in Tsuen Wan District
  • Sai Sha Road Temporary Pet Garden in Sha Tin District
  • Pet garden at the Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade
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